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1968 Specs

More About the 1968 Corvette
1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Convertible in Safari Yellow

1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Convertible in Safari Yellow

Close1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Convertible in Safari Yellow

Body Specs

Wheelbase:    98.00 inches
Overhang (Front):    40.2 inches
Overhang (Rear):    43.9 inches
Front Track:    58.3 inches
Rear Track:    59.0 inches
Length (less bumpers):    179.2 inches
Length:    182.1 inches
Front Fender Overall Width:    69.2 inches
Rear Fender Overall Width:    68.6 inches
Overall Height (Design, Coupe):    47.8 inches
Front Bumper to Ground:    9.2 inches
Rear Bumper to Ground:    12.3 inches
Hood (at Rear) to Ground:    26.6 inches
Rocker Panel to Ground (Front):    7.6 inches
Rocker Panel to Ground (Rear):    7.6 inches
Bottom of Door to Ground (Closed):    10.0 inches
Windshield Slope Angle:    53°
Body Zero to Ground (Front):    7.6 inches
Body Zero to Ground (Rear):    7.6 inches
Headlamp to Ground:    17.5 inches
Tail Lamp to Ground:    25.7 inches
Hood Length at Centerline:    54.4 inches
Body Upper Structure Length at Centerline:    54.7 inches (Coupe)
Front Bumper to Ground:    9.2 inches
Rear Bumper to Ground:    12.3 inches
Oil Pan to Ground:    4.8 inches
Front Suspension to Ground:    3.7 inches
Flywheel Housing to Ground:    5.2 inches
Exhaust System to Ground:    4.9 inches
Spare Tire Well to Ground:    5.1 inches
Minimum Running Ground Clearance:    4.9 inches
Head Room:   36.2 inches (Coupe)
  37.1 inches (Convertible, Soft Top)
  36.0 inches (Convertible, Hard Top)
Shoulder Room:    46.9 inches
Hip Room:    48.8 inches
Tire Size:    F70-15-4PR
Recommended Tire Inflation    24 PSI
Wheels, Regular Production:    Size: 15 x 7.00
Three Speed Transmission:   1st Gear 2.54:1
  2nd Gear 1.50:1
  3rd Gear 1.00:1
  Reverse Gear 2.63:1
Turbo Hydra-Matic (Automatic) Transmission
(Not Available with L71 Engine): 		  1st Gear 2.48:1
  2nd Gear 1.48:1
  3rd Gear 1.00:1
  Reverse Gear 2.08:1
Lubricant Capacity:    3 Quarts
Four Speed M20 Transmission
(Not available with L71 Engine): 		  1st Gear 2.52:1
  2nd Gear 1.88:1
  3rd Gear 1.47:1
  4th Gear 1.00:1
  Reverse Gear 2.59:1
Close Ratio Four Speed
M21 Transmission
(Not available with Standard Engine): 		  1st Gear 2.20:1
  2nd Gear 1.64:1
  3rd Gear 1.27:1
  4th Gear 1.00:1
  Reverse Gear 2.26:1
Transmission Lubricant Type:   Military MIL-L-2105-B
  SAE 80
Lubricant Capacity:   Three Speed: 2 Quarts
  Four Speed: 2.5 Quarts
Differential Lubricant Type:   Military MIL-L-2105-B
  SAE 80
Differential Lubricant Capacity:    3.7 pints
Axle Ratio:   Standard: 3.36:1
  Turbo Hydra-Matic (Automatic): 2.73:1
  Optional: 3.08:1
  L36, L68, L79 Engines: 3.36:1, 3.55:1, 4.11:1
   L71 Engine: 3.36:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1, 4.11:1
Transmission Synchromesh:   Three Speed: 2nd and 3rd Gears
  Four Speed: All Four Gears
Standard Fuel Tank Capacity:    20 Gallons
Steering Wheel Diameter
(Power, Manual Steering): 		   16.0 inches
Steering Ratio:    16.0:1
Wheel Turns:    3.4

