๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Chevrolet Model: Corvette Year: 1972 Engine Designation: 350 Generation Code: C3 Generation Name: Third Generation (C3) Generation Years: 1968-1982 ๐ Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Corvette Owners, DIY Mechanics, Restoration Specialists, Repair Shops Competitive Analysis Advantage: Professional quality, factory-level information, comprehensive coverage, digital convenience Key Features Feature 1: Authentic Factory Information (as used by local service/repair shops) Feature 2: Detailed Illustrations and Diagrams for Clarity Feature 3: Comprehensive Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Procedures Feature 4: Cost Savings through DIY Repairs Feature 5: Instant Download Access for immediate use ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Overall Coverage: All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmission Types Specific Coverage Areas: General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Brake System, Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Suspension, Periodic Lubrication, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Emission System, Heater/Air Conditioning, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Interior, Differential/Drive, Axle Page Count Estimated Page Count: Hundreds of pages Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine Overhaul, Tune-up Procedures, Fuel System (Injection/Carburetor depending on specific 350 variant), Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Emission Control System, Engine Management System Drivetrain Systems: Manual and Automatic Transmission Service/Repair, Clutch System (for manual), Driveshaft, Universal Joints, Rear Axle, Differential, Half Shafts Chassis Systems: Suspension (front and rear), Steering System (power steering components), Brakes (front disc, rear disc, parking brake), Wheel Bearings, Chassis Lubrication Electrical Systems: Wiring Diagrams, Starting System, Charging System (alternator), Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiper System, Horn, Radio, Power Windows (if equipped), Seat Belts (restraint system) Body Systems: Body Panel Repair, Door Mechanisms, Window Regulators, Interior Trim, Seats, Heater and Air Conditioning System, Body Electrical Components Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Level Checks and Top-offs, Lubrication Schedules, Spark Plug Replacement, Ignition Timing Adjustment Repair Procedures: Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical troubleshooting and repair Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical diagnostic flowcharts Disassembly Assembly: Comprehensive instructions for dismantling and reassembling various vehicle components, with detailed diagrams and part identification Technical Bulletins: Likely includes factory service bulletins and updates relevant to the 1972 model year Technical Depth Depth: Professional Technician Level Diagnostic Capabilities: Advanced diagnostics, including electrical system troubleshooting with wiring diagrams and pinpoint tests Rebuild Procedures: Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including specifications for internal components Illustrations: Hundreds of detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos guiding through procedures, including enlarged insets for detailed part examination Information Presentation: Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings ๐ Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip Print Quality Printability: Full Printable Zoom Capabilities: Zoom IN/OUT Binding Type Binding: Digital Download (Printable Sections) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital) Delivery Delivery Method: Instant Download Shipping Cost: No Shipping Cost โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Displacement: 5.7 Liters (350 cubic inches) Engine Type: V8 Overhead Valve (OHV) Performance Horsepower Advertised: 270 hp @ 4800 rpm (L48 Base Engine) Torque Advertised: 360 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (L48 Base Engine) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (standard on L48) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline Other Engine Options Indicated By Coverage Available Engine Variants Covered: The manual explicitly mentions '350' and 'All Models/Engines', suggesting it covers variations of the 350 ci V8. This could include the L48 (base 350) and potentially the L82 (high-performance 350), although the L82 was introduced later in the C3 generation, the manual's broad coverage implies it might touch on different 350 configurations if applicable to 1972. ๐ง Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed Manual Transmission (Muncie M20/M21/M22 depending on engine/options) Optional Optional Transmission: Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 (THM400) 3-speed Automatic Transmission Features Transmission Service Coverage: Service, repair, and overhaul procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions ๐ Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 98.0 inches Overall Length: 175.1 inches Overall Width: 69.0 inches Overall Height: 47.8 inches Weights Curb Weight Approx: 3,450 - 3,500 lbs (depending on options) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings Era: Safety standards and testing were less stringent in 1972 compared to modern vehicles. Specific NHTSA ratings are not applicable to this era. Active Features Active Safety Features: Power-assisted front disc brakes, Power-assisted steering Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Lap and shoulder belts (standard in 1972), Padded interior surfaces, Energy-absorbing steering column, Side-impact beams (basic structure) ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic AM/FM radio (often optional), analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, and amperage. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: None in the modern sense. Features like power steering and power brakes were considered advanced. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, or as recommended in the manual for synthetic oils if used. Tune Up Interval: Spark...
