🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Chevrolet Model: Corvette Year: 1968 Engine Codes Covered: L36 (396 cu in), L68 (427 cu in), L71 (427 cu in), L89 (427 cu in), L72 (427 cu in), LS1 (350 cu in), L30 (327 cu in), L36 (327 cu in), L46 (350 cu in), L48 (350 cu in), L65 (350 cu in), L79 (327 cu in), L88 (427 cu in - specialized reference) Generation Generation Name: C3 (Third Generation) Generation Years: 1968-1982 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Class: Sports Car Target Audience: Enthusiasts, restorers, mechanics specializing in classic American muscle and sports cars Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 1968: Ford Mustang (performance variants), Pontiac Firebird, Dodge Charger Key Features Vehicle Highlights: Iconic styling, powerful V8 engine options, independent suspension, high performance potential, a defining model of American sports car engineering Manual Value Manual Benefit: Essential for proper maintenance, troubleshooting, and restoration of a classic vehicle, preserving its value and performance 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine: All listed V8 engine variants (305 cu in interpretation is likely a typo for 327 or 350 as 305 was not a 1968 Corvette option) Transmission: Manual (Muncie M20, M21, M22), Automatic (Turbo Hydra-Matic 400) Chassis: Frame, suspension (front and rear independent), steering, brakes (disc front/rear) Electrical: Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, starting, charging, instrumentation, accessories Body: Exterior body panels, interior trim, weatherstripping, convertible top mechanism Miscellaneous: HVAC system, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 800-1200+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual) Manual Type Manual Type: Workshop Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly for all specified V8 displacements (e.g., crankshaft, pistons, rings, connecting rods, cylinder heads, valves, camshaft, timing set, oil pump, lubrication system) Fuel And Emissions: Carburetor systems (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet, Holley), fuel pumps, fuel lines, fuel tank, emissions control systems (if applicable for late 1968 models) Ignition System Ignition System: Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, points and condenser (or early electronic ignition if equipped), timing adjustments Cooling System Cooling System: Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant types and capacities Transmission Manual Transmission Manual: Muncie four-speed transmission (M20, M21, M22) - disassembly, repair, fluid types, capacity, shift linkage adjustment Transmission Automatic Transmission Automatic: Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 - disassembly, repair, fluid types, capacity, torque converter, linkage adjustment Drivetrain Drivetrain: Clutch assembly, driveshaft, U-joints, rear axle differential (e.g., limited-slip options), axle ratio information, wheel bearings Suspension Steering Suspension Steering: Front independent suspension (upper/lower control arms, ball joints, tie rods, bushings), rear independent suspension (trailing arms, universal joints, transverse leaf spring), power steering system (pump, gearbox, hoses), steering column Brakes Brakes: Front and rear disc brake system (calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake) Electrical System Electrical System: Detailed wiring diagrams by circuit, component testing, troubleshooting, starter motor, alternator (or generator), battery specifications, fuses, relays, lighting circuits, horn, wipers, power windows (if equipped) Body And Trim Body And Trim: Body panel repair, dent removal, rust repair techniques, door mechanisms, window regulators, hood latch, convertible top operation and repair, interior panel removal and installation, seat adjustment and repair Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, lubrication points Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, braking issues, transmission problems, starting and charging system issues, based on symptom analysis Component Rebuilds: Detailed instructions for the complete disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major components like engines, transmissions, carburetors, brake calipers, and rear differentials Diagnostics: Testing procedures for electrical components, fuel systems, ignition timing, and mechanical wear using appropriate tools and specifications Adjustments: Ignition timing, carburetor idle and mixture, clutch linkage, parking brake, valve lash (for some engines) Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, detailed specifications, factory-recommended procedures Diagnostic Tools: Mentions or implies use of standard automotive tools, feeler gauges, timing lights, multimeters, compression testers Repair Techniques: Detailed step-by-step instructions with torque specifications, clearances, and critical measurements for all repair operations 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Typically searchable text-based PDF (depending on source digitization quality) Printability: Printable pages Digital Quality: High-resolution scans of original factory service manuals or factory data Print Quality Quality Description: N/A for PDF download, but implies clarity and legibility of original documents. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A for PDF download Paper Type Paper Type: N/A for PDF download Completeness Completeness Level: Comprehensive (covers all major systems and repairs for the specified model year and engine options) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Base Engine 1968: 350 cu in (5.7L) V8 (L48, L65, LS1) Engine Options Available Engines: 327 cu in (5.4L) V8 (L30, L36, L79), 396 cu in (6.5L) V8 (L36), 427 cu in (7.0L) V8 (L68, L71, L89, L72, L88) Performance Horsepower Range: Approx. 300 HP (base...
