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1979 Corvette Performance & Specifications

Powertrain, Steering, Brakes, Dimensions, & Suspension

1979 Corvette
The 1979 Corvette featured a revised rear ...

Mechanically, both the base L48 and optional L82 engines received a 5 horsepower increase due to a new “open flow” muffler design.  Additionally, the low restriction, dual snorkel air intake that had been introduced on the L82 engine was added to the L48 engine, which gave the base engine an additional 5 horsepower boost, resulting in an overall output of 195hp for the L48 and 225hp for the optional L82 engines, respectively.

Read More: 1979 Chevrolet Corvette Research Center

1979 Corvette Specifications

1979 Corvette Main Specs

MODEL: 1979 Chevrolet Corvette
BODY STYLE: Two-door coupe, front engine, rear wheel drive
MANUFACTURING LOCATION: St. Louis, Missouri
CONSTRUCTION: Uniconstruction: fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP or “fiberglass”) body, backboned by a steel cage outlining the passenger compartment. Principal members – underbody, front and rear end assemblies, dash panel and hinge pillars are bonded, riveted, or bolted together and to each other. Hood is plastic with bonded plastic reinforcement. Coupe: two removable roof panels and removable rear window. Frame: all welded, full length, ladder construction with 5 crossmembers. Side Rails and intermediate crossmembers box section; front crossmember box girder section. Eight body-mounting points.
VEHICLE NUMBERS (VIN):
1Z8789S400001 – 1Z8789S453807 (coupe)
ENGINE SUFFIX: ZAA: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL, EARLY PRODUCTION
ZAB: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC, EARLY PRODUCTION
ZAC: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC, CALIF. EMISSIONS, EARLY PRODUCTION
ZAD: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC, HIGH ALTITUDE
ZAF: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL
ZAH: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC
ZAJ: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS
ZBA: 350 CUBIC INCH, 225 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL
ZBB: 350 CUBIC INCH, 225 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC
ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER: 3970010: ALL
14016379: LATE PRODUCTION
HEAD NUMBER: 462624: ALL
CARBURETOR NUMBERS: ROCHESTER Q-jet #17059202, 17059217: 350 C.I., 195HP, AUTOMATIC
ROCHESTER Q-jet #17059203: 350 C.I., 195HP, MANUAL
ROCHESTER Q-jet #17059210: 350 C.I., 225HP, AUTOMATIC
ROCHESTER Q-jet #17059211: 350 C.I., 225HP, MANUAL
ROCHESTER Q-jet #17059216: 350 C.I., 195HP, AUTOMATIC, AIR CONDITIONING
ROCHESTER Q-jet #17059228: 350 C.I., 225HP, AUTOMATIC, AIR CONDITIONING
ROCHESTER Q-jet #17059502: 350 C.I., 195HP, AUTOMATIC. CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS
ROCHESTER Q-jet #17059504: 350 C.I., 195HP, AUTOMATIC., AIR COND. CALIF. EMISSIONS
ROCHESTER Q-jet #17059507: 350 C.I., 195HP, AUTOMATIC., AIR COND. CALIF.
DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER: 1103285: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195HP, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS
1103291: 350 CUBIC INCH, 225HP
1103302: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195HP
1103353: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195HP
ALTERNATOR NUMBER: 1101041, 1102394, 1102484: 350 CUBIC INCH
1102474, 1102908: 350 CUBIC INCH, AIR CONDITIONING
AXLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OM: 3.36:1 RATIO
OH: 3.55:1 RATIO
OJ: 3.70:1 RATIO
PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE: AUG., 1978: 400770, SEP., 1978: 404612, OCT., 1978: 409292, NOV., 1978: 413389, DEC., 1978: 416891, JAN., 1979: 421182, FEB., 1979: 425115, MAR., 1979: 429500, APR., 1979: 433259, MAY, 1979: 437626, JUNE, 1979: 441770, JULY, 1979: 445884, AUG., 1979: 450434, SEP., 1979: 453807