Engine Overhaul, Tune-up Procedures, Fuel System (Injection/Carburetor depending on specific 350 variant), Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Emission Control System, Engine Management System
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual and Automatic Transmission Service/Repair, Clutch System (for manual), Driveshaft, Universal Joints, Rear Axle, Differential, Half Shafts
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering System (power steering components), Brakes (front disc, rear disc, parking brake), Wheel Bearings, Chassis Lubrication
Electrical Systems:
Wiring Diagrams, Starting System, Charging System (alternator), Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiper System, Horn, Radio, Power Windows (if equipped), Seat Belts (restraint system)
Body Systems:
Body Panel Repair, Door Mechanisms, Window Regulators, Interior Trim, Seats, Heater and Air Conditioning System, Body Electrical Components
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical troubleshooting and repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical diagnostic flowcharts
Disassembly Assembly:
Comprehensive instructions for dismantling and reassembling various vehicle components, with detailed diagrams and part identification
Technical Bulletins:
Likely includes factory service bulletins and updates relevant to the 1972 model year
Technical Depth
Depth:
Professional Technician Level
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics, including electrical system troubleshooting with wiring diagrams and pinpoint tests
Rebuild Procedures:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including specifications for internal components
Illustrations:
Hundreds of detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos guiding through procedures, including enlarged insets for detailed part examination
Information Presentation:
Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip
Print Quality
Printability:
Full Printable
Zoom Capabilities:
Zoom IN/OUT
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital Download (Printable Sections)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital)
Delivery
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Shipping Cost:
No Shipping Cost
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Displacement:
5.7 Liters (350 cubic inches)
Engine Type:
V8 Overhead Valve (OHV)
Performance
Horsepower Advertised:
270 hp @ 4800 rpm (L48 Base Engine)
Torque Advertised:
360 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (L48 Base Engine)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (standard on L48)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Other Engine Options Indicated By Coverage
Available Engine Variants Covered:
The manual explicitly mentions '350' and 'All Models/Engines', suggesting it covers variations of the 350 ci V8. This could include the L48 (base 350) and potentially the L82 (high-performance 350), although the L82 was introduced later in the C3 generation, the manual's broad coverage implies it might touch on different 350 configurations if applicable to 1972.
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Manual Transmission (Muncie M20/M21/M22 depending on engine/options)
Service, repair, and overhaul procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
98.0 inches
Overall Length:
175.1 inches
Overall Width:
69.0 inches
Overall Height:
47.8 inches
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
3,450 - 3,500 lbs (depending on options)
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings Era:
Safety standards and testing were less stringent in 1972 compared to modern vehicles. Specific NHTSA ratings are not applicable to this era.
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Power-assisted front disc brakes, Power-assisted steering
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Lap and shoulder belts (standard in 1972), Padded interior surfaces, Energy-absorbing steering column, Side-impact beams (basic structure)
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio (often optional), analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, and amperage.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
None in the modern sense. Features like power steering and power brakes were considered advanced.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, or as recommended in the manual for synthetic oils if used.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, points (if applicable), and ignition timing usually checked/adjusted every 10,000-12,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic transmission fluid typically changed every 24,000-30,000 miles. Manual transmission fluid inspection and potential change at similar intervals.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SF, SG, or SH service classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most conditions (refer to manual for precise specification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
5 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent specification)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues
Common Issues 1972 Corvette:
Fiberglass body delamination, aging rubber and plastic components (weatherstripping, bushings), carburetor tuning issues, potential electrical gremlins due to age, U-joint wear, vacuum hose deterioration.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Chevrolet Heritage:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing iconic American automobiles, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.
Model Evolution
C3 Generation Intro:
The C3 Corvette, introduced for the 1968 model year, featured a distinct "Mako Shark" inspired design with a long hood, short deck, and prominent fender flares. The 1972 model year marked the final year for chrome front bumpers on the C3 generation.
Production
1972 Production Volume:
20,071 units
Manufacturing Location:
St. Louis Assembly Plant, St. Louis, Missouri
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Awards:
While not a specific award, the C3 Corvette is widely recognized as an automotive icon of the 1970s, celebrated for its styling and performance.