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1979 Specs

More About the 1979 Corvette
1979 Chevrolet Corvette C3 T-top Coupe

1979 Chevrolet Corvette C3 T-top Coupe

Close1979 Chevrolet Corvette C3 T-top Coupe

Body Specs

Wheelbase: 98.0 inches
Overhang (Front): 42.4 inches
Overhang (Rear): 44.8 inches
Front Track: 58.7 inches
Rear Track: 59.5 inches
Length: 185.2 inches
Front Fender Overall Width: 69.0 inches
Rear Fender Overall Width: 68.8 inches
Ground Clearance
Differential to Ground:
5.7 inches
Ground Clearance
Front Suspension to Ground:
6.6 inches
Ground Clearance
Front Bumper to Ground:
10.8 inches
Ground Clearance
Exhaust System to Ground:
5.5 inches
Ground Clearance
Rear Bumper to Ground:
11.8 inches
Ground Clearance
Oil Pan to Ground:
5.5 inches
Ground Clearance
Flywheel Housing to Ground:
5.5 inches
Ground Clearance
Rear Axle to Ground:
5.7 inches
Ground Clearance
Fuel Tank to Ground:
16.4 inches
Minimum Ground Clearance: 4.3 inches
(Measured at Catalytic Converter)
Overall Height: 48.0 inches
Rocker Panel to Ground (Front): 8.0 inches
Rocker Panel to Ground (Rear): 7.6 inches
Luggage Capacity: 8.4 Cubic Feet
Cowl Height: 36.4 inches
Windshield Slope Angle: 57.0°
Effective Head Room: 36.2 inches
Shoulder Room: 47.5 inches
Hip Room: 49.9 inches
Tire Size: P225/70R15
Recommended Tire Inflation 35 PSI Front; 35 PSI Rear
Wheels, Regular Production: Size: 15 x 8
Synchronization All Forward Gears
Turbo Hydra-Matic (Automatic) Transmission: 1st Gear 2.52:1
2nd Gear 1.52:1
3rd Gear 1.00:1
Reverse Gear 1.93:1
Four Speed M20 Transmission
Base L48, L82 Engine:
1st Gear 2.43:1
2nd Gear 1.61:1
3rd Gear 1.23:1
4th Gear 1.00:1
Reverse Gear 2.35:1
Close Ratio Four Speed
M21 Transmission
L82 Engine:
1st Gear 2.43:1
2nd Gear 1.61:1
3rd Gear 1.23:1
4th Gear 1.00:1
Reverse Gear 2.35:1
Transmission Lubricant Type: GL-5 Gear Lubricant
80W or 80W-90
Lubricant Capacity: Four Speed Manual: 3 Quarts
Differential Lubricant Type: GL-5
SAE 80W-90
Differential Lubricant Capacity: 3.75 pints
Axle Ratio: 195 Horsepower Base Engine
Four Speed Manual
3.36:1
195 Horsepower Base Engine
Automatic
3.55:1
225 Horsepower L82 Engine
Four Speed Manual
3.36:1, 3.70:1
225 Horsepower L82 Engine
Automatic
3.55:1
Transmission Synchromesh: All Four Gears
Standard Fuel Tank Capacity: 23.7 Gallons
Wheel Turns: 2.92
Turning Diameters: 37.0 feet (Curb to Curb)
38.6 feet (Wall to Wall)


EPA Fuel Economy

49 State: 13 mpg
California: 13 mpg


Weight

Model 19437 Sport Coupe: (Curb)
Front: 1,659 lb.
Rear: 1,844 lb.
Total: 3,503 lb.
(Shipping)
Front: 1,689 lb.
Rear: 1,685 lb.
Total: 3,374 lb.
Curb Weight: The calculated weight of a vehicle with standard equipment, only as designed with the additional load of oils, lubes, coolants and fuel filled to capacity.
Shipping Weight: Same as base curb weight except 3 gallons of gasoline.

Power to Weight Ratio
195 Horsepower Standard L48 Engine, Four Speed Transmission:
3,801 lb.:
Pounds / Horsepower: 19.49
195 Horsepower Standard L48 Engine, Automatic Transmission:
3,818 lb.:
Pounds / Horsepower: 19.58
225 Horsepower L82 Engine
Four Speed Transmission:
3,808 lb.:
Pounds / Horsepower: 16.92
225 Horsepower L82 Engine
Automatic Transmission:
3,825 lb.:
Pounds / Horsepower: 17.00

