🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1979

Engine Code:

305 (LG4 for base model, L82 for performance)

Chassis Code:

C3

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1979 Corvette represented the pinnacle of the C3 generation's evolution, offering a blend of performance and luxury in the American sports car market.

Competitors:

Competed with domestic performance cars like the Ford Mustang Cobra and models from Chrysler. Internationally, it was in a segment challenged by European sports cars but offered a unique American take on the GT.

Distinctive Attributes:

Aggressive styling, removable T-tops, powerful V8 engine options, independent rear suspension, and a focus on driver comfort and touring capability.

Value For Owners:

Essential for preserving, maintaining, and restoring the iconic 1979 Corvette, enabling owners to perform complex repairs and tune-ups with confidence.

📋 Manual Details

Model Variants Covered:

All 1979 Corvette models, including base and Z-code L82 performance variants.

Engine Coverage:

Covers 305 cubic inch (5.0L) V8 (LG4) and 350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8 (L82) engines.

Transmission Coverage:

Covers manual (4-speed) and automatic (3-speed THM-350) transmissions.

Trim Level Coverage:

All trim levels offered for the 1979 model year.

Estimated Pages:

500-800 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era).

Type:

Workshop Repair and Service Manual.

Language:

English.

Format:

PDF Download.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, rebuild procedures, cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, timing components, oil pump, oil pan, lubrication system.

Engine Fuel System:

Carburetor (Rochester Quadrajet/CFI for LG4, specific L82 carb) tuning, diagnosis, and overhaul; fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank servicing.

Engine Ignition System:

Distributor servicing, coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, electronic spark control (ESC) system (if applicable), timing adjustments.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch inspection, adjustment, replacement; manual transmission disassembly, inspection, assembly, fluid changes, shift linkage.

Transmission Automatic:

THM-350 transmission diagnosis, overhaul, fluid and filter replacement, band adjustments, torque converter servicing.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes (caliper, rotor, pads, hoses), rear drum brakes (wheel cylinder, shoes, drums, hardware), parking brake system, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.

Suspension And Steering:

Front suspension (upper/lower ball joints, control arms, bushings, tie rods, shocks), rear suspension (leaf springs, shocks, trailing arms), power steering system (pump, hoses, steering box), wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, power windows, power seats (if equipped).

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, fan clutch, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, flush and fill procedures.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers, pipes, hangers, gaskets, troubleshooting exhaust leaks.

Body And Frame:

Frame inspection, body panel alignment, door adjustments, hood, trunk lid, weatherstripping, interior trim removal and installation, glass replacement, bumper service.

HVAC:

Heating system, air conditioning system diagnosis and component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser, controls).

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, air filter replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common symptoms (e.g., no-start, poor performance, unusual noises), wiring diagrams for electrical fault finding.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for engine, transmission, electrical, and other systems.

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, engine timing settings, electrical component resistance values.

Depth:

Comprehensive; suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers basic maintenance through complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution scans or digital creation, allowing for clear text and image reproduction. Searchable text is highly desirable.

Printability:

Designed for printable pages, often with booklet formatting options.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF download).

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF download).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine Displacement:

305 cubic inches (5.0 Liters).

Base Engine Type:

V8, 2-barrel carburetor (LG4).

Base Engine Horsepower:

Approximately 150-170 hp (SAE Net).

Base Engine Torque:

Approximately 230-245 lb-ft (SAE Net).

Performance Engine Displacement:

350 cubic inches (5.7 Liters).

Performance Engine Type:

V8, 4-barrel carburetor (L82).

Performance Engine Horsepower:

Approximately 225 hp (SAE Net).

Performance Engine Torque:

Approximately 270-280 lb-ft (SAE Net).

Compression Ratio Lg4:

8.2:1

Compression Ratio L82:

8.9:1

Fuel Delivery Lg4:

Rochester 2-barrel carburetor (e.g., 2ME).

Fuel Delivery L82:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (e.g., M4MC).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (87 AKI) minimum recommended for LG4, 96 octane (91 AKI) recommended for L82.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual transmission (Muncie SM465 derived or BorgWarner T-10).

Optional Transmission:

3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic THM-350 automatic transmission.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation for manual transmission.

Automatic Transmission Features:

Selectable gears (P, R, N, OD, D, 1), torque converter coupling.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

185.4 inches (4709 mm).

Width:

70.8 inches (1798 mm).

Height:

47.5 inches (1207 mm).

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (2489 mm).

Front Track:

59.6 inches (1514 mm).

Rear Track:

62.0 inches (1575 mm).

Curb Weight Lg4:

Approximately 3300-3400 lbs (1497-1542 kg).

Curb Weight L82:

Approximately 3450-3550 lbs (1565-1610 kg).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4000-4200 lbs (1814-1905 kg).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating 1979:

Not directly comparable to modern NHTSA ratings. Safety focus was on passive restraint systems available at the time.

Active Safety:

Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, power steering, standard halogen headlights.

Passive Safety:

Collapsible steering column, lap and shoulder belts, reinforced body structure, shatter-resistant windshield.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional AM/FM radio with tape player, power antenna.

Driver Aids:

Basic for the era: power steering, power brakes. No electronic driver-assistance systems typical of modern vehicles.

Connectivity Features:

None (no provision for external device connectivity).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 24,000 miles or 24 months. Manual: Every 30,000 miles or 36 months.

Coolant Flush:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (or as specified by plug type).

Engine Oil Type:

API SF or SG service classification. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 recommended depending on ambient temperature. For L82, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 preferred for higher performance use.

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III (or equivalent GM specification for the era, e.g., Type A Suffix A).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 gear oil, SAE 80W-90.

Coolant:

50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and suspension bushings leading to poor handling and alignment issues. Front spring sag.

Common Problems Engine:

Carburetor tuning issues, vacuum leaks, oil leaks from valve covers and oil pan gaskets, timing chain wear (affecting L82 performance).

Common Problems Electrical:

Failing headlamp vacuum actuators, aging wiring harness, intermittent gauge operation, faulty headlight motors.

Common Problems HVAC:

Leaky O-rings in AC system, worn blower motor, malfunctioning vacuum actuators for HVAC controls.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet has a long-standing reputation for performance and innovation, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.

C3 Generation:

The 1979 model year was part of the third generation (C3) Corvette, which ran from 1968-1982. It featured significant styling refinements and powertrain updates over its production run.

1979 Updates:

Introduced a new dashboard design, standard tilt-telescopic steering column, and updated seat design. The '79 was the highest production year for the C3 Corvette.

Production Volume 1979:

53,807 units (highest of the C3 generation).

Manufacturing Location:

Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Significance:

The 1979 Corvette is recognized as a significant model for its high production numbers and refined C3 design, representing a popular era for American sports cars.

Performance Reviews:

Contemporary reviews often praised its styling and comfortable ride for a sports car, while performance was good but not class-leading compared to some European competitors of the era.