🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Chevrolet Model: Corvette Year: 1966 Specific Model: Corvette 427 Codes Engine Code L36: 390 hp Engine Code L68: 400 hp Engine Code L72: 425 hp 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Classification: Iconic American Sports Car, Performance Grand Tourer. Target Audience: Enthusiasts, collectors, owners seeking detailed maintenance and repair information for a classic Corvette. Competitive Analysis Competitors 1966: Ford Mustang, Shelby Cobra (for performance variants), Jaguar E-Type (for European comparison). Key Features Iconic Status: The 1966 Corvette, particularly the 427 variants, is a highly sought-after collector's item known for its potent big-block engine and striking design. Manual Value Proposition: Provides the essential technical data and procedures required for authentic restoration, maintenance, and repair of this legendary vehicle. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: All Models, Engines, Trim, and Transmission Types for the 1966 Corvette 427 Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive, typically 600+ pages for a full workshop manual of this era. Manual Type Manual Type: Workshop Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control (where applicable for the era). Transmission Systems: Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, operation, and troubleshooting. Drivetrain Systems: Driveshaft, U-joints, differential, axle shafts, and related components. Suspension Systems: Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering knuckles, bushings. Brake Systems: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake system. Electrical Systems: Battery, charging system (generator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams. Body And Chassis Systems: Body construction, doors, windows, interior trim, convertible top mechanism, frame, bumpers. HVAC Systems: Heater, defroster, and optional air conditioning system servicing. Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Routine maintenance, fluid changes, lubrication, filter replacement, tune-up procedures. Repair Procedures: Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major systems. Troubleshooting Procedures: Diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common issues. Diagnostic Techniques: Step-by-step diagnostic sequences for electrical, mechanical, and fuel system problems. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive; covers everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Diagnostic Tools: Mentions necessary special tools and equipment for advanced diagnostics and repairs. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF (Portable Document Format) Searchability: Typically text-searchable in PDF format, allowing quick navigation to specific topics. Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: Not Applicable (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Family: Chevrolet Big-Block V8 (Mark IV) Displacement L36: 427 cubic inches (7.0 Liters) Displacement L68: 427 cubic inches (7.0 Liters) Displacement L72: 427 cubic inches (7.0 Liters) Performance Horsepower L36: 390 hp @ 5,400 RPM Torque L36: 460 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM Horsepower L68: 400 hp @ 5,400 RPM Torque L68: 460 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM Horsepower L72: 425 hp @ 5,600 RPM (often underrated) Torque L72: 460 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM Fuel System Fuel Delivery L36 L68: Quad-barrel (4) Rochester 2-bbl Carburetors Fuel Delivery L72: Single 4-barrel (4) Holley Carburetor Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (minimum 91 Octane recommended) Technical Details Block Material: Cast Iron Bore X Stroke: 4.25 in x 3.76 in Compression Ratio L36: 10.5:1 Compression Ratio L68: 10.25:1 Compression Ratio L72: 11.0:1 Valve Train: Overhead Valve (OHV), Pushrod Actuated 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-Speed Manual Transmission (Muncie) Optional Optional Transmission: 3-Speed Turbo-Hydramatic Automatic Transmission (THM400) Features Manual Gear Ratios: Varies by specific Muncie M20/M21/M22 option, detailed in manual. Automatic Transmission Features: Torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic controls. Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 90) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron-III (or equivalent specification for THM400, typically Type A Suffix A originally) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 98 inches (2,489 mm) Overall Length: 173.8 inches (4,414 mm) Overall Width: 69.2 inches (1,758 mm) Overall Height Coupe: 47.7 inches (1,212 mm) Overall Height Convertible: 47.5 inches (1,207 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (1,406 - 1,497 kg) depending on engine and options. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Not typically specified as a GVWR for sports cars of this era, but payload capacity would be limited. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: No standardized crash test data available for vehicles of this vintage; safety features were basic by modern standards. Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes with vacuum-assisted dual-circuit hydraulic system; rear drum brakes. Steering System: Recirculating ball steering; optional power steering. Passive Features Seat Belts: Standard lap belts; shoulder belts were optional. Windshield: Laminated safety glass. Body Construction: Fiberglass reinforced plastic body panels mounted on a separate ladder frame chassis. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM Radio, optional AM/FM with 8-track player. Manual may cover basic troubleshooting. Driver Assistance Power Steering: Optional feature, significantly aids maneuverability. Power Brakes: Standard vacuum-assisted power brakes for...
Dexron-III (or equivalent specification for THM400, typically Type A Suffix A originally)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
98 inches (2,489 mm)
Overall Length:
173.8 inches (4,414 mm)
Overall Width:
69.2 inches (1,758 mm)
Overall Height Coupe:
47.7 inches (1,212 mm)
Overall Height Convertible:
47.5 inches (1,207 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (1,406 - 1,497 kg) depending on engine and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically specified as a GVWR for sports cars of this era, but payload capacity would be limited.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
No standardized crash test data available for vehicles of this vintage; safety features were basic by modern standards.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc brakes with vacuum-assisted dual-circuit hydraulic system; rear drum brakes.
Steering System:
Recirculating ball steering; optional power steering.
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Standard lap belts; shoulder belts were optional.
Windshield:
Laminated safety glass.
Body Construction:
Fiberglass reinforced plastic body panels mounted on a separate ladder frame chassis.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM Radio, optional AM/FM with 8-track player. Manual may cover basic troubleshooting.
Driver Assistance
Power Steering:
Optional feature, significantly aids maneuverability.
Power Brakes:
Standard vacuum-assisted power brakes for improved stopping performance.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards; basic electrical systems and mechanical linkages.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months; adjust based on driving conditions. Manual will provide specific recommendations.
Tune Up Interval:
Typically every 12,000 - 15,000 miles. Manual details specific spark plug gap, timing, and carburetor adjustments.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months for automatic transmissions. Manual specifies procedure.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter for 427 engines. Manual will confirm exact capacity.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher rated oil, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Refer to manual for precise vintage recommendations.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual specifies capacity.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Known Issues
Carburetor Tuning:
Quad-carb setups (L36/L68) can be challenging to keep perfectly synchronized. Manual provides detailed tuning procedures.
Ignition System Maintenance:
Points, condenser, and distributor cap/rotor require regular inspection and adjustment. Manual covers ignition timing procedures.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings and ball joints are common wear items in vintage vehicles. Manual details replacement procedures.
Fiberglass Body Repair:
Cracks or delamination in fiberglass requires specialized repair techniques, detailed in the manual.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Chevrolet Performance Legacy:
Chevrolet has a long-standing history of performance vehicles, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.
Model Evolution
Second Generation C2:
The 1966 model year falls within the C2 generation (1963-1967), also known as the Sting Ray, a significant departure from the C1 with its iconic independent suspension and distinctive styling.
Introduction Of 427:
The 427 Big-Block V8 engine was introduced for the 1966 model year as a high-performance option, replacing the 396.
Production
Production Volume 1966:
Approximately 27,780 Corvettes produced in 1966, with a significant portion being 427 models.
Manufacturing Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Classic Car Status:
Widely recognized as a desirable classic and collectible American sports car, frequently featured in automotive media and awarded at shows.
Manual Certification:
This manual is a reproduction of the official Chevrolet factory service manual, representing the highest standard of technical documentation for the period.