🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Chevrolet Model: Corvette Year: 1979 Engine Code: 305 (LG4 for base model, L82 for performance) Codes Chassis Code: C3 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 1979 Corvette represented the pinnacle of the C3 generation's evolution, offering a blend of performance and luxury in the American sports car market. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with domestic performance cars like the Ford Mustang Cobra and models from Chrysler. Internationally, it was in a segment challenged by European sports cars but offered a unique American take on the GT. Key Features Distinctive Attributes: Aggressive styling, removable T-tops, powerful V8 engine options, independent rear suspension, and a focus on driver comfort and touring capability. Manual Value Proposition Value For Owners: Essential for preserving, maintaining, and restoring the iconic 1979 Corvette, enabling owners to perform complex repairs and tune-ups with confidence. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Model Variants Covered: All 1979 Corvette models, including base and Z-code L82 performance variants. Engine Coverage: Covers 305 cubic inch (5.0L) V8 (LG4) and 350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8 (L82) engines. Transmission Coverage: Covers manual (4-speed) and automatic (3-speed THM-350) transmissions. Trim Level Coverage: All trim levels offered for the 1979 model year. Page Count Estimated Pages: 500-800 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era). Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair and Service Manual. Language Language: English. Format Format: PDF Download. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine disassembly, assembly, rebuild procedures, cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, timing components, oil pump, oil pan, lubrication system. Engine Fuel System: Carburetor (Rochester Quadrajet/CFI for LG4, specific L82 carb) tuning, diagnosis, and overhaul; fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank servicing. Engine Ignition System: Distributor servicing, coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, electronic spark control (ESC) system (if applicable), timing adjustments. Transmission Manual: Clutch inspection, adjustment, replacement; manual transmission disassembly, inspection, assembly, fluid changes, shift linkage. Transmission Automatic: THM-350 transmission diagnosis, overhaul, fluid and filter replacement, band adjustments, torque converter servicing. Brakes: Front disc brakes (caliper, rotor, pads, hoses), rear drum brakes (wheel cylinder, shoes, drums, hardware), parking brake system, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures. Suspension And Steering: Front suspension (upper/lower ball joints, control arms, bushings, tie rods, shocks), rear suspension (leaf springs, shocks, trailing arms), power steering system (pump, hoses, steering box), wheel alignment specifications. Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, power windows, power seats (if equipped). Cooling System: Radiator, fan, fan clutch, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, flush and fill procedures. Exhaust System: Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers, pipes, hangers, gaskets, troubleshooting exhaust leaks. Body And Frame: Frame inspection, body panel alignment, door adjustments, hood, trunk lid, weatherstripping, interior trim removal and installation, glass replacement, bumper service. HVAC: Heating system, air conditioning system diagnosis and component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser, controls). Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, air filter replacement. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts for common symptoms (e.g., no-start, poor performance, unusual noises), wiring diagrams for electrical fault finding. Repair: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major vehicle systems. Diagnostics: Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for engine, transmission, electrical, and other systems. Specifications And Data: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, engine timing settings, electrical component resistance values. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive; suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers basic maintenance through complete engine and transmission rebuilds. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format PDF Quality: High-resolution scans or digital creation, allowing for clear text and image reproduction. Searchable text is highly desirable. Print Quality Printability: Designed for printable pages, often with booklet formatting options. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF download). Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital PDF download). ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Base Engine Displacement: 305 cubic inches (5.0 Liters). Base Engine Type: V8, 2-barrel carburetor (LG4). Base Engine Horsepower: Approximately 150-170 hp (SAE Net). Base Engine Torque: Approximately 230-245 lb-ft (SAE Net). Optional Engine Performance Engine Displacement: 350 cubic inches (5.7 Liters). Performance Engine Type: V8, 4-barrel carburetor (L82). Performance Engine Horsepower: Approximately 225 hp (SAE Net). Performance Engine Torque: Approximately 270-280 lb-ft (SAE Net). Performance Compression Ratio Lg4: 8.2:1 Compression Ratio L82: 8.9:1 Fuel System Fuel Delivery Lg4: Rochester 2-barrel carburetor (e.g., 2ME). Fuel Delivery L82: Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (e.g., M4MC). Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (87 AKI) minimum recommended for LG4, 96 octane (91 AKI) recommended for L82. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission (Muncie SM465 derived or BorgWarner T-10). Optional Optional Transmission: 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic THM-350 automatic transmission. Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation for manual transmission. Automatic Transmission Features: Selectable gears (P, R, N, OD, D, 1), torque converter coupling. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 185.4 inches (4709 mm). Width: 70.8 inches...