Weight

Model 19467 Convertible:   Front - Curb: 1,565; Shipping: 1,570 lb.
  Rear - Curb: 1,655; Shipping: 1,495 lb.
  Total - Curb: 3,220; Shipping: 3,065 lb.
Model 19437 Sport Coupe:   Front - Curb: 1,570; Shipping: 1,570 lb.
  Rear - Curb: 1,640; Shipping: 1,485 lb.
  Total - Curb: 3,210; Shipping: 3,055 lb.
Power to Weight Ratio
Three Speed Manual Transmission:   300 Horsepower Standard Engine: 3,510 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 11.70
Four Speed Manual Transmission:   300 Horsepower Standard Engine: 3,504 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 11.68
Four Speed Manual Transmission:   350 Horsepower L79 Engine: 3,516 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 10.05
Four Speed Manual Transmission:   390 Horsepower L36 Engine: 3,682 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 9.44
Four Speed Manual Transmission:   400 Horsepower L68 Engine: 3,686 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 9.21
Four Speed Manual Transmission   435 Hosepower L71 Engine: 3,653 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 8.40
Turbo Hydra-Matic
Automatic Transmission: 		  300 Horsepower Standard Engine: 3,573 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 11.91
Turbo Hydra-Matic
Automatic Transmission: 		  390 Horsepower L36 Engine: 3,751 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 9.62
Turbo Hydra-Matic
Automatic Transmission: 		  400 Horsepower L68 Engine: 3,755 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 9.38
Weight Differentials
Power Windows (RPO A31):    +5 lb.
Auxiliary Top (RPO C07)    +48 lb.
Air Conditioning (RPO C60):    +95 lb.
Power Brakes (RPO J50):    +10 lb.
Heavy Duty Power Brakes (RPO J56):    +6 lb.
427 cubic inch Engine
390 Horsepower (RPO L36): 		   +178 lb.
427 cubic inch Engine
400 Horsepower (RPO L68): 		   +4 lb.
427 cubic inch Engine
435 Horsepower (RPO L71): 		   +149 lb.
327 cubic inch Engine
350 Horsepower (RPO L79): 		   +12 lb.
Aluminum Cylinder Heads (RPO L89):    -73 lb.
Four Speed Transmission (RPO M20):    -6 lb.
Turbo Hydra-Matic (Automatic) Transmission (RPO M40):    +63 lb.
Power Steering (RPO N40):    +21 lb.
Radio AM - FM Pushbutton (RPO U69):    +16 lb.
Radio Stereo Equipment (RPO U79):    +11 lb.
Power Brakes:    +10 lb.

