🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1972

Sub Model:

427 / 454

Vin Code:

1YZ07...

Engine Codes:

LS5 (454 ci), LS6 (454 ci - high performance)

👋 Introduction

Era:

Iconic American muscle car of the early 1970s

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, collectors, and owners of the 1972 Corvette 427/454 seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information

Niche:

Highly specialized manual for a specific, performance-oriented variant of a legendary sports car

Manual Value:

Essential for maintaining and restoring the powerful LS5 and LS6 big-block engines and complex C3 chassis

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

All 1972 Chevrolet Corvette models (C3 generation)

Covered Engines:

454 cubic inch V8 (LS5 and LS6 variants)

Covered Transmissions:

Muncie M20, M21, M22 4-speed manual; Turbo Hydramatic 400 (THM400) automatic

Covered Trims:

All trim levels

Estimated Pages:

600+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery (carburetor), ignition, emissions control

Transmission Systems:

Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch service, driveshaft, differential

Braking Systems:

Hydraulic system, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake

Suspension Steering:

Front independent suspension, rear independent suspension (IRS), steering gear, power steering system

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, accessories, horn, windshield wipers

Body Chassis:

Frame, body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, weatherstripping

HVAC Systems:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (if equipped)

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, tune-ups, fluid checks and flushes, lubrication points

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic charts, electrical troubleshooting guides

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds

Detail Level:

Detailed step-by-step instructions with torque specifications, clearances, and diagrams

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for hands-on use in the workshop

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type Ls5:

Overhead Valve (OHV) V8

Displacement Ls5:

454 cubic inches (7.4 Liters)

Bore X Stroke Ls5:

4.25 in x 4.00 in

Compression Ratio Ls5:

8.5:1

Horsepower Ls5:

365 hp @ 4,750 rpm

Torque Ls5:

490 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Engine Type Ls6:

Overhead Valve (OHV) V8

Displacement Ls6:

454 cubic inches (7.4 Liters)

Compression Ratio Ls6:

10.25:1 (High Performance)

Horsepower Ls6:

425 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque Ls6:

475 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Carburetion Ls5:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor

Carburetion Ls6:

Holley 850 CFM 4-barrel carburetor

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Pump:

Mechanical

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Muncie M20 Wide-Ratio 4-Speed Manual

Manual Options:

Muncie M21 Close-Ratio 4-Speed Manual, Muncie M22 'Rock Crusher' 4-Speed Manual (Heavy Duty)

Automatic Option:

Turbo Hydramatic 400 (THM400) 3-Speed Automatic

Clutch Type:

Single Dry Plate

Rear Axle Ratio:

Varies by transmission and option (e.g., 3.08, 3.36, 3.55, 4.10)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.1 inches

Width:

69.0 inches

Height:

47.8 inches

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,200 - 3,400 lbs (varies by engine and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 3,700 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

N/A (Testing standards were different in 1972)

Brakes:

Front disc, rear drum

Steering:

Recirculating ball, optional power steering

Seatbelts:

Standard lap belts

Rollover Protection:

N/A (T-top roof structure)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM Radio (optional AM/FM/CB)

Speakers:

Standard (typically 2)

Features:

N/A (No electronic driver assistance systems common to modern vehicles)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (recommended for classic cars)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles

Engine Oil Type:

API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (consult manual for specific viscosity grades based on climate)

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 quarts with filter

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

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

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Coolant:

50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water

Engine Ls5 Ls6:

Carburetor tuning, potential for oil leaks, valve guide wear, ignition system reliability

Suspension Steering:

Ball joint wear, power steering leaks, bushing deterioration

Electrical:

Wiring harness degradation, voltage regulator issues, gauge inaccuracies

Body Chassis:

Fiberglass cracks or stress marks, weatherstripping deterioration, rust in common areas (though less prevalent on Corvettes)

📚 Vehicle History

Founding:

Chevrolet, division of General Motors, founded 1911

Generation:

C3 Generation (1968-1982)

1972 Specifics:

Last year for true horsepower ratings before SAE net ratings, last year for manual transmission availability on the highest performance engines, last year for front bumper chrome guards.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Production Volume 1972:

Approx. 27,200 units (total Corvette production)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historic Significance:

Considered a benchmark in American automotive performance and styling for its era

Classic Car Value:

Highly sought after by collectors, consistently high valuation in classic car markets

Museum Collections:

Frequently featured in automotive museums and historical collections