More About the 1979 Corvette
1979 Corvette
Body Specs |
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| 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 |
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Ground Clearance
Differential to Ground: |
5.7 inches |
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Ground Clearance
Front Suspension to Ground: |
6.6 inches |
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Ground Clearance
Front Bumper to Ground: |
10.8 inches |
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Ground Clearance
Exhaust System to Ground: |
5.5 inches |
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Ground Clearance
Rear Bumper to Ground: |
11.8 inches |
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Ground Clearance
Oil Pan to Ground: |
5.5 inches |
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Ground Clearance
Flywheel Housing to Ground: |
5.5 inches |
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Ground Clearance
Rear Axle to Ground: |
5.7 inches |
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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 |
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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 |
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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) |
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| 49 State: | 13 mpg |
| California: | 13 mpg |
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| Model 19437 Sport Coupe: |
(Curb)
(Shipping) |
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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. |
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195 Horsepower Standard L48 Engine, Four Speed Transmission:
3,801 lb.: |
Pounds / Horsepower: 19.49 |
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195 Horsepower Standard L48 Engine, Automatic Transmission:
3,818 lb.: |
Pounds / Horsepower: 19.58 |
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225 Horsepower L82 Engine
Four Speed Transmission: 3,808 lb.: |
Pounds / Horsepower: 16.92 |
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225 Horsepower L82 Engine
Automatic Transmission: 3,825 lb.: |
Pounds / Horsepower: 17.00 |
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| 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 |
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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) |
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Tilt / Telescopic Steering Wheel
(RPO N37): |
+7 lb.
(+4 lb. Front; +3 lb. Rear) |
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Gymkhana Suspension
(RPO FE7): |
+5 lb.
(+5 lb. Front; +0 lb. Rear) |
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Radio, AM/FM Stereophonic
(RPO U58): |
+10 lb.
(+6 lb. Front; +4 lb. Rear) |
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Radio, AM/FM Stereo With CB
(RPO UP6): |
+10 lb.
(+6 lb. Front; +4 lb. Rear) |
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Radio, AM/FM Stereophonic
With Tape Player(8-Track) (RPO UM2): |
+13 lb.
(+7 lb. Front; +6 lb. Rear) |
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Radio, AM/FM Stereophonic
With Tape Player (Cassette) (RPO UN3): |
+12 lb.
(+7 lb. Front; +5 lb. Rear) |
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Heavy Duty Battery
(RPO UA1): |
+5 lb.
(+0 lb. Front; +5 lb. Rear) |
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Power Antenna
(RPO U75): |
+4 lb.
(+0 lb. Front; +4 lb. Rear) |
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Aluminum Wheels
(RPO N90): |
-34 lb.
(-17 lb. Front; -17 lb. Rear) |
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Glass Roof Panels
(RPO CC1): |
+14 lb.
(+5 lb. Front; +9 lb. Rear) |
| Spoilers, Front / Rear: | +17 lb. |
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Speaker, Auxiliary
(RPO U81): |
+3 lb. |
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Operating Convenience Package
Power Windows, Door Locks (RPO ZQ2): |
+9 lb. |
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Convenience Package
(RPO ZX2): |
+7 lb. |
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Speed and Cruise Control
(RPO K30): |
+5 lb. |
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Defogger, Rear Window
(RPO C49): |
+1 lb. |
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| 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° |
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Brakes |
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| Type: | Caliper Disc, Four Wheel Hydraulic |
| Gross Lining Area: | 43.15 Square Inches |
| Swept Area: | 249.14 Square Inches |
| Disc: | Vented |
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Horsepower |
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| 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 |
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Ignition System |
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| 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 |
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Total Production:
53,807
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. |
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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 | |