🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1971

Engine Variants Covered:

350 cubic inch, 396 cubic inch

Chassis Code:

C3

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1971 Corvette represented a peak in performance and luxury for American sports cars, a direct competitor to European exotics of the era.

Competitors:

Primary competitors included the Jaguar E-Type, Porsche 911, and various high-performance muscle cars from domestic rivals.

Features:

Iconic C3 design, powerful V8 engine options, advanced (for its time) independent rear suspension, optional removable T-tops, focus on driver engagement.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Models, All Engines, All Trim, All Transmissions

Estimated Page Count:

Comprehensive (exact count not specified, typical for workshop manuals of this era is 500-1000+ pages)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

350 cu in (5.7L) V8, 396 cu in (6.5L) V8: disassembly, assembly, inspection, adjustment, diagnosis, repair.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (Holley/Quadrajet), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank, emission controls (if applicable).

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant.

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, wiring, timing.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, pipes, mufflers, catalytic converter (if applicable).

Transmission:

Manual (Muncie M20, M21, M22) and Automatic (Turbo Hydra-Matic 400): overhaul, adjustments, diagnosis, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Clutch (manual), driveshaft, U-joints, rear axle differential: service and repair.

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (upper/lower control arms, ball joints, bushings, springs), rear independent suspension (trailing arms, half shafts, universal joints, differential carrier), shock absorbers, steering knuckles.

Steering:

Steering gearbox (power or manual), steering column, tie rods, linkage, steering wheel.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes: caliper service, rotor replacement, brake fluid, master cylinder, power brake booster, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, wipers, horn, power windows/locks (if equipped).

Body And Frame:

Chassis lubrication, frame inspection, body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, glass, weatherstripping, interior trim.

HVAC:

Heating system, ventilation, air conditioning (if equipped): system components, service, and recharge.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, chassis lubrication, fluid checks and top-offs.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for common problems across all systems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures with specifications.

Adjustment:

Carburetor, ignition timing, clutch, brakes, suspension alignment.

Diagnostics:

Electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics, drivability issues.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF, likely with searchable text for ease of use.

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

350 cu in (5.7L) Small-Block V8

Base Engine Power:

270 horsepower (net) at 4800 RPM (L48)

Base Engine Torque:

360 lb-ft (net) at 3200 RPM (L48)

Optional Engine 1:

350 cu in (5.7L) Small-Block V8 (High Compression)

Optional Engine 1 Power:

300 horsepower (net) at 5000 RPM (L48 - High Comp)

Optional Engine 1 Torque:

380 lb-ft (net) at 3400 RPM (L48 - High Comp)

Optional Engine 2:

396 cu in (6.5L) Big-Block V8

Optional Engine 2 Power:

325 horsepower (net) at 4800 RPM (L36)

Optional Engine 2 Torque:

400 lb-ft (net) at 3200 RPM (L36)

Optional Engine 3:

454 cu in (7.4L) Big-Block V8 (LS5)

Optional Engine 3 Power:

365 horsepower (net) at 4800 RPM (LS5)

Optional Engine 3 Torque:

490 lb-ft (net) at 3600 RPM (LS5)

Compression Ratio Base:

8.5:1 (L48)

Compression Ratio High Hp 350:

10.25:1 (L48 High Comp)

Compression Ratio 396:

10.25:1 (L36)

Compression Ratio 454:

8.5:1 (LS5)

Carburetor Base:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel (L48)

Carburetor High Hp 350:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel (L48 High Comp)

Carburetor 396:

Holley 4-barrel (L36)

Carburetor 454:

Holley 4-barrel (LS5)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (introduction of unleaded fuel standards began around this time)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard:

3-speed Manual (Muncie M20) for 350, 396 engines. 4-speed Manual (Muncie M21, M22) often optional or standard on performance models.

Transmission Optional:

Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 (3-speed Automatic)

Manual Gear Ratios:

Varies by Muncie model (e.g., M20, M21, M22). Specific ratios detailed in manual.

Automatic Transmission Features:

Torque converter, hydraulic control, typically 3 forward gears and 1 reverse.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 (specific viscosity may vary by manufacturer and temperature).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent specification for that era)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (2489 mm)

Overall Length:

175.1 inches (4448 mm)

Overall Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Overall Height:

47.9 inches (1217 mm) (Coupe); 46.7 inches (1186 mm) (Convertible)

Curb Weight Approx:

3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg) depending on engine and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,000 lbs (1814 kg)

Cargo Volume:

Limited, primarily in rear compartment behind seats and trunk. Specific cubic footage not readily available but typically around 10-15 cu ft.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (Modern crash testing standards were not in place for this era.)

Active Safety:

Power assisted disc brakes (front and rear), excellent weight distribution for handling.

Passive Safety:

Three-point seat belts (standard on later 1971 models), reinforced chassis, energy-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM radio, optional AM/FM stereo or 8-track tape player. Emphasis was on driving experience over complex electronics.

Driver Assistance Features:

Power steering, power brakes were common options that aided the driving experience.

Connectivity Features:

None (This era predates widespread automotive connectivity systems).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Recommended modern practice for classic cars).

Tune Up Interval:

Typically every 12,000-24,000 miles, including spark plug replacement, timing adjustment, and carburetor tuning.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 24,000-36,000 miles or 24 months.

Chassis Lubrication:

Every 1,000 miles or before long trips.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 recommended for most conditions. Check manual for specific viscosity based on climate.

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter for 350/396 engines. 6 Quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter for 454 engine.

Coolant Type:

Permanent type antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 (or DOT 4) glycol-based brake fluid.

Common Issues:

Carburetor tuning/adjustment, vacuum leaks, aging rubber components (hoses, bushings), differential pinion seal leaks, alternator output issues, transistor ignition module failures (if equipped).

Restoration Considerations:

Wiring harness condition, fiber optic lamp monitoring system failures, potential frame rust in certain climates.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Chevrolet has a long history of performance vehicles, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953, establishing it as America's sports car.

Generation:

C3 (Third Generation Corvette), produced from 1968 to 1982. The 1971 model year saw refinements in engine offerings and emissions controls.

Production Years:

Corvette C3: 1968-1982. 1971 Specifics: A transition year towards stricter emissions, with a shift to lower compression ratios for some engines to accommodate unleaded fuel regulations.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Recognition:

Consistently ranked as a desirable classic American sports car, featured in numerous automotive publications and collector events.

Performance Ratings:

Praised for its powerful V8 engines and handling capabilities compared to contemporary domestic vehicles.

Certifications:

N/A (Industry certifications for automotive manuals are a modern concept).