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 Corvette Exterior Dimensions
Hard Top Dimensions
| 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
| 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
| 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 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 |
