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1966 Corvette Performance & Specifications

Powertrain, Steering, Brakes, Dimensions, & Suspension

1966 Corvette

While this small-block engine was an impressive powerhouse in its own right, Chevrolet had definitely recognized that the direction of the powerplant for the Corvettes would center around engine displacement, and so it was decided that all other, smaller engines would ultimately be abandoned in the Corvette line at the end of the 1965 model year. Interestingly, the retirement of the 327ci engine also brought with it the end of the use of fuel injection in Corvettes for the next twenty years.

Read More: 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Research Center.

1966 Corvette Technical Specifications

MODEL: 1966 Chevrolet Corvette
BODY STYLE: Two-door convertible/coupe, front-engine, rear-wheel drive
MANUFACTURING LOCATION: St. Louis, Missouri
CONSTRUCTION: Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP or “fiberglass”) body, all-welded, full length, ladder construction frame with 5 cross-members. Front section flat; rear section contoured over the rear axle. Side-rails and intermediate cross members box construction. Rear cross member “C” shaped; front cross member concave for engine clearance.
VEHICLE NUMBERS (VIN): 194376S100001 – 194376S127720
ENGINE SUFFIX: HD: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350 HP, MANUAL TRANS, AIR INJECTION REACTOR
HE: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300 HP, MANUAL TRANS
HT: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350 HP, MANUAL TRANS
HH: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300 HP, MANUAL TRANS, AIR INJECTION REACTOR
HO: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300 HP, POWERGLIDE AUTO TRANS
HP: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350 HP, MANUAL TRANS, POWER STEERING, AIR CON
HR: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300 HP, POWERGLIDE AUTO TRANS, AIR INJECTION REACTOR
IK: 427 CUBIC INCH, 425 HP, MANUAL TRANS
IL: 427 CUBIC INCH, 390 HP, MANUAL TRANS
IM: 427 CUBIC INCH, 390 HP, MANUAL TRANS, AIR INJECTION REACTOR
IP: 427 CUBIC INCH, 425 HP, MANUAL TRANS
IQ: 427 CUBIC INCH, 390 HP, POWERGLIDE AUTO TRANS
IR: 427 CUBIC INCH, 390 HP, POWERGLIDE AUTO TRANS, AIR INJECTION REACTOR
ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER: 3858174, 327 CUBIC INCH
3892657, 327 CUBIC INCH
3855961, 427 CUBIC INCH
3869942, 427 CUBIC INCH
3904351, 427 CUBIC INCH
HEAD NUMBER:
3782461: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, 350HP
3872702: 427 CUBIC INCH, 390HP
3873858, 427 CUBIC INCH, 425HP
CARBURETOR NUMBERS: HOLLEY R3247A #3886101: 427 CUBIC INCH, 425HP
HOLLEY R3367A #3884505: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, 350HP
HOLLEY R3370A #3882835: 427 CUBIC INCH, 390HP
HOLLEY R3605A #3890499: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, 350HP, AIR INJECTION REACTOR
FUEL INJECTION NUMBER: ROCHESTER 7017380
DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER: 1111093: 427 CUBIC INCH, 425HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION
1111141: 427 CUBIC INCH, 390HP
1111142: 427 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION
1111153: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300HP
1111156: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350HP
1111157: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION
ALTERNATOR NUMBER: 1100693: 327 CUBIC INCH, 427 CUBIC INCH
1100694: 327 CUBIC INCH, 427 CUBIC INCH, AIR CONDITIONING
1100696: 327 CUBIC INCH, 427 CUBIC INCH, TRANSISTOR IGNITION
1100750: 327 CUBIC INCH, 427 CUBIC INCH, AIR CON, TRANSISTOR IGNITION
AXLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AK: 3.36:1 RATIO
AR: 3.08:1 RATIO, WIDE-RATIO 4-SPEED
AS: 3.70:1 RATIO, CLOSE RATIO 4-SPEED
POSITRACTION AXLE:
AL: 3.08:1 RATIO
AM: 3.36:1 RATIO
AN: 3.55:1 RATIO
AO: 3.70:1 RATIO
AP: 4.11:1 RATIO
AT: 3.08:1 RATIO
AU: 3.36:1 RATIO
AZ: 3.55:1 RATIO
FA: 3.70:1 RATIO
FB: 4.11:1 RATIO
FC: 4.56:1 RATIO
PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE: SEP. 1965: 102031, JAN. 1966: 112587, MAY 1966: 123016, OCT. 1965: 104384, FEB. 1966: 115283, JUN. 1966: 125469, NOV. 1965: 107186, MAR. 1966: 118091, JUL. 1966: 127720, DEC. 1965:109892, APR. 1966: 120664

