🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Chevrolet Model: Impala / Caprice Model Years Covered: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 Vehicle Segment: Full-size Sedan / Coupe / Station Wagon Codes Platform Codes Early: B-body (GM B platform) 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: DIY enthusiasts, home mechanics, professional technicians, restoration specialists. Competitive Analysis Advantage: Provides extensive coverage for a long production run of popular American vehicles, offering a single source for multiple model years and variations. Key Features Features: Detailed step-by-step instructions, clear illustrations, troubleshooting guides, factory specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams. Value Proposition Benefit: Enables owners to perform maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics, saving money on labor costs and preserving vehicle value. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive service and repair for Chevrolet Impala and Caprice models from 1968 to 1985. Specific Models Covered: Impala, Impala Custom, Caprice, Caprice Classic, Caprice Estate (Station Wagon) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Variable (typically 1000+ pages for such a broad range) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF, potentially ZIP/RAR) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine overhaul, rebuilding, performance tuning, timing belt/chain service, firing orders, exhaust systems. Drivetrain: Transmission service (automatic and manual if applicable), clutch service, driveshaft, U-joints, CV-joints, rear axle. Brakes: Brake system diagnosis, repair, hydraulic components, parking brake, power assist systems. Suspension: Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, alignment specifications. Steering: Power steering systems, steering gearbox, tie rods, steering column. Electrical: Complete wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), ignition system, starting system, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays. Body: Body panel repair, doors, windows, locks, glass, interior trim, weatherstripping, structural components. HVAC: Air conditioning service, repair, refrigerant handling (as per era), heating system, ventilation. Fuel System: Carburetor overhaul, fuel pump service, fuel lines, fuel tank service. Exhaust System: Service and replacement of exhaust manifolds, pipes, mufflers, and catalytic converters (where applicable). Ignition System: Distributor service, coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, electronic ignition conversion (if applicable). Wheels Tires: Wheel bolt patterns, tire pressure recommendations, wheel bearing service. Procedures Included Maintenance: Preventative maintenance schedules, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides. Repair: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair. Rebuilding: Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding. Diagnostics: Engine performance diagnosis, electrical system diagnostics, brake system diagnostics. Engine Performance: Detailed procedures for diagnosing and improving engine performance, including carburetor tuning, timing adjustments, and emission control system service. Front End Procedures: Includes front end alignment specifications, steering system repair, and suspension component replacement. Timing Belt Replacement: Includes timing belt service procedures (note: most engines of this era used timing chains, but the manual likely covers chain inspection and replacement). Technical Depth Depth: Full workshop level, covering everything from basic tune-ups to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed schematics and specifications. Torque Specifications: Complete torque specifications provided for critical engine, chassis, and body components. Diagrams Illustrations: Hundreds of illustrations, belt routings with diagrams, exploded views, and detailed component breakdowns. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) File Size Potential: Up to 4000 MB (indicative of a very comprehensive digital manual) File Types Mentioned: PDF, ZIP, RAR, EXE Operating System Compatibility: Windows (97, 2000, Me, XP, Vista, 7, 10), Linux, Mac. Searchable Text: Likely, typical for modern PDF manuals. Restrictions: No restrictions on printing or saving/burning to disc. Print Quality Printable: Yes, can be printed on any computer and printer. Zoomable Illustrations: Yes, contains hundreds of illustrations. Binding Type Type: Not Applicable (Digital Download) Paper Type Type: Not Applicable (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Families: Chevrolet Small-Block (305ci, 350ci), Chevrolet Big-Block (400ci, 427ci, 454ci), Chevrolet inline-six (250ci, 292ci). Induction Systems: Carbureted (Rochester Quadrajet, Carter Thermo-Quad, Holley), some early fuel injection models possible. Performance Horsepower Range: Varies significantly by engine and year, typically 130 hp to over 300 hp for high-performance options. Torque Range: Varies significantly by engine and year, typically 200 lb-ft to over 450 lb-ft. Fuel System Type: Primarily carburetor-based; later years may have included electronic fuel injection (EFI) on specific models/options. Cooling System Type: Water-cooled, typically with a belt-driven fan and thermostat. 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic (TH350, TH400), four-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic (TH700-R4, 200-4R). Optional Type: Manual transmissions were less common but available (e.g., Muncie 318/319 3-speed, Muncie SM465 4-speed, Muncie M20/M21 4-speed) in earlier years. Features Overdrive: Available on later 4-speed automatic transmissions (200-4R, 700-R4) for improved fuel economy. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 116-121.5 inches (varies by year and body style). Length: Approx. 216-220 inches (varies by year and body style). Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3800-4500 lbs (varies significantly by engine and equipment). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Era Specific Ratings: Pre-dates modern NHTSA...
