The arrival of the 1968 Corvette occurred at a time when the world, much like the Corvette itself, was struggling to find an identity of its own amidst political, social, and financial turbulence.
For its own part, General Motors had recognized that skyrocketing gas prices and performance-car insurance premiums coupled with spiraling inflation made purchasing and owning a Corvette increasingly expensive for future consumers.
Read More: 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Research Center.
1968 Corvette Specifications
| MODEL: | 1968 Chevrolet Corvette |
| BODY STYLE: | Two-door convertible/coupe, front engine, rear wheel drive |
| MANUFACTURING LOCATION: | St. Louis, Missouri |
| CONSTRUCTION: | Uni Construction: 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. The Hood is plastic with bonded plastic reinforcement. Coupe: two removable roof panels and a removable rear window. Frame: all welded, full length, ladder construction with 5 crossmembers. Side Rails and intermediate cross members box section; front crossmember box girder section. Eight body-mounting points. |
| VEHICLE NUMBERS (VIN): | 194378S400001 – 194378S428566 |
| ENGINE SUFFIX: | HE: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300 HP, MANUAL TRANS HO: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300 HP, AUTOMATIC TRANS HP: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350 HP, MANUAL TRANS, AIR CONDITION, POWER STEERING HT: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350 HP, MANUAL TRANS IL: 427 CUBIC INCH, 390 HP, MANUAL TRANS IM: 427 CUBIC INCH, 400 HP, MANUAL TRANS IO: 427 CUBIC INCH, 400 HP, AUTOMATIC TRANS IR: 427 CUBIC INCH, 435 HP, MANUAL TRANS IT: 427 CUBIC INCH, 430 HP (L88), MANUAL TRANS, ALUMINUM HEADS IU: 427 CUBIC INCH, 435 HP, MANUAL TRANS, ALUMINUM HEADS |
| ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER: | 3914678, 327 CUBIC INCH, 327 CUBIC INCH, 300 HP, 350HP 3916321, 427 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, 400HP, 430HP, 435HP 3935439, 427 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, 400HP, 430HP, 435HP |
| HEAD NUMBER: | 3917215, 427 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, 400HP 3917291, 327 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, 350HP 3917292, 327 CUBIC INCH, 350HP 3919840, 427 CUBIC INCH, 435HP, IRON HEAD 3919842, 427 CUBIC INCH, 430HP, 435HP, ALUMINUM HEAD |
| CARBURETOR NUMBERS: | ROCHESTER Q-jet #7028207: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, MANUAL TRANS ROCHESTER Q-jet #7028208: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, AUTO TRANS ROCHESTER Q-jet #7028209: 427 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, MANUAL TRANS ROCHESTER Q-jet #7028216: 427 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, AUTO TRANS ROCHESTER Q-jet #7028219: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350HP, MANUAL TRANS HOLLEY R3659A #3902353: 427 CUBIC INCH, 400HP, 435HP HOLLEY R4054A #3925519: 427 CUBIC INCH, 430HP (L88) HOLLEY R4055A #3925517: 427 CUBIC INCH, 400HP, 435HP HOLLEY R4055-1A #3940929: 427 CUBIC INCH, 400HP, 435HP HOLLEY R4056A #3902516: 427 CUBIC INCH, 400HP, AUTOMATIC |
| DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER: | 1111194: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300HP 1111293: 427 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, 400HP 1111294: 427 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, 400HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION 1111295: 427 CUBIC INCH, 430HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION 1111296: 427 CUBIC INCH, 435HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION 1111438: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350HP 1111441: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION 1111475: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION 1111477: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350HP |
| ALTERNATOR NUMBER: | 1100693: 300HP, 350HP, 390HP, 400HP 1100696: 350HP, 390HP, 400HP, 430HP, 435HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION 1100750: ALL ENGINES WITH AIR CONDITIONING |
| AXLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER | AK: 3.36:1 RATIO, 3-SPEED, 4-SPEED TRANSMISSION AS: 3.70:1 RATIO, 4-SPEED TRANSMISSION |
|
POSITRACTION AXLE:
|