L36 (396 cu in), L68 (427 cu in), L71 (427 cu in), L89 (427 cu in), L72 (427 cu in), LS1 (350 cu in), L30 (327 cu in), L36 (327 cu in), L46 (350 cu in), L48 (350 cu in), L65 (350 cu in), L79 (327 cu in), L88 (427 cu in - specialized reference)
Generation
Generation Name:
C3 (Third Generation)
Generation Years:
1968-1982
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Vehicle Class:
Sports Car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, restorers, mechanics specializing in classic American muscle and sports cars
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors 1968:
Ford Mustang (performance variants), Pontiac Firebird, Dodge Charger
Key Features
Vehicle Highlights:
Iconic styling, powerful V8 engine options, independent suspension, high performance potential, a defining model of American sports car engineering
Manual Value
Manual Benefit:
Essential for proper maintenance, troubleshooting, and restoration of a classic vehicle, preserving its value and performance
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Engine:
All listed V8 engine variants (305 cu in interpretation is likely a typo for 327 or 350 as 305 was not a 1968 Corvette option)
Carburetor systems (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet, Holley), fuel pumps, fuel lines, fuel tank, emissions control systems (if applicable for late 1968 models)
Ignition System
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, points and condenser (or early electronic ignition if equipped), timing adjustments
Cooling System
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant types and capacities
Front independent suspension (upper/lower control arms, ball joints, tie rods, bushings), rear independent suspension (trailing arms, universal joints, transverse leaf spring), power steering system (pump, gearbox, hoses), steering column
Brakes
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake system (calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake)
Electrical System
Electrical System:
Detailed wiring diagrams by circuit, component testing, troubleshooting, starter motor, alternator (or generator), battery specifications, fuses, relays, lighting circuits, horn, wipers, power windows (if equipped)
Body And Trim
Body And Trim:
Body panel repair, dent removal, rust repair techniques, door mechanisms, window regulators, hood latch, convertible top operation and repair, interior panel removal and installation, seat adjustment and repair
Diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, braking issues, transmission problems, starting and charging system issues, based on symptom analysis
Component Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for the complete disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major components like engines, transmissions, carburetors, brake calipers, and rear differentials
Diagnostics:
Testing procedures for electrical components, fuel systems, ignition timing, and mechanical wear using appropriate tools and specifications
Adjustments:
Ignition timing, carburetor idle and mixture, clutch linkage, parking brake, valve lash (for some engines)
AM/FM Radio (mono or with optional FM stereo), often with 8-track tape player integration as an option. Basic instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, ammeter, fuel gauge).
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
None in the modern sense. Relied on driver skill and mechanical systems.
Comfort Features
Comfort Features:
Optional air conditioning, power windows, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, vinyl or leather seating options
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or annually, depending on usage and oil quality (modern synthetic oils may allow longer intervals but older engines may benefit from more frequent changes)
Tune Up Interval:
Recommended every 12,000-24,000 miles, including spark plug, points (if applicable), condenser, distributor cap/rotor replacement, and ignition timing adjustment
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles for automatic, often based on inspection for manual transmissions.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF/SG rated oils, viscosity typically SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 (check manual for specific recommendations based on temperature range). Zinc additives (ZDDP) are often recommended for flat-tappet camshaft engines.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (glycol-based)
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Traditional green coolant.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
U-joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, universal joints in drive axles, clutch components, starter motor, alternator, carburetor wear (e.g., accelerator pump seals, power piston seals), vacuum leaks
Common Problem Areas:
Electrical system gremlins (corrosion, faulty grounds), C3 specific frame/chassis rust (especially around T-tops if applicable on later models, but frame rot is general), fiberglass body crack propagation, weatherstripping degradation leading to leaks, carburetors requiring frequent adjustment/rebuilding
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Chevrolet Legacy:
Founded in 1911, Chevrolet has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to performance icons. The Corvette, introduced in 1953, became its flagship sports car.
Model Evolution
Corvette C3 Introduction:
The C3 generation, introduced for the 1968 model year, represented a significant departure in styling from the C2 (Sting Ray) with its distinctive Coke-bottle shape, concealed headlights, and pronounced fender flares.
1968 Model Year Changes:
First year of the C3. Introduction of the 350 cubic inch engine as a base option. Revised interior, new door handles, and increased wheelbase compared to previous generations. Early 1968 models retained some C2 features (e.g., non-retracting headlights on early production units).
Production
Production Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
1968 Production Volume:
28,566 units
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historic Significance:
The C3 Corvette is a highly collectible and iconic American sports car, representing a significant era in automotive design and performance. Often featured in automotive magazines and awarded at car shows.