Vehicle Segment:
Sports Car / Personal Luxury Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, owners requiring detailed service and repair information.
Direct Competitors:
Datsun 280Z, Porsche 911 (though in a higher price bracket), Jaguar XJ-S.
Vehicle Legacy:
Iconic American sports car with a significant enthusiast following.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing a classic performance vehicle, crucial for preserving value and ensuring drivability.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery (carbureted systems).
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, diagnostics, wiring diagrams.
Transmission:
Manual (Muncie, Saginaw) and Automatic (Turbo Hydramatic) transmission overhaul, adjustment, and troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
Clutch, driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly (differential, half-shafts).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, bushings, shocks, springs.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering linkage, column, diagnosis.
Brakes:
Front disc and rear disc brake systems, hydraulic system, power assist (booster), parking brake.
Electrical System:
Complete vehicle wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, horn, power windows, power locks.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (if equipped) service and repair.
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, seals, door mechanisms, bumpers.
Chassis:
Frame inspection and repair, mounting points.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for component replacement and overhaul.
Diagnostics:
Identification of problems, fault codes (where applicable for the era), symptom-based diagnostics.
Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Adjustments:
Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, clutch adjustment, brake adjustments.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistances.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Professional Level
Detail Level:
Includes disassembly, assembly, overhaul procedures, and detailed troubleshooting trees.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Abundant line drawings, exploded views, and schematics.
Engine Family:
Big-Block Chevrolet V8
Bore Stroke:
4.25 in x 4.00 in (108 mm x 101.6 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 (typical for 1980 smog regulations)
Horsepower Gross Est:
255 hp @ 4000 rpm (approximate, net figures were lower)
Torque Gross Est:
380 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (approximate, net figures were lower)
Fuel Delivery:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (High Energy Ignition - HEI)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (recommended for optimal engine health).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months (automatic), annually (manual) or as per manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (check manual for specific type and gap).
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Engine Oil Type:
API SF or SG rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations).
Engine Oil Capacity:
5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter (454 CID).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Wear Items:
Urethane body mounts, suspension bushings, carburetor wear, ignition components (HEI).
Potential Problems:
Vacuum leaks, overheating (especially with AC), carburetor tuning issues, electrical gremlins due to age.
Oil Filter Example:
AC PF2 or equivalent (e.g., Wix 51045, Fram PH8A)
Spark Plug Example:
AC R45TS or equivalent (check manual for exact specification and gap).
Brand Origin:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, founded in 1911.
Corvette Legacy:
America's longest-running sports car nameplate, introduced in 1953.
C3 Generation Years:
1968-1982
1980 Model Year Significance:
Introduction of the Z-58 chassis (FE7 suspension), lighter construction efforts, catalytic converter mandatory for all engines, power reduction due to emissions controls.
Production Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA (until 1981); Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA (from 1981 onwards).
1980 Production Numbers:
40,660 units (total Corvette production)