AL: 3.08:1 RATIO, 3-SPEED, 4-SPEED, & TURBO HYDRA-MATIC
AM: 3.36:1 RATIO, 3-SPEED, 4-SPEED TRANSMISSION AN: 3.55:1 RATIO, 4-SPEED TRANSMISSION AO: 3.70:1 RATIO, 4-SPEED TRANSMISSION AP: 4.11:1 RATIO, 4-SPEED TRANSMISSION AY: 2.73:1 RATIO, TURBO HYDRA-MATIC TRANSMISSION |
| PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE: | SEP. 1967: 400905, OCT. 1967: 403410, NOV. 1967: 405682, DEC. 1967:407922, JAN. 1968: 410386, FEB. 1968: 412647, MAR. 1968: 415000, APR. 1968: 417676, MAY 1968: 420928, JUN. 1968: 423978, AUG. 1968: 428566 |
1968 Corvette Powertrain Specifications
| Order Code | Standard | L79 | L36 |
| Manufacturing Location | Flint, Michigan | Flint, Michigan | Flint, Michigan |
| Type | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head |
| Cylinders | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Displacement (cid) | 327 | 327 | 427 |
| Fuel Induction System | Carburetor | Carburetor | Carburetor |
| Horsepower | 300 @ 5,000 | 350 @ 5,800 | 390 @ 5,400 |
| Torque | 360 @ 3,200 | 360 @ 3,600 | 460 @ 3,600 |
| Bore x Stroke (in.) | 4.00 x 3.26 | 4.00 x 3.26 | 4.251 x 3.76 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 | 10.25:1 |
| Firing Order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | 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 | 1-3-5-7 |
| Cylinder Number System (Right) | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium | Premium | Premium |
| Order Code | L68 | L71 | L88 |
| Manufacturing Location | Flint, Michigan | Flint, Michigan | Flint, Michigan |
| Type | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head |
| Cylinders | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Displacement (cid) | 427 | 427 | 427 |
| Fuel Induction System | Carburetor | Carburetor | Carburetor |
| Horsepower | 400 @ 5,400 | 435 @ 5,800 | 430 @ 5,200 |
| Torque | 400 @ 3,600 | 460 @ 4,000 | 485 @ 4,000 |
| Bore x Stroke (in.) | 4.251 x 3.76 | 4.251 x 3.76 | 4.251 x 3.76 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.25:1 | 11.0:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Firing Order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | 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 | 1-3-5-7 |
| Cylinder Number System (Right) | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium | Premium | 103 RON Minimum |
1968 Corvette Manual Transmission/Gear Ratios
Manual Transmission
| Gear Ratios | 3-Speed |
4-Speed (RPO M20)
|
4-Speed Close Ratio (RPO M21)
|
4-Speed Heavy Duty (RPO M22)
|
|
1st Gear:
|
2.54:1
|
2.52:1
|
2.20:1
|
2.20:1 |
|
2nd Gear:
|
1.50:1
|
1.88:1
|
1.64:1
|
1.64:1 |
|
3rd Gear:
|
1.00:1
|
1.46:1
|
1.27:1
|
1.27:1 |
|
4th Gear:
|
N/A
|
1.00:1
|
1.00:1
|
1.00:1 |
|
Reverse:
|
2.63:1
|
2.59:1
|
2.26:1
|
2.26:1 |
Clutch
| Clutch | Stats |
| Type | Three, Multi-disk |
| Spring Pressure (lbs) | 2100 – 2300 Std. (2300 – 2600 with RPO L79) (2450 – 2750 with RPO L36 and L68) (2600 – 2800 with RPO L71) |
| Lining area (sq. in.) | 101.54 Standard and L79 (123.70 for RPO L36, L68, and L71) |
Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission RPO M40/ Gear Ratios
| Gear | Drive | L2 | L1 | Reverse |
| 1st Gear | 2.48:1 | 2.48:1 | 2.48:1 | N/A |
| 2nd Gear | 1.48:1 | 1.48:1 | N/A | N/A |
| 3rd Gear | 1.00:1 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Reverse | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.08 |
1968 Corvette Wheels, Suspension & Brakes
Suspension – Front
Type and Description: Independent, SLA type, coil springs with center mounted shock absorbers, spherical joint steering knuckle pivots.
| Front Coil Springs | |
| Make & Type | Right-hand Helix Variable rate |
| Material | Steel Alloy |
| Part Number | 3931823, 3931825 |
| Spring Rate (lb. per in.) | 250 (284) |
| Rate at Wheel (lb. per in.) | – |
| Design Load at Spring | 9.99 in. @ 1395 lbs. (9.99 in. @ 1540 lbs. |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | |
| Type | Link |
| Material | Hot rolled steel |
| Diameter | .750 with 327ci engine, .9375 with 427ci engine |
Suspension – Back
Type and Description: Full Independent rear suspension with frame-anchored differential unit. Position of each wheel established by three links: tubular axle drive shafts, transverse strut rods, torque control arms. Vertical suspension loads taken by transverse leaf springs. Built-in camber adjustment at strut rod inner ends.