1966 Corvette Powertrain Specifications

Order Code Standard L79
Manufacturing Location Flint, Michigan Flint, Michigan
Type 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head
Cylinders 8 8
Displacement (cid) 327 327
Fuel Induction System Carburetor Carburetor
Horsepower 300 @ 5,000 350 @ 5,800
Torque 360 @ 3,200 360 @ 3,600
Bore x Stroke (in.) 4.00 x 3.26 4.00 x 3.26
Compression Ratio 10.5:1 11.0:1
Firing Order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Cylinder Number System (Left) 1-3-5-7 1-3-5-7
Cylinder Number System (Right) 2-4-6-8 2-4-6-8
Recommended Fuel Premium Premium
Order Code L36 L72
Manufacturing Location Flint, Michigan Flint, Michigan
Type 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head
Cylinders 8 8
Displacement (cid) 427 427
Fuel Induction System Carburetor Carburetor
Horsepower 390 @ 5,200 425 @ 5,600
Torque 460 @ 3,600 460 @ 4,000
Bore x Stroke (in.) 4.251 x 3.76 4.251 x 3.76
Compression Ratio 10.25:1 11.0:1
Firing Order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Cylinder Number System (Left) 1-3-5-7 1-3-5-7
Cylinder Number System (Right) 2-4-6-8 2-4-6-8
Recommended Fuel Premium Premium

1966 Corvette Manual Transmission/Gear Ratios

Manual Transmission

Gear Ratios  3-Speed
4-Speed (RPO M20)
4-Speed Close Ratio (RPO M21)
1st Gear:
2.54:1
2.52:1
2.20:1
2nd Gear:
1.50:1
1.88:1
1.64:1
3rd Gear:
1.00:1
1.46:1
1.27:1
4th Gear:
N/A
1.00:1
1.00:1
Reverse:
2.63:1
2.59:1
2.26:1

Clutch

Clutch Stats
Type Chevrolet, single disk, dry plate, centrifugally assisted
Spring Pressure (lbs) 2100 – 2300 (2450 – 2750 with RPO L36) (2600 – 2700 with RPO L72)
Lining area (sq. in.) 90.7 (103.5 with RPO L36 and RPO L72)

Powerglide Automatic Transmission RPO M35/ Gear Ratios

Drive 1.76 to 1.00:1
Low 1.76:1
Reverse 1.76:1

1966 Corvette Wheels, Suspension & Brakes

Suspension – Front

Type and Description: Independent coil spring spherical joint suspension with concentric springs and shock absorbers between upper and lower control arms. Built-in anti-dive control and rubber-bushed link-type stabilizer bar. Quiet, low-friction non-metallic spherical joint liners. Spherical joints protected by special positive-sealing formed-rubber boots.

Front Coil Springs
Make & Type Right-hand Helix Variable rate
Material AISI A-5160, heat-treated
Part Number 3851100
Spring Rate (lb. per in.) 195 lb. per in.
Rate at Wheel (lb. per in.) 80 lb. per in.
Design Load 1340 lb. @ 8.56 in.
Front Shock Absorbers
Make & Type Direct, double-acting, hydraulic; freon filled envelope in reservoir
Piston diameter 1.00
Piston travel 5.25
Front Stabilizer Bar
Type Link
Material Hot rolled steel
Diameter .750 with 327ci engine, .875 with 427ci engine

Suspension – Back

Type and Description: Independent rear suspension with the frame-mounted differential unit, double universal jointed tubular axles, and transverse multi-leaf spring. Differential carrier is mounted to frame by rubber-isolated with hardened and tempered chrome carbon steel leaves bolts solidly to differential carrier and attaches to radius arms with rubber-isolated floating rods. Suspension design permits to function as springing member only. Lateral and longitudinal forces imposed by braking, acceleration, and cornering are absorbed by frame-mounted fixed differential and suspension control arms.
Rear Leaf Springs
Number of Leaves 9
Material Chrome carbon steel
Length, width, height 46.36 x 2.25 x 2.121
Rear Shock Absorbers:
Type Direct, double-acting, hydraulic; freon filled envelope in reservoir
Piston Diameter 1.00
Rear Strut
Material Forged Steel
Diameter 0.75

Brakes

Brake Specs
Type:
– Standard Caliper Disk – 4 Wheel Hydraulic
– J50 Powered Brakes
Drum diameter, front (in.): 11.75
Drum diameter, rear (in.): 11.75
Swept Drum Area Effective area: 461.2

Wheels & Tires

Wheels & Tires Specs
Wheel Type:
– Standard Short spoke spider, steel
– P48 Ribbed integral casting, aluminum, quick take-off
Wheels, size:
– Standard 15″ x 5.5K
– P48 15″ x 6L
Tire, size:
– Standard 7.75 x 15 — 4 PR. 4-Ply Tubeless Rayon
– P92 7.75 x 15 — 4 PR. 4-Ply Whitewall Rayon
– T01 7.75 x 15 — 4 PR. 4-Ply Goldwall Nylon
Inflation (cold)
– Front 24 lbs.
– Rear 24 lbs.

