🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1970

Engine Option 1:

350 cu in (5.7L) V8

Engine Option 2:

396 cu in (6.5L) V8

Vin Prefix:

19437 (Coupe), 19467 (Convertible)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

High-performance sports car, iconic American muscle car.

Era:

Third generation Corvette (C3), known for its 'Coke bottle' styling.

Competitors:

Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, Plymouth Barracuda, AMC Javelin.

Styling:

Distinctive Stingray-inspired body, removable roof panels (coupe), long hood, short rear deck.

Performance Focus:

Emphasis on V8 power, sporty handling, and driver engagement.

Customization Potential:

Highly customizable, significant aftermarket support for upgrades and restoration.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Models, Engines, Trim, Transmissions

Pages:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair procedures, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Fuel System:

Fuel delivery, carburetor (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet, Holley) service and adjustment, fuel pump, fuel lines.

Engine Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, timing, troubleshooting ignition issues.

Transmission Manual:

Muncie M20, M21, M22 4-speed manual transmissions: disassembly, assembly, repair, fluid specifications, clutch operation.

Transmission Automatic:

Turbo Hydramatic 400 (TH400) 3-speed automatic transmission: overhaul, adjustments, fluid specifications, troubleshooting.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly (e.g., Posi Traction), axle ratios, differential service.

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (upper and lower control arms, ball joints, coil springs), rear suspension (trailing arms, transverse leaf spring), shock absorbers, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Steering gear (e.g., Saginaw recirculating ball), power steering system, steering linkage, steering column, alignment.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes (power assist standard), rear drum brakes, brake system bleeding, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake system, wheel cylinder service.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), battery, lighting system, instrument panel, gauges, switches, power windows, power antenna (if equipped).

Body And Trim:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, weatherstripping, glass replacement.

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system diagnosis and repair (if equipped), blower motor, heater core, A/C components (if applicable).

Preventive Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tune-up procedures, coolant checks, tire rotation.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for common problems across all major systems.

Engine Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine rebuilds.

Transmission Rebuild:

Comprehensive guidance for overhauling both manual and automatic transmissions.

Brake Service:

Pad/shoe replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake bleeding, system diagnostics.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Fuse identification, circuit testing, wiring repair, component replacement.

Alignment Procedures:

Front and rear wheel alignment specifications and adjustment methods.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step guides for replacing individual components like water pumps, alternators, starter motors, etc.

Depth:

Full mechanical and electrical diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures.

Detail Level:

Detailed specifications, torque values, clearances, diagnostic data, and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF (depending on scan quality of original)

Quality:

Variable (depends on original source and scanning quality; typically good for professional manuals)

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 350 1:

L48

Displacement 350:

350 cubic inches (5.7 liters)

Configuration 350:

Overhead Valve (OHV) V8

Compression Ratio 350:

10.25:1

Horsepower 350:

300 bhp @ 5,600 rpm (SAE Gross)

Torque 350:

360 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (SAE Gross)

Carburetor 350:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel

Engine Code 396:

L36

Displacement 396:

396 cubic inches (6.5 liters)

Configuration 396:

Overhead Valve (OHV) V8

Compression Ratio 396:

10.25:1

Horsepower 396:

350 bhp @ 5,600 rpm (SAE Gross)

Torque 396:

415 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (SAE Gross)

Carburetor 396:

Holley 780 cfm 4-barrel

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Mechanical fuel pump, carburetor

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Manual (Muncie M20, M21, M22 options)

Optional Transmission:

3-speed Automatic (Turbo Hydramatic 400 - TH400)

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch (manual transmission)

Axle Ratio:

Various ratios available, commonly 3.08, 3.36, 3.55, 3.70, 4.10 (Positraction optional)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

98 inches (2,489 mm)

Length:

175.1 inches (4,448 mm)

Width:

69.0 inches (1,753 mm)

Height Coupe:

47.8 inches (1,214 mm)

Height Convertible:

47.6 inches (1,209 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (1,406 - 1,497 kg), depending on engine and options

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

NHTSA/IIHS crash testing data not readily available for this era; safety standards were significantly different.

Brakes:

Power-assisted front disc brakes standard.

Steering:

Recirculating ball steering (power assist optional).

Seatbelts:

Lap belts standard; shoulder belts became optional/standard later in the generation.

Structure:

Body-on-frame construction.

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass for windshield.

💡 Technology Features

Audio:

AM/FM radio, often with an 8-track tape player as an option.

Gauges:

Comprehensive analog gauges for speed, RPM, oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, and ammeter.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control available.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; no modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era, using appropriate oil).

Tune Up:

Spark plugs, points, condenser replacement typically every 10,000-20,000 miles (depending on quality of components).

Transmission Fluid:

Automatic transmission fluid change and filter service every 24,000 miles or 24 months.

Engine Oil:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended, especially for high-performance use. Consult manual for precise API service classification (e.g., SE).

Coolant:

50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Dexron III (or equivalent) for TH400.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90 or SAE 50).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III (or equivalent).

Carburetor Issues:

Rochester Quadrajet and Holley carburetors can be prone to fuel leaks, float issues, and vacuum leaks if not properly maintained.

Suspension Wear:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can wear over time, affecting alignment and handling.

Fiberglass Body:

Fiberglass body panels can develop cracks or delamination, especially around stress points or after impact.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses, corrosion on contacts, and failing switches can lead to intermittent electrical issues.

Radiator And Cooling:

Older radiators may clog or leak; hoses can degrade.

Exhaust System:

Original exhaust systems are prone to rust and corrosion.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM).

Legacy:

Corvette is America's longest-running nameplate for a sports car.

Generation:

C3 generation (1968-1982).

Design Influence:

Styled by Larry Shinoda, heavily influenced by the Mako Shark concept car.

1970 Updates:

Minor styling tweaks, improved interior ergonomics, revised suspension tuning.

Production Volume 1970:

17,316 units (8,337 Coupes, 8,979 Convertibles)

Assembly Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Significance:

Recognized as a significant model in American automotive history and a highly sought-after classic car.

Collector Status:

High collector interest and value in concours and driver-quality conditions.

Performance Reviews:

Praised for its powerful engines and aggressive styling in period reviews.