| 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 |
| Piston Diameter | 1.00 |
| Rear Strut | |
| Material | Forged Steel |
| Diameter | 0.75 |
Brakes
| Brake Specs | |
| Type: | – |
| – Standard | Caliper Disk – 4 Wheel Hydraulic |
| – J50 | Delco-Moraine Vacuum Assisted Powered Brakes |
| Drum diameter, front (in.): | 11.75 x 1.25 |
| Drum diameter, rear (in.): | 11.75 x 1.25 |
| Swept Drum Area Effective area: | 461.2 |
Wheels & Tires
| Wheels & Tires Specs | |
| Wheel Type: | |
| – Standard | Short spoke spider, welded steel |
| – P48 | Ribbed integral casting, aluminum, quick take-off |
| Wheels, size: | |
| – Standard | 15″ x 7.00 |
| Tire, size: | |
| – Standard | F70 x 15 — 4 PR. 2-Ply Tubeless Rayon |
| – PT6 | F70 x 15 — 4 PR, 2-Ply Red Stripe Nylon |
| – PT7 | F70 x 15 — 4 PR, 2-Ply White Stripe 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 | 37 ft. (outside front), 39 ft. (outside front) |
1968 Corvette Exterior Dimensions
Hard Top Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Hardtop) | Interior Dimensions (Hardtop) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 98.0 Inches | Headroom: | 37.1 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 182.1 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 46.9 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 69.2 Inches | Hip Room: | 48.8 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 47.9 Inches | Leg Room: | 43.0 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 58.3 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 59.0 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 4.9 Inches | ||
Soft Top Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Soft Top) | Interior Dimensions (Soft Top) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 98.0 Inches | Headroom: | 37.1 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 182.1 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 46.9 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 69.2 Inches | Hip Room: | 48.8 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 47.9 Inches | Leg Room: | 43.0 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 58.3 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 59.0 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 4.9 Inches | ||
Coupe Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Coupe) | Interior Dimensions (Coupe) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 98.0 Inches | Headroom: | 36.2 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 182.1 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 46.9 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 69.6 Inches | Hip Room: | 48.8 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 47.8 Inches | Leg Room: | 43.0 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 58.3 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 59.0 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 4.9 Inches | ||
Capacities
| Capacities | |
| Passenger Capacity | 2 – Driver & Passenger |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,220 |
| – Convertible | 3,268 |
| – Convertible (with hardtop) | 3,210 |
| Interior Passenger Volume (cu. ft) | – |
| Interior Trunk Volume (cu. ft) | 20 |
| Fuel Capacity (gallons): | 20 |
| Coolant capacity without heater (qts.) | 21.0 with L36, L68, and L71 |
| Battery: | 12 volt, 62AH |
1968 Corvette Performance Results
|
3-Speed Transmission
|
Standard
|
L79 | L36 | L68 | L71 |
|
Performance weight (lbs.)
|
3510
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Pounds/gross horsepower
|
11.70
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement
|
10.37
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement
|
.917
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile)
|
243.52
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile)
|
138.76
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
0 – 60 mph (seconds)
|
—
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Top Speed (mph)
|
—
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
4-Speed Transmission
|
Standard
|
L79 | L36 | L68 | L71 |
|
Performance weight (lbs.)
|
3510
|
3516
|
3682
|
3686
|
3653
|
|
Pounds/gross horsepower
|
11.70
|
10.05
|
9.44
|
9.21
|
8.40
|
|
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement
|
10.37
|
10.75
|
8.62
|
8.63
|
8.55
|
|
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement
|
.917
|
1.070
|
.913
|
937
|
1.019
|
|
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile)
|
243.52
|
243.52
|
291.50
|
291.50
|
335.98
|
|
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile)
|
139.00
|
138.52
|
158.34
|
158.16
|
184.00
|
|
0 – 60 mph (seconds)
|
8.6
|
7.1
|
N/A
|
6.1
|
6.3
|
|
Top Speed (mph)
|
128
|
117
|
N/A
|
145.7
|
160
|
|
3-Speed Transmission
|
Standard
|
L79 | L36 | L68 | L71 |
|
Performance weight (lbs.)
|
3457
|
N/A
|
3632
|
9.08
|
N/A
|
|
Pounds/gross horsepower
|
11.52
|
N/A
|
9.31
|
8.51
|
N/A
|
|
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement
|
10.37
|
N/A
|
8.51
|
.937
|
N/A
|
|
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement
|
.917
|
N/A
|
.913
|
315.09
|
N/A
|
|
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile)
|
241.30
|
N/A
|
315.09
|
173.51
|
N/A
|
|
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile)
|
139.64
|
N/A
|
173.51
|
N/A
|
|
|
0 – 60 mph (seconds)
|
—
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
||
|
Top Speed (mph)
|
—
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