1979 Corvette Powertrain Specifications

Order Code L48 L82
Manufacturing Location Flint, Michigan Flint, Michigan
Type V-8 OHV V-8 OHV
Piston Displacement (Litres): 5.7 Litres 5.7 Litres
Cylinders 8 8
Compression Ratio: 8.2:1 8.9:1
Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Idling Speed
– Manual Trans. (In Neutral): 700 RPM 900 RPM
– Automatic Trans (In Drive): 500 RPM 700 RPM
(PSI) @ Cranking Speed, Engine Hot: 150 PSI 150 PSI
Powerplant Mount Locations: 2 front and 1 rear, compression type. 2 front and 1 rear, compression type.
Carburetor: 4-Barrel 4-Barrel
Power & Torque
Net Brake Horsepower @ RPM: 195 BHP @ 4000 RPM 225 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Net Torque (lb/ft) @ RPM: 285 lb/ft @ 3200 RPM
280 lb/ft @ 2400 RPM (Calif.)
270 lb/ft @ 3600 RPM
—–
Cylinder Block
– Material Cast Alloy Iron Cast Alloy Iron
– Bore Premium Premium
– Bore Spacing (Centerline to Centerline:) 3.9995 – 4.0025 3.9995 – 4.0025
– Bearing Caps (Number & Material): 4.4; 5 x Cast-Iron; 2-bolt, 4.4; No.1 & 5 (Cast-Iron, 2-bolt)
No. 2, 3, & 4 (Nodular Iron; 4-bolt)
– Water Jackets Full length around each cylinder Full length around each cylinder
Cylinder Head 
– Material High chrome cast alloy iron High chrome cast alloy iron
– Bolt Number 34 34
– Bolt Size .4375 diameter; 14 threads/inch .4375 diameter; 14 threads/inch
Inlet Manifold  
– Material Cast alloy iron Aluminum
– Type 8 port, double deck 8 port, double deck
Exhaust Manifold
– Material Cast Alloy Iron Cast Alloy Iron
– Type Dual, 4 port, exhaust emission to a single runner with center takedown collector. Dual, 4 port, exhaust emission to a single runner with center takedown collector.
– Outlet Diameter (Nominal): 2.50 2.50
Crankshaft  
– Material: .002 – .007 .002 – .007
– End Play: Nodular Cast Iron Nodular Cast Iron
– Counter Weights: 6 6
– Crank Arm Length: 1.74 1.74
– Torsional Damper: Sintered Iron Sintered Iron
– Timing Gear: Steel; sprocket and chain Steel; sprocket and chain
– Pulley Pitch Diameter: 6.64 6.64
Main Bearings   
– Material Premium Aluminum Premium Aluminum
– Type Precision Removable Precision Removable
Camshaft   
– Material Cast Alloy Iron Cast Alloy Iron
– Drive Chain Chain
– Gear Nylon Teeth with Aluminum Hub Nylon Teeth with Aluminum Hub
– Lobe Lift: .2600 (Inlet), .2733 (Exhaust) .3000 (Inlet), .3067 (Exhaust)
– Bearings: 5; Steel Backed Babbitt 5; Steel Backed Babbitt
Pistons  
– Material: Cast Aluminum Alloy Aluminum, Impact Extruded
– Head Type: Sump Flat, notched
– Skirt Type: Slipper Slipper
– Top Land Clearance: .0235 – .0325 .0305 – .0395
– Skirt Clearance: .0007 – .0017 .0046 – .0056
– Piston Pin Material: Chromium Steel Chromium Steel
– Pin Mounting: Locked in rod by shrink fit Locked in rod by shrink fit
Valve Timing (Crankshaft/Deg.)   
– Inlet Valve
— Opens – BTC: 28 degrees 52 degrees
— Closes – ABC: 72 degrees 114 degrees
— Duration: 280 degrees 346 degrees
– Exhaust Valve
— Opens – BTC: 78 degrees 98 degrees
— Closes – ABC: 30 degrees 62 degrees
— Duration: 288 degrees 340 degrees

1979 Corvette Manual Transmission/Gear Ratios

Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:
4-Speed (L48 & L82)
4-Speed Close Ratio (L82 ONLY)
Order Code:
RPO M20 (Included In Base Package)
RPO M21 (Optional)
Case Material: Aluminum Aluminum
Lubricant
– Type 80W or 80W90 Gear Lubricant 80W or 80W90 Gear Lubricant
– Capacity 3.4 pints 3.4 pints
Gears
– Type: Helical Helical
– Material: Forged Steel, Hardened Forged Steel, Hardened
– Synchronization: All Forward Gears All Forward Gears
– Constant Mesh Gear: All Forward Gears All Forward Gears
– Sliding Gears: Reverse Reverse
Gear Ratios 
– 1st Gear:
2.64:1
2.43:1
– 2nd Gear:
1.75:1
1.61:1
– 3rd Gear:
1.34:1
1.23:1
– 4th Gear:
1.00:1
1.00:1
– Reverse:
2.55:1
2.35:1

