Historical Context:
The 1966 Corvette was a pinnacle of American sports car engineering and performance, representing the mid-point of the iconic C2 'Sting Ray' generation. It was positioned as a high-performance, exotic-feeling sports car.
Competitors:
Competed against other premium sports cars and muscle cars of the era, including European offerings like the Jaguar E-Type and Italian exotics, as well as domestic performance models from Ford and Chrysler.
Performance Engines:
The introduction of the 427 cubic inch big-block V8 engine, available in various states of tune (390hp, 425hp, and the formidable 450hp L72 and 425hp L88 race variants), cemented its performance credentials.
Design:
Iconic C2 'Sting Ray' styling with a distinctive long hood, short deck, hidden headlights, and aggressive lines. Independent suspension on all four corners was a significant engineering advancement.
For Owners:
This manual is essential for owners aiming to maintain, restore, or repair their valuable 1966 Corvette, ensuring authenticity and preserving its performance and condition.
Engines Covered:
396 cu in, 427 cu in (L36, L68, L72, L88 variants)
Transmissions Covered:
Muncie 4-speed manual, Powerglide 2-speed automatic
Body Styles Covered:
Coupe (C2 Sting Ray), Convertible
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 800-1000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Repair and Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (block, heads, crankshaft, pistons, valves, timing), fuel system (carburetion, fuel pump, lines), ignition system (distributor, coils, plugs), cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat), exhaust system.
Drivetrain:
Clutch, transmission (manual and automatic), driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly (differential, half-shafts, U-joints).
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (independent, control arms, ball joints, coil springs, shock absorbers), rear suspension (independent, trailing arms, transverse leaf spring, shock absorbers), steering system (steering box, tie rods, linkages).
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake system.
Electrical:
Charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, wiring diagrams, power windows, radio.
Body Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, weatherstripping, seats, interior trim, glass, bumpers.
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, tune-up specifications, lubrication, coolant flush, brake fluid change, belt inspection/replacement, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems in engine performance, starting issues, electrical faults, brake complaints, and driveline noises.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension part replacement, and bodywork repair.
Diagnostics:
Information on identifying and correcting malfunctions, including specifications for component testing and adjustment.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering everything from basic adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine Displacement:
427 cu in (7.0 L)
Engine Code Variants:
L36 (390 hp), L68 (400 hp), L72 (450 hp), L88 (425 hp - often underrated, primarily for racing).
Bore X Stroke:
4.25 in x 3.76 in (108 mm x 95.25 mm)
Compression Ratio L72:
11.0:1
Compression Ratio L88:
12.5:1
Horsepower L72:
450 bhp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque L72:
460 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Carburetion L72:
Holley 4-barrel carburetor (List 4150-CF, List 4150-GC)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended for L72/L88)
Distributor Type:
Single point distributor with vacuum advance and centrifugal advance
Radiator Capacity:
Approx. 24 quarts (22.7 liters) with heater and A/C
Oil Capacity:
5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 (depending on climate and rebuild specification)
Transmission Type:
Muncie SM465 4-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate diaphragm clutch (manual transmission)
Gear Ratios Manual Muncie:
3.11:1, 1.94:1, 1.35:1, 1.00:1 (example for close-ratio Muncie)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Manual:
Approx. 5 pints (2.4 liters) of Dexron III or equivalent GL-4 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Capacity Automatic:
Approx. 11 pints (5.2 liters) of Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (conventional oil)
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000-24,000 miles (spark plugs, points, condenser, timing adjustment)
Transmission Service:
Automatic: fluid and filter change every 24,000-36,000 miles. Manual: fluid change every 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
API SF/SG rated oils, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates.
Coolant:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Carburetor Troubles:
Tuning and rebuilding of Holley carburetors can be complex; vacuum leaks are common.
Ignition System:
Wear on points, condenser, and distributor bushings can affect ignition timing and performance.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings are wear items on the independent suspension and require regular inspection.
Rear Axle U Joints:
Universal joints in the driveshaft and half-shafts can wear, leading to clunks or vibrations.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet has a long history of performance vehicles, with the Corvette being its halo sports car since 1953.
C2 Generation:
The C2 generation (1963-1967) introduced independent suspension, disc brakes, and iconic styling. The 1966 model year saw minor refinements and the introduction of the powerful 427 big-block engine.
Introduction Of 427:
The 427 engine was a significant development, offering a substantial increase in power and torque, making the Corvette a serious performance contender.
Production Volume 1966:
Approximately 27,739 Corvettes produced in 1966.
Manufacturing Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