Weight Differentials
Air Conditioning (RPO C60): +54 lb. (With Standard L48 Engine)
(+41 lb. Front; +13 lb. Rear)
+58 lb. (With L82 Engine)
(+46 lb. Front; +12 lb. Rear)
Power Windows (RPO A31): +4 lb.
(+2 lb. Front; +2 lb. Rear)
L82 Engine: +7 lb.
(+3 lb. Front; +4 lb. Rear)
+24 lb.
With Automatic Transmission
Standard L48 Engine
With Turbo Hydra Matic Transmission:
+17 lb.
(+10 lb. Front; +7 lb. Rear)
Four Speed Close Ration Transmission (RPO N37): -14 lb.
(-9 lb. Front; -5 lb. Rear)
Tilt / Telescopic Steering Wheel
(RPO N37):
+7 lb.
(+4 lb. Front; +3 lb. Rear)
Gymkhana Suspension
(RPO FE7):
+5 lb.
(+5 lb. Front; +0 lb. Rear)
Radio, AM/FM Stereophonic
(RPO U58):
+10 lb.
(+6 lb. Front; +4 lb. Rear)
Radio, AM/FM Stereo With CB
(RPO UP6):
+10 lb.
(+6 lb. Front; +4 lb. Rear)
Radio, AM/FM Stereophonic
With Tape Player(8-Track)
(RPO UM2):
+13 lb.
(+7 lb. Front; +6 lb. Rear)
Radio, AM/FM Stereophonic
With Tape Player (Cassette)
(RPO UN3):
+12 lb.
(+7 lb. Front; +5 lb. Rear)
Heavy Duty Battery
(RPO UA1):
+5 lb.
(+0 lb. Front; +5 lb. Rear)
Power Antenna
(RPO U75):
+4 lb.
(+0 lb. Front; +4 lb. Rear)
Aluminum Wheels
(RPO N90):
-34 lb.
(-17 lb. Front; -17 lb. Rear)
Glass Roof Panels
(RPO CC1):
+14 lb.
(+5 lb. Front; +9 lb. Rear)
Spoilers, Front / Rear: +17 lb.
Speaker, Auxiliary
(RPO U81):
+3 lb.
Operating Convenience Package
Power Windows, Door Locks
(RPO ZQ2):
+9 lb.
Convenience Package
(RPO ZX2):
+7 lb.
Speed and Cruise Control
(RPO K30):
+5 lb.
Defogger, Rear Window
(RPO C49):
+1 lb.


Engine Specs

Type:: V8
Valve Location:: In Head
Bore / Stroke:: 4.00" / 3.48" (Standard, L82)
Displacement:: Standard, L82 Engines: 350 Cubic Inches
(5.7 Liters)
Compression Ratio:: 8.2:1 (Standard Engine)
8.9:1 (L82 Engine)
Cylinder Head Material:: High Chrome Cast Alloy Iron
Cylinder Block Material:: Cast Alloy Iron
Oil Pump Type:: Gear
Normal Oil Pressure: 32 - 40 psi @ 2,000 RPM
Oil Pressure Gauge: Electrical
Crankcase Oil Capacity, Standard, L82 Engines: 4.0 Quarts, Less Filter
4.5 Quarts, With Filter Change
Recommended Oil Grade: Above 20°F: SAE 20W-20, SAE 10W-30, 10W-40
20W-40, 20W-50
0°F to 60°F: SAE 10W, 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40
Below 20°F: SAE 5W-20, 5W-30
Fuel Filter: Mesh Strainer
Fuel Pump: Mechanical
Fuel Pressure: 7.5 - 9.0 PSI
Cooling System Capacity: 21.6 Quarts (Manual Transmission)
20.7 Quarts (Automatic Transmission)
Thermostat Type: Pellet
Radiator Cap Relief Pressure: 15 PSI
Battery: 12 volt - 3,500 Watts
Heavy Duty (RPO UA1)
12 volt - 4,000 Watts
Thermostat Opening: 192° - 198° F
Fully Opened at 227°

Brakes
Type: Caliper Disc, Four Wheel Hydraulic
Gross Lining Area: 43.15 Square Inches
Swept Area: 249.14 Square Inches
Disc: Vented

Horsepower
Standard Engine (350 cubic inch): 195 hp @ 4,000 RPM;
Torque: 285 lb-ft @ 3,200 RPM
California
195 hp @ 4,000 RPM;
Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 2,400 RPM
RPO L82 (350 cubic inch): 225 hp @ 5,200 RPM;
Torque: 270 lb-ft. @ 3,600 RPM

