1978 CORVETTE

General Specifications

Chasis:

Wheelbase: 98"

Overall Length: 185.2"

Tire Size:

Standard: P225/70R15"

Optional: P225/60R15

Body Data:

Sting Ray, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Fastback Coupe, 2 Passenger, Series #1Y; Body #Z87

Base Price: $9,446; Shipping Weight: 3,401 Pounds;

Production Total: 40,275

8 Cylinder Engine Specifications:

175 HP Engine:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 4.00" x 3.48"

Engine Displacement: 350 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 8.2 to 1;

Taxable Horsepower: 51.23

Horsepower: 175 @ 3,800 RPM

Maximum Torque: 265 Ft Lbs @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 32-40 PSI

One, 4 Barrel Carburetor

185 HP Engine:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 4.00" x 3.48"

Engine Displacement: 350 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 8.2 to 1;

Taxable Horsepower: 51.23

Horsepower: 185 @ 4,000 RPM

Maximum Torque: 280 Ft Lbs @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 32-40 PSI

One, 4 Barrel Carburetor

220 HP Engine:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 4.00" x 3.48"

Engine Displacement: 350 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 8.9 to 1;

Taxable Horsepower: 51.23

Horsepower: 220 @ 5,200 RPM

Maximum Torque: 260 Ft Lbs @ 3,600 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 32-40 PSI

One, 4 Barrel Carburetor

Available Axle Ratios:

3.36:1; 3.08:1; 3.55:1; 3.70:1

1978 CORVETTE

Tune Up Specifications:

8 Cylinder 350 Cu. In. Engine, except High Performance & California:

Spark Plug: AC R45TS

Spark Plug Gap .045"

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing:

Manual Transmission: 6 Degrees BTDC on Damper

Automatic Transmission: 6 Degrees BTDC on Damper

Engine Idle Speed:

Standard Transmission: 700 RPM

Automatic Transmission:

Except High Altitude: 500 RPM in Drive; 600 RPM with Idle Solenoid Energized

High Altitude: 600 RPM in Drive; 650 RPM with Idle Solenoid Energized

Fast Idle Speed:

Standard Transmission: 1,300 RPM

Automatic Transmission: 1,600 RPM

Fuel Pump Pressure: 7-1/2 to 9 PSI

8 Cylinder 350 Cu. In. Engine, High Altitude, except High Performance. :

Spark Plug: AC R45TS

Spark Plug Gap .045"

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing:

Automatic Transmission: 8 Degrees BTDC on Damper

Engine Idle Speed:

Automatic Transmission: 600 RPM in Drive; 650 RPM with Idle Solenoid Energized

Fast Idle Speed:

Automatic Transmission: 1,600 RPM

Fuel Pump Pressure: 7-1/2 to 9 PSI

8 Cylinder 350 Cu. In. Engine, High Performance:

Spark Plug: AC R45TS

Spark Plug Gap .045"

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing:

Manual Transmission: 12 Degrees BTDC on Damper

Automatic Transmission: 12 Degrees BTDC on Damper

Engine Idle Speed:

Standard Transmission: 800 RPM

Automatic Transmission: 700 RPM in Drive; 800 RPM with Idle Solenoid Energized

Fast Idle Speed:

Standard Transmission: 1,300 RPM

Automatic Transmission: 1,600 RPM

Fuel Pump Pressure: 7-1/2 to 9 PSI

Valve Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, 350 Cu. In.:

Operating (Tappet) Clearance, Hot:

Intake: 1 Turn

Exhaust: 1 Turn

Valve Seat Angle:

Seat: 46 Degrees

Face 45 Degrees

Valve Spring Height Installed:

Intake: 1-23/32"

Exhaust: 1-19/32"

Valve Spring Pressure:

Intake: 200 Lbs @ 1.25:

Exhaust: 200 Lbs. @ 1.16"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.0027"

Exhaust .0012"-.0027"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3410"-.3417"

Exhaust: .3410"-.3417"

Pistons, Pins, Rings, Crankshaft, & Bearings Data:

8 Cylinder Engine, 350 Cu. In., 175 & 185 H.P.:

Piston Clearance: .0007"-.0017"

Ring End Gap:

Compression: .010"

Oil: .015

Wrist Pin Diameter: .9272"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.0986"-2.0998"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0013"-.0035"

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter:

Front: 2.4484"-2.4493"

Intermediate: 2.4481"-2.4490"

Rear: 2.4479"-2.4488"

Main Bearing Clearance:

Front: .0008"-.0020"

Intermediate:: .0011"-.0023"

Rear: .0017"-.0033"

Thrust on Rear Bearing: #5

Crankshaft End Play: .002"-.006"

8 Cylinder Engine, 350 Cu. In., 220 H.P.:

Piston Clearance: .0046"-.0056"

Ring End Gap:

Compression: .010"

Oil: .015

Wrist Pin Diameter: .9272"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.0986"-2.0998"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0013"-.0035"

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter:

Front: 2.4484"-2.4493"

Intermediate: 2.4481"-2.4490"

Rear: 2.4479"-2.4488"

Main Bearing Clearance:

Front: .0008"-.0020"

Intermediate:: .0011"-.0023"

Rear: .0017"-.0033"

Thrust on Rear Bearing: #5

Crankshaft End Play: .002"-.006"

Capacities:

350 Cu. In. Engine:

Cooling System:

With Heater: 21 Quarts

With Air Conditioning: 21 Quarts

Radiator Cap Pressure:

With Air Conditioning: 15 PSI

Without Air Conditioning: 15 PSI

Thermostat Opening Temperature: 195 Degrees

Fuel Tank: 23.7 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts with New Filter

Transmission Oil:

4 Speed Manual: 3 Pints

Automatic Transmission: 10 Quarts

Rear Axle: 3-3/4 Pints

Engine Tightening Specifications:

350 Cu. In. 8 Cylinder:

Spark Plugs: 15 Ft. Lbs

Cylinder Head Bolts