Engine Specs

Type::    V8
Valve Location::    In Head
Bore / Stroke::   4.00" / 3.25" (Standard, L79 327 Cubic Inch)
  4.25" / 3.76" (L36, L72 427 Cubic Inch)
Displacement::   Standard, L79: 327 Cubic Inches
  L36, L68, L71: 427 Cubic Inches
Compression Ratio::   10.0:1 (Standard Engine)
  10.25:1 (L36, L68 Engines)
  11.0:1 (L71, L79 Engines)
Rocker Arms:   Stamping, Steel
Rocker Arm Ratio:    1.5:1
Valve Train Lash, Inlet / Exhaust
Hydraulic Lifters: 		   Zero
Valve Train Lash, Inlet / Exhaust
Mechanical Lifters (RPO L72): 		  Inlet: .024 inch
  Exhaust: .028 inch
Crankshaft Material::    Forged Steel
Camshaft Material::    Cast Alloy Iron
Oil Pump Type::    Gear
Normal Oil Pressure:   30 - 45 psi @ 1,500 RPM
  50 - 75 psi @ 2,000 RPM
Oil Pressure Gauge:    Mechanical
Crankcase Oil Capacity, Standard, L79 Engines:   4 Quarts, Less Filter
  5 Quarts, With Filter
Crankcase Oil Capacity, L36, L68, L71, L88 and L89 Engines:   5 Quarts, Less Filter
  6 Quarts, With Filter
Recommended Oil Grade:   Above 32°: SAE 20W, SAE 10W-30
  To 0°: SAE 10W or SAE 10W-30
  Below 0°: SAE 5W or SAE 5W-20
Fuel Filter:    Strainer
Fuel Pump:    Mechanical
Fuel Pressure:    5¼ - 6½ PSI
Cooling System Capacity:   327 cubic inch Engines
  16 Quarts (with heater)
  15 Quarts (without heater)
  427 cubic inch Engines
  23 Quarts (with heater)
  22 Quarts (without heater)
Thermostat Type:    Choke
Radiator Cap Relief Pressure:    15 +/- 1 PSI
Battery:   12 volt
  61 Amp hr. @ 20 hr.
  6 cells / 66 Plates
Thermostat Opening:    192° - 198° F
Brakes
Type:    Caliper Disc, Four Wheel Hydraulic
Effective Area:    78.1 Square Inches
Swept Area:    461.2 Square Inches
Disc:    Vented
Pistons per Caliper:    Four
Horsepower
Standard Engine (327 cubic inch):   300 hp @ 5,000 RPM;
  Torque: 360 lb-ft @ 3,400 RPM
RPO L79 (327 cubic inch):   350 hp @ 5,800 RPM;
  Torque: 360 lb-ft. @ 3,600 RPM
RPO L36 (427 cubic inch):   390 hp @ 5,200 RPM;
  Torque: 460 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM
RPO L68 (427 cubic inch):   400 hp @ 5,400 RPM;
  Torque: 460 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM
RPO L71 (427 cubic inch):   435 hp @ 5,800 RPM;
  Torque: 460 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
Ignition System
Coil:    Delco-Remy 1115202 Base, L79; 1115264 L36, L68; 1111141 L36; 1115210 L71
Coil current rating:   4 amps (engine stopped)
  1.8 amps (engine running)
Breaker Gap:    .019" (New)
Ignition Timing
Initial Design Setting: 		  6° @ 500 RPM (Standard Engine)
  10° @ 700 RPM (L79 Engine)
  4° @ 550 RPM (L36, L68 Engines)
  4° @ 750 RPM (L71 Engine)
Ignition Timing Centrifugal Advance:    Begins: 900 RPM (Standard, 427 Engines)
  950 RPM (L79 Engine)
  15° @ 1,500 RPM (Standard);
  20°: @ 1,800 RPM (L79 Engine)
  17° @ 2,000 RPM (L36, L68 Engines);
  Max: 30° @ 5,100 RPM (Standard Engine);
  Max: 30° @ 4,700 RPM (L79 Engine);
  Max: 32° @ 5,000 RPM (L36, L68 Engines)
  Max: 30° @ 3,800 RPM (L71 Engine)
Ignition Timing Vacuum Advance:   Begins: 6 inches Hg (Standard Engine)
  Maximum: 15° @ 12 inches Hg
  Begins: 6 inches Hg (L79 Engine)
  Maximum: 15° @ 15.5 inches Hg
  Begins: 7 inches Hg (L36, L68 Engines)
  Maximum: 12° @ 12 inches Hg
  Begins: 8 inches Hg (L71 Engine)
  Maximum: 15° @ 15.5 inches Hg
Spark Plug:   AC44 (327 Cubic Inch Engines)
  AC43N (427 Cubic Inch Engines)
Spark Plug Thread:    14 mm.
Spark Plug Torque:    25 lb.-ft.
Spark Plug Gap:    .033 - .038 inch
Firing Order:    1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