Steering

Steering Specs
Type Semi-reversible, recirculating ball and nut steering gear with three-inch axial column adjustment; two-location steering arm-tie rod connection for street and fast ratio. Telescoping shaft steering available optionally.
Make Saginaw
Ratio (Gear) 16.0:1
Wheel Diameter (in.) 16
Turns, Stop to Stop
– Standard 3.4
– Power 2.92
Turning Diameter 39.9 ft. (outside front), 41.6 ft. (outside front)

1966 C2 Corvette

 

1966 Corvette Exterior Dimensions

Hard Top Dimensions

1966 Corvette Dimensions - Hard Top

Exterior Dimensions (Hardtop) Interior Dimensions (Hardtop)
Wheelbase: 98.0 Inches Headroom: 38.5 Inches
Overall Length: 175.1 Inches Shoulder Room: 48.4 Inches
Total Body Width: 69.6 Inches Hip Room: 50.9 Inches
Overall Height: 49.8 Inches Leg Room: 42.7 Inches
Front Track Width: 56.8 Inches
Rear Track Width: 57.6 Inches
Min. Ground Clearance 5.0 Inches

Soft Top Dimensions

1966 Corvette Dimensions - Soft Top

Exterior Dimensions (Soft Top) Interior Dimensions (Soft Top)
Wheelbase: 98.0 Inches Headroom: 38.5 Inches
Overall Length: 175.1 Inches Shoulder Room: 48.4 Inches
Total Body Width: 69.6 Inches Hip Room: 50.9 Inches
Overall Height: 49.8 Inches Leg Room: 42.7 Inches
Front Track Width: 56.8 Inches
Rear Track Width: 57.6 Inches
Min. Ground Clearance 5.0 Inches

Coupe Dimensions

1966 Corvette Dimensions - Coupe

Exterior Dimensions (Coupe) Interior Dimensions (Coupe)
Wheelbase: 98.0 Inches Headroom: 37.0 Inches
Overall Length: 175.1 Inches Shoulder Room: 48.4 Inches
Total Body Width: 69.6 Inches Hip Room: 50.9 Inches
Overall Height: 49.6 Inches Leg Room: 42.7 Inches
Front Track Width: 56.8 Inches
Rear Track Width: 57.6 Inches
Min. Ground Clearance 5.0 Inches

Capacities

Capacities
Passenger Capacity 2 – Driver & Passenger
Curb Weight (lbs) 3,160
– Convertible 3,168
– Convertible (with hardtop) 3,140
Interior Passenger Volume (cu. ft)
Interior Trunk Volume (cu. ft)
– Convertible 8.1 (Total volume 15.3)
– Coupe 10.6 (Total Volume 19.1)
Fuel Capacity (gallons): 20 (36 with RPO N03)
Engine Oil Capacity (qts.): 5 (capacity of carnkcase less filter – refill)
Coolant capacity without heater (qts.) 15.0 (22.0 with L36 and L72 engine)
Battery: 12 volt, 61AH

1966 C2 Corvette

1966 Corvette Performance Results

Performance Results Standard L79
3-Speed Transmission
Performance weight (lbs.) 3443 3446
Pounds/gross horsepower 11.48 9.84
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement 10.53 10.54
 Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement .917 1.070
 Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) 241.62 241.62
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) 140.39 140.23
 0 – 60 mph (seconds) 8.34
 Top Speed (mph) 115
4-Speed Transmission
 Performance weight (lbs.) 3436 3440
 Pounds/gross horsepower 11.45 9.83
 Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement 10.51 10.52
 Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement .917 1.070
 Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) 241.62 241.62
 Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) 140.64 142.13
 0 – 60 mph (seconds)
 Top Speed (mph)
Powerglide Transmission
Performance weight (lbs.) 3455
Pounds/gross horsepower 11.52
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement 10.57
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement .917
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) 241.62
 Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) 139.91
 0 – 60 mph (seconds)
Top Speed (mph)

 

Performance Results L36 L72
4-Speed Transmission
Performance weight (lbs.) 3612 3614
Pounds/gross horsepower 9.26 8.50
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement 8.46 8.46
 Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement .913 .995
 Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) 289.21 333.34
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) 160.14 184.47
 0 – 60 mph (seconds) 5.6
 Top Speed (mph) 134