The 1979 Corvette represented the pinnacle of the C3 generation's evolution, offering a blend of performance and luxury in the American sports car market.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with domestic performance cars like the Ford Mustang Cobra and models from Chrysler. Internationally, it was in a segment challenged by European sports cars but offered a unique American take on the GT.
Key Features
Distinctive Attributes:
Aggressive styling, removable T-tops, powerful V8 engine options, independent rear suspension, and a focus on driver comfort and touring capability.
Manual Value Proposition
Value For Owners:
Essential for preserving, maintaining, and restoring the iconic 1979 Corvette, enabling owners to perform complex repairs and tune-ups with confidence.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Model Variants Covered:
All 1979 Corvette models, including base and Z-code L82 performance variants.
Engine Coverage:
Covers 305 cubic inch (5.0L) V8 (LG4) and 350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8 (L82) engines.
Transmission Coverage:
Covers manual (4-speed) and automatic (3-speed THM-350) transmissions.
Trim Level Coverage:
All trim levels offered for the 1979 model year.
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
500-800 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era).
Front suspension (upper/lower ball joints, control arms, bushings, tie rods, shocks), rear suspension (leaf springs, shocks, trailing arms), power steering system (pump, hoses, steering box), wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, power windows, power seats (if equipped).
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, fan clutch, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, flush and fill procedures.
Frame inspection, body panel alignment, door adjustments, hood, trunk lid, weatherstripping, interior trim removal and installation, glass replacement, bumper service.
HVAC:
Heating system, air conditioning system diagnosis and component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser, controls).
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, air filter replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common symptoms (e.g., no-start, poor performance, unusual noises), wiring diagrams for electrical fault finding.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for engine, transmission, electrical, and other systems.
Comprehensive; suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers basic maintenance through complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
PDF Quality:
High-resolution scans or digital creation, allowing for clear text and image reproduction. Searchable text is highly desirable.
Print Quality
Printability:
Designed for printable pages, often with booklet formatting options.
Not directly comparable to modern NHTSA ratings. Safety focus was on passive restraint systems available at the time.
Active Features
Active Safety:
Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, power steering, standard halogen headlights.
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Collapsible steering column, lap and shoulder belts, reinforced body structure, shatter-resistant windshield.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Optional AM/FM radio with tape player, power antenna.
Driver Assistance
Driver Aids:
Basic for the era: power steering, power brakes. No electronic driver-assistance systems typical of modern vehicles.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None (no provision for external device connectivity).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 24,000 miles or 24 months. Manual: Every 30,000 miles or 36 months.
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (or as specified by plug type).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SF or SG service classification. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 recommended depending on ambient temperature. For L82, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 preferred for higher performance use.
Engine Oil Capacity:
5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent GM specification for the era, e.g., Type A Suffix A).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 gear oil, SAE 80W-90.
Coolant:
50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and suspension bushings leading to poor handling and alignment issues. Front spring sag.
Common Problems Engine:
Carburetor tuning issues, vacuum leaks, oil leaks from valve covers and oil pan gaskets, timing chain wear (affecting L82 performance).
Leaky O-rings in AC system, worn blower motor, malfunctioning vacuum actuators for HVAC controls.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet has a long-standing reputation for performance and innovation, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.
Model Evolution
C3 Generation:
The 1979 model year was part of the third generation (C3) Corvette, which ran from 1968-1982. It featured significant styling refinements and powertrain updates over its production run.
1979 Updates:
Introduced a new dashboard design, standard tilt-telescopic steering column, and updated seat design. The '79 was the highest production year for the C3 Corvette.
Production
Production Volume 1979:
53,807 units (highest of the C3 generation).
Manufacturing Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historical Significance:
The 1979 Corvette is recognized as a significant model for its high production numbers and refined C3 design, representing a popular era for American sports cars.
Ratings
Performance Reviews:
Contemporary reviews often praised its styling and comfortable ride for a sports car, while performance was good but not class-leading compared to some European competitors of the era.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.