🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1971

Engine:

396ci V8

Model Code:

C3

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Iconic American sports car, highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Competitors:

Ford Mustang, Pontiac Firebird, Dodge Challenger of the era.

Design Era:

Third generation (C3) Stingray, characterized by its shark-like styling.

Performance Focus:

Emphasis on V8 power and aggressive styling.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Trims Engines:

Yes

Transmission Types:

All

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, rebuild, tuning, diagnosis

Fuel System:

Carburetor (Quadrajet), fuel pump, lines, tank

Ignition System:

Distributor, coil, spark plugs, wiring, timing

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan

Exhaust System:

Manifolds, pipes, mufflers, catalytic converters (if applicable)

Transmission Manual:

Overhaul, repair, clutch, shift linkage

Transmission Automatic:

Overhaul, repair, fluid, linkages

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly

Suspension Front:

Control arms, ball joints, springs, shocks, steering linkage

Suspension Rear:

Trailing arms, U-joints, differential, shocks, springs

Brakes Front:

Disc brake caliper, rotor, pads, lines, master cylinder

Brakes Rear:

Disc brake caliper, rotor, pads, lines, master cylinder

Steering System:

Steering box, column, linkage, power steering pump (if equipped)

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, alternator, starter, battery, lighting, instrumentation

Chassis Body:

Frame, body panels, doors, windows, seals, trim

Interior:

Seats, dashboard, carpeting, trim panels

HVAC:

Heater core, blower motor, ducting, controls

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom analysis, fault finding

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension replacement

Component Replacement:

Alternator, starter, water pump, brake calipers, ball joints

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring harness testing, component testing, circuit tracing

Bodywork And Paint:

Panel alignment, rust repair, glass replacement

Technical Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, alignment settings

Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and chassis component repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and images

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

L46

Displacement:

396 cubic inches (6.5 Liters)

Configuration:

V8, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Horsepower Gross:

325 hp @ 4800 rpm (for L46 350hp version, 396 not specifically listed as L46)

Torque Gross:

410 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (for L46 350hp version, 396 not specifically listed as L46)

Carburetor:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel (model 7041202 for manual transmission, 7041203 for automatic)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ratio:

8.5:1

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Muncie M20 4-Speed Manual

Type:

Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 (THM400) 3-Speed Automatic

Manual Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation

Automatic Torque Converter:

Three-element torque converter

📐 Dimensions

Length:

182.5 inches (4635 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

47.9 inches (1217 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (2489 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3400-3500 lbs (1542-1588 kg) depending on options

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

N/A (No standardized government crash testing in this era)

Brakes:

Power-assisted front and rear disc brakes

Steering:

Power steering (optional)

Seat Belts:

Standard lap and shoulder belts

Body Construction:

Fiberglass body over a steel frame

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

AM/FM radio (often optional), some with 8-track players.

Features:

None (basic features for its era)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (recommendation based on era and type of oil used)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 20,000-30,000 miles or 24 months

Engine Oil:

API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check specific manual for exact viscosity recommendations based on climate)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 80W-90

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent older specification like Dexron II)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Coolant:

50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water

Carburetor Tuning:

Quadrajet carburetors can be finicky and require expert tuning.

Fiberglass Delamination:

Potential for fiberglass body panels to delaminate or develop stress cracks over time.

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

Common issue for aged seals in older V8 engines.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses and connections can lead to intermittent electrical faults.

Vacuum Leaks:

Aging vacuum hoses can crack and cause rough idling or poor performance.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of performance vehicles.

C3 Generation:

The C3 Corvette, introduced in 1968, featured a radical redesign with a focus on aerodynamics and styling. The 1971 model year saw minor refinements.

Engine Options:

While the '396' badge was typically associated with big-block engines, Chevrolet offered various V8s for the 1971 Corvette, including 350ci and 454ci options. This manual specifically targets the 396ci variant.

Production Years:

1968-1972 (for the C3 generation before significant emissions control changes).

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Iconic Status:

Widely recognized as a classic American sports car, highly collectible.

Performance Reviews:

Praised for its performance and styling during its production run.