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair.
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding.
Diagnostics:
Engine performance diagnosis, electrical system diagnostics, brake system diagnostics.
Engine Performance:
Detailed procedures for diagnosing and improving engine performance, including carburetor tuning, timing adjustments, and emission control system service.
Front End Procedures:
Includes front end alignment specifications, steering system repair, and suspension component replacement.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Includes timing belt service procedures (note: most engines of this era used timing chains, but the manual likely covers chain inspection and replacement).
Technical Depth
Depth:
Full workshop level, covering everything from basic tune-ups to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed schematics and specifications.
Torque Specifications:
Complete torque specifications provided for critical engine, chassis, and body components.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Hundreds of illustrations, belt routings with diagrams, exploded views, and detailed component breakdowns.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
File Size Potential:
Up to 4000 MB (indicative of a very comprehensive digital manual)
File Types Mentioned:
PDF, ZIP, RAR, EXE
Operating System Compatibility:
Windows (97, 2000, Me, XP, Vista, 7, 10), Linux, Mac.
Searchable Text:
Likely, typical for modern PDF manuals.
Restrictions:
No restrictions on printing or saving/burning to disc.
Print Quality
Printable:
Yes, can be printed on any computer and printer.
Zoomable Illustrations:
Yes, contains hundreds of illustrations.
Binding Type
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Families:
Chevrolet Small-Block (305ci, 350ci), Chevrolet Big-Block (400ci, 427ci, 454ci), Chevrolet inline-six (250ci, 292ci).
Induction Systems:
Carbureted (Rochester Quadrajet, Carter Thermo-Quad, Holley), some early fuel injection models possible.
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Varies significantly by engine and year, typically 130 hp to over 300 hp for high-performance options.
Torque Range:
Varies significantly by engine and year, typically 200 lb-ft to over 450 lb-ft.
Fuel System
Type:
Primarily carburetor-based; later years may have included electronic fuel injection (EFI) on specific models/options.
Cooling System
Type:
Water-cooled, typically with a belt-driven fan and thermostat.
Manual transmissions were less common but available (e.g., Muncie 318/319 3-speed, Muncie SM465 4-speed, Muncie M20/M21 4-speed) in earlier years.
Features
Overdrive:
Available on later 4-speed automatic transmissions (200-4R, 700-R4) for improved fuel economy.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 116-121.5 inches (varies by year and body style).
Length:
Approx. 216-220 inches (varies by year and body style).
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3800-4500 lbs (varies significantly by engine and equipment).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Era Specific Ratings:
Pre-dates modern NHTSA and IIHS standardized crash testing. Focus on passive safety features of the era.
Active Features
Features:
Power assisted brakes (front disc, rear drum), power steering.
Passive Features
Features:
Seat belts (lap belts, some later models may have shoulder belts), padded interior surfaces, safety glass, collapsible steering column (later years).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Features:
AM/FM radio, optional AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional 8-track player. Analog controls.
Driver Assistance
Features:
Limited to power steering and power brakes. No electronic driver-assistance systems typical of modern vehicles.
Connectivity
Features:
No integrated connectivity features; aftermarket CB radios or early car phones were possibilities.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
General Maintenance:
Oil changes: typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months. Lubrication: as per manual, often every oil change or every 12,000 miles. Tune-ups: spark plugs, points, condenser (if applicable), distributor cap/rotor every 12,000-24,000 miles. Transmission fluid: typically every 24,000-50,000 miles or as specified.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
Viscosity typically 10W-30, 10W-40, or 10W-50 depending on climate and engine type. API Service Classification: SF or SG.
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Green color conventional coolant.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Carburetor adjustments and rebuilds, exhaust system rust, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), rust in body panels and frame, AC system leaks, electrical component failures (alternator, starter, points/condenser in older models), potential for oil leaks from seals and gaskets.
The Impala was Chevrolet's flagship model. The Caprice nameplate was introduced as a luxury trim level for the Impala in 1965, becoming a distinct model line in 1966. These years represent the third and fourth generations of the Chevrolet full-size platform, evolving through various styling and engineering updates, culminating in the downsized B-body cars of the early 1980s.
Production
Production Period:
1968-1985 (as covered by this manual).
Manufacturing Locations:
Various General Motors assembly plants across North America.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historical Accolades:
The Chevrolet Impala and Caprice were consistently among the best-selling vehicles in the United States during their production run, often cited for their comfort, size, and value, particularly during the 1970s.
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