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 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 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 |