Ignition System
Ignition Timing Centrifugal Advance: Distributor | 1103353 | Base Engine
Manual Transmission
Start: 0° @ 1,100 RPM
Intermediate: 12° @ 1,600 RPM
Maximum: 22° @ 4,600 RPM
Distributor | 1103302 | Base Engine
Automatic Transmission
Start: 0° @ 1,100 RPM
Intermediate: 12° @ 1,600 RPM
Maximum: 22° @ 4,600 RPM
Distributor | 1103285 | Base Engine
California, Automatic Only
Start: 0° @ 1,200 RPM
Intermediate: 12° @ 2,000 RPM
Maximum: 22° @ 4,200 RPM
Distributor | 1103291 | L82 Engine
Start: 0° @ 1,200 RPM
Intermediate: 13° @ 1,600 RPM
Maximum: 16° @ 2,000 RPM
Ignition Timing Vacuum Advance: Distributor | 1103353 | Base Engine
Start: 0° @ 4 inches Hg
Maximum: 20° @ 10 inches Hg
Distributor | 1103302 | Base Engine
Start: 0° @ 6 inches Hg
Maximum: 15° 12 inches Hg
Distributor | 1103285
California, Automatic Only
Start: 0° @ 4 inches Hg
Maximum: 10° @ 8 inches Hg
Distributor | 1103291 | L82 Engine
Start: 0° @ 4 inches Hg
Maximum: 10° @ 8 inches Hg
Initial Timing: Base Engine
6° BTC - Manual Transmission
Base Engine
6° BTC - Automatic Transmission
Base Engine | Above 4,000 ft. Altitude, California Spec
8° BTC - Automatic Transmission
Distributor | 1103291 | L82 Engine
12° BTC @ 900 RPM - Manual Transmission
12° BTC @ 700 RPM - Automatic Transmission
Spark Plug: AC Spark Plug
R45TS
Spark Plug Torque: 25 lb.-ft.
Spark Plug Thread: 14 mm.
Spark Plug Gap: .045 inch
Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Idle: Standard Engine, Manual Transmission:
700 RPM (In Neutral)
Standard Engine, Automatic Transmission:
500 RPM (In Drive)
L82 Engine, Manual Transmission:
900 RPM (In Neutral)
L82 Engine, Automatic Transmission:
700 RPM (In Drive)

1979 Corvette Options

RPO: Description Production:    Price
A31 Power Windows 20,631 (38.34%) $141.00
AU3 Power Door Locks 9,054 (16.83%) $131.00
C49 Rear Window Defogger 41,587 (77.29%) $102.00
C60 Air Conditioning 47,136 (87.60%) $635.00
CC1 Removable Glass Roof Panels 14,480 (26.91%) $365.00
D35 Sport Mirrors 48,211 (89.60%) $45.00
D80 Spoilers, front and Rear 6,853 (12.74%) $265.00
F51 Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers 2,164 (4.02%) $33.00
FE7 Gymkhana Suspension 12,321 (22.90%) $49.00
G95 Optional Rear Axle Ratio 428 (0.80%) $19.00
K30 Cruise Control 34,445 (64.02%) $113.00
L82 350 cu. in. 225hp Engine 14,516 (26.98%) $565.00
M21 4-Speed Manual Transmission, close ratio 4,062 (7.55%) n/a
MX1 Automatic Transmission 41,454 (77.04%) n/a
N37 Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column 47,463 (88.21%) $190.00
N90 Aluminum Wheels (4) 33,741 (62.71%) $380.00
NA6 High Altitude Emission Equipment (Manual transmission and L82 not available) 56 (0.10%) $35.00
QBS White Letter SBR Tires, P255 / 60R15 17,920 (33.30%) $226.20
QGR White Letter SBR Tires, P225 / 70R15 29,603 (55.02%) $54.00
U58 AM-FM Radio, stereo 9,256 (17.20%) $90.00
U75 Power Antenna 35,730 (66.40%) $52.00
U81 Dual Rear Speakers 37,754 (70.17%) $52.00
UA1 Heavy Duty Battery 3,405 (6.33%) $21.00
UM2 AM-FM Radio, stereo with 8-track 21,435 (39.84%) $228.00
UN3 AM-FM Radio, stereo with cassette 12,110 (22.51%) $234.00
UP6 AM-FM Radio, stereo with CB 4,483 (8.33%) $439.00
YF5 California Emission Certification (Manual transmission and L82 not available) 3,798 (7.06%) $83.00
ZN1 Trailer Package 1,001 (1.86%) $98.00
ZQ2 Power Windows and Door Locks 28,465 (52.90%) $272.00
ZX2 Convenience Group 41,530 (77.18%) $94.00

Total Production: 53,807
Coupe: 53,807 (100.00%)

Notes: Base Corvette Coupe with 350 cu. in. 195 hp engine and four speed manual transmission: $10,220.23. Base price and some options increased during the year.

Colors

Code Exterior Quantity Interior Wheels
10 Classic White 8,629 (16.04%) Black / Dark Blue / Dark Green / Light Beige / Oyster / Red Silver
13 Silver 7,331 (13.62%) Black / Dark Blue / Dark Green / Oyster / Red Silver
19 Black 10,465 (19.45%) Black / Light Beige / Oyster / Red Silver
28 Corvette Light Blue 3,203 (5.95%) Black / Dark Blue / Oyster Silver
52 Corvette Yellow 2,357 (4.38%) Black / Light Beige / Oyster Silver
58 Corvette Dark Green 2,426 (4.51%) Black / Dark Green / Light Beige / Oyster Silver
59 Corvette Light Beige 2,951 (5.48%) Black / Dark Blue / Dark Green / Light Beige / Red Silver
72 Corvette Red 6,707 (12.46%) Black / Light Beige / Oyster / Red Silver
82 Corvette Dark Brown 4,053 (7.53%) Black / Light Beige / Oyster Silver
83 Corvette Dark Blue 5,670 (10.54%) Black / Dark Blue / Light Beige / Oyster / Red Silver

1979 Corvette