1968 Corvette Options

RPO: Description Production:    Price
Genuine Leather 2,429 (8.50%) $79.00
A01 Soft Ray Tinted Glass, all windows 17,635 (61.73%) $15.80
A02 Soft Ray Tinted Glass, windshield 5,509 (19.29%) $10.55
A31 Power Windows 7,065 (24.73%) $57.95
A82 Headrests 3,197 (11.19%) $42.15
A85* Custom Shoulder Belts 350 (1.23%) $26.35
C07 Auxiliary Hardtop (for convertible) 8,735 (30.58%) $231.75
C08 Vinyl Covering (for auxiliary hardtop) 3,050 (10.68%) $52.70
C50 Rear Window Defroster 693 (2.43%) $31.60
C60 Air Conditioning 5,664 (19.83%) $412.90
F41 Special Front and Rear Suspension 1,758 (6.15%) $36.90
G81 Positraction Rear Axle, all ratios 27,008 (94.55%) $46.35
J50 Power Brakes 9,559 (33.46%) $42.15
J56 Special Heavy Duty Brakes 81 (0.28%) $384.45
K66 Transistor Ignition System 5,457 (19.10%) $73.75
L36 427 cu. in. 390hp Engine 7,717 (27.01%) $200.15
L68 427 cu. in. 400hp Engine 1,932 (6.76%) $305.50
L71 427 cu. in. 435hp Engine 2,898 (10.14%) $437.10
L79 327 cu. in. 350hp Engine 9,440 (33.05%) $105.35
L88 427 cu. in. 430hp Engine 80 (0.28%) $947.90
L89 Aluminum Cynlinder Heads for L71 624 (2.18%) $805.75
M20 4-Speed Manual Transmission 10,760 (37.67%) $184.35
M21 4-Speed Manual Transmission, close ratio 12,337 (43.19%) $184.35
M22 4-Speed Manual Transmission, close ratio, heavy duty 80 (0.28%) $263.30
M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission 5,063 (17.72%) $226.45
N11 Off Road Exhaust System 4,695 (16.44%) $36.90
N36 Telescopic Steering Column 6,477 (22.67%) $42.15
N40 Power Steering 12,364 (43.28%) $94.80
P01 Bright Metal Wheel Cover 8,971 (31.40%) $57.95
PT6 Red Stripe Tires, F70x15, nylon 11,686 (40.91%) $31.30
PT7 White Stripe Tires, F70x15, nylon 9,692 (33.93%) $31.30
U15 Speed Warning Indicator 3,453 (12.09%) $10.55
U69 AM-FM Radio 24,609 (86.15%) $172.75
U79 AM-FM Radio, stereo 3,311 (11.59%) $278.10
UA6 Alarm System 388 (1.36%) $26.35

Total Production: 28,566
Coupe: 9,936 (34.78%)
Convertible: 18,630 (65.22%)

Notes: Base Corvette Coupe with 327 cu. in. 300 hp engine and three speed manual transmission: $4,663.00.

Base Corvette Convertible with 327 cu. in. 300 hp engine and three speed manual transmission: $4,320.00.

Colors

Code Exterior Quantity Interior Soft Top Wheels
900 Tuxedo Black 708 (2.48%) Black / Dark Blue / Dark Orange / Gunmetal / Medium Blue / Red / Tobacco Black / White / Beige Silver
972 Polar White 1,868 (6.54%) Black / Dark Blue / Dark Orange / Gunmetal / Medium Blue / Red / Tobacco Black / White / Beige Silver
974 Rally Red 2,918 (10.21%) Black / Red Black / White / Beige Silver
976 LeMans Blue 4,722 (16.53%) Black / Medium Blue / Dark Blue Black / White / Beige Silver
978 International Blue 2,473 (8.66%) Black / Medium Blue / Dark Blue Black / White / Beige Silver
983 British Green 4,779 (16.73%) Black Black / White / Beige Silver
984 Safari Yellow 3,133 (10.97%) Black Black / White / Beige Silver
986 Silverstone Silver 3,435 (12.02%) Black / Dark Blue / Gunmetal Black / White / Beige Silver
988 Cordovan Maroon 1,155 (4.04%) Black Black / White / Beige Silver
992 Corvette Bronze 3,374 (11.81%) Black / Dark Orange / Tobacco Black / White / Beige Silver

1968 Corvette