Clutch

Clutch Stats
Type Single Dry Disk Centrifugal
Spring Pressure (lbs) 2,100 – 2,300 (for L48) / 2,450-2,750 (for L82)
Lining area (sq. in.) 101.6 (for L48) / 123.7 (for L82)

Automatic Transmission

Transmission Type:
3 Speed Automatic Transmission L48 & L82
Order Code:
MX1
Type: Automatic hydraulic torque converter with compound planetary gear system – three forward speeds and reverse.
Case Material: Aluminum
Parking Lock Type: P (Park)-R (Reverse)-N (Neutral)-D (Drive)-L2 (Low 2)-L1 (Low 1)
Selector Lever Location: Center Floor Console
Lubricant
– Type Dexron II (at time of release.  Dexron III may also be used.)
– Capacity 20 Pints (Dry) / 8 Pints (Refill)
Clutches
– Type: Four, multiple disk
– Material: Steel with bonded organic facings (Drive Plates) / Flat Steel (Driven Plates)
– Forward Clutch: 5 each – Drive and Driven Plates
– Direct Clutch: 4 each – Drive and Driven Plates
– Intermediate Clutch: 3 each – Drive and Driven Plates
– Low & Reverse Clutch: 5 each – Drive and Driven Plates
– Release Spring Radial row steel coil
Planetary Gear Set
– Reaction Carrier Assembly:
4 Steel Pinion: gears
– Output Carrier Assembly::
4 Steel Pinion: gears
– Intermediate Band:
Circular Steel with Organic Lining
Range / Gear Ratios:
– D (Drive)
2.52:1 (first gear) – 1.52:1 (second gear) – 1.00:1 (third gear)
– L2 (Low Two): 2.52:1 (first gear) – 1.52:1 (second gear)
– L1 (Low One): 2.52:1 (first gear)
– R (Reverse):
1.93:1

1979 Corvette Wheels, Suspension & Brakes

Frame & Front Suspension

All welded, full length, ladder constructed frame with five (5) cross-members.  Side rails and intermediate cross-members box section; front crossmember box girder section.  Eight (8) body mounting points.

Independent, SLA type, coil springs with center mounted shock absorbers, spherical joint steering knuckle pivots.

Front Suspension
Wheel Travel (Design):
– Total: 7.70
– Jounce: 4.76
– Rebound: 2.94
Wheel to spring, travel ratio: 1.92:1
Control Arms Reinforced steel stamping with pre-loaded steel encased rubber bushings at pivot
Shock Absorbers
– Type: Direct, double acting, hydraulic
– Piston Diameter: 1.00
Stabilizer Bar
– Type: Link
– Material: HR Steel
– Diameter: 0.875
– Bushing Material: Rubber
Front Wheel Alignment (Curb)
– Camber (degrees): P0.709 +/- 1/2
– Caster (degrees): P2.405 +/- 1/2
– Toe-in (total): 0 +/- 1.32
– Steering Axis Inclination (degrees): 7.683 @ 5° camber

Rear Axle & Rear Suspension

Fixed differential housing hypoid ring and pinion gear set, tubular articulating inner axle shafts and short solid outer shafts with integral drive flange, independently sprung rear wheels.
Full independent with frame-anchored differential.  Position of each wheel established by 3 links; tubular axle drive shafts, transverse strut rods,and torque control arms.  Vertical suspension loads taken by transverse leaf spring.  Built-in camber adjustment at strut rod inner ends.
Rear Suspension
Shock Absorbers
– Type: Direct, double-acting, hydraulic
– Piston Diameter: 1.00
Wheel Travel
– Total 6.50 inches
– Jounce 3.70 inches
– Rebound 2.80 inches
Rear Spring
– Type: Variable rate, 10-leaf
– Material: Chrome carbon steel, heat treated
– Length (between eye centers): 48.60 inches
– Width: 2.50 inches
– Design Load (lbs @ camber): [email protected]
Rear Wheel Alignment (Curb)
– Camber (degrees): N7/8 +/- 1/4
– Toe-in (total): 0 +/- 1/32

Brakes

Brake Specs
Brake Type: Disc Front and Rear; Power Assist Std.
System: 4-wheel caliper disc brake dual hydraulic system with pressure differential and warning light.
Front Brakes:
-Type: Double faced disc spaced by integrally cast radial cooling passages.
– Material: Cast Iron
– Diameter and Width: 11.75 in. x 1.25 in.
– Lining Material: Molded asbestos (NOTE: Factory specified material.)
– Method of Attachment: Riveted.
Rear Brake
-Type: Double faced disc spaced by integrally cast radial cooling passages.
– Material: Cast Iron
– Diameter and Width: 11.75 in. x 1.25 in.
– Lining Material: Molded asbestos (NOTE: Factory specified material.)
– Method of Attachment: Riveted.
Parking Brake
– Type: Drums; inboard of disc rotors on axle shafts.  Internal expanding shoes, mechanically actuated.
– Control: Lever; floor mounted between bucket seats.

Steering

Steering Specs
Steering Wheel
– Wheel Type: 4-Spoke with center horn button.
– Diameter: 14.75 in. x 14.25 in.
Steering Gear
– Type: Integral, recirculating ball nut with hydraulic pressure provided from a vane type pump.
– Ratio: 16.1:1
– Overall Ratio: 17.6:1
– Wheel Turns, Lock to Lock: 2.92
Turning Diameters
– Outside Front, Wall to Wall: 38.6
– Outside Front, Curb to Curb: 37.0
– Inside Rear, Wall to Wall: 11.4
– Inside Rear, Curb to Curb: 10.5
– Manual 3.4
– Power 2.92
Turning Diameter 37 ft. (outside front), 38.6 ft. (outside front)

Wheels & Tires

Wheels & Tires Specs
Wheels
– Type: Short spoke spider, welded steel
– Attachment to Hub: 5 hex nuts, 7/16-20 UNF 2-B, arranged on a 4.75 dia. bolt circle.
– Offset: N-0.50
– Rim Size: 15 x 8.00
– Spare: 15 x 5.00
Tires (Standard)
– Construction: Steel belted radial
– Size and Ply Rating: P225/70R15
– Sidewall (Base): Blackwall
– Sidewall (Optional): White Letter
Tires (Optional)
– Construction: Aramid fabric belted radial
– Size: P255/60R15
– Sidewall: White Letter

1979 Corvette

1979 Corvette Exterior Dimensions

Coupe Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions (Coupe) Interior Dimensions (Coupe)
Wheelbase: 98.0 Inches Headroom: 36.8 Inches
Overall Length: 185.2 Inches Shoulder Room: 47.5 Inches
Total Body Width: 69.0 Inches Hip Room: 49.9 Inches
Overall Height: 48.0 Inches Leg Room: 42.1 Inches
Front Track Width: 58.7 Inches
Rear Track Width: 59.5 Inches
Min. Ground Clearance 4.3 Inches

Capacities

Capacities
Passenger Capacity 2 – Driver & Passenger
Curb Weight (lbs) 3,519
Interior Passenger Volume (cu. ft) 8.4
Interior Trunk Volume (cu. ft) 24 (approximately)
Fuel Capacity (gallons): 23.7
Coolant capacity without heater (qts.) 21.6 (automatic transmission)
20.7 (manual transmission)
Battery: 12 Volt, 3,500 Watts (Standard)
12 Volt, 4,000 Watts (Heavy Duty)
Generator Output: 42 Amps

1979 Corvette

1979 Corvette Performance Results

4-Speed Transmission
L48 L82
Performance weight (lbs.)
3801 3808
Pounds/net horsepower
19.49 16.92
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement
10.86 10.88
Net horsepower/cu.in. displacement
.557 .643
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile)
258.6 284.8
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile)
136.1 149.6
0 – 60 mph (seconds)
Top Speed (mph)
Quarter Mile (secs @ mph)

 

3-Speed Transmission
L48 L82
Performance weight (lbs.)
3818 3825
Pounds/net horsepower
19.58 17.00
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement
10.91 10.93
Net horsepower/cu.in. displacement
.557 .643
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile)
273.2 273.2
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile)
143.1 142.9
0 – 60 mph (seconds)
7.3
Top Speed (mph)
132
Quarter Mile (secs @ mph)
15.6 @ 91

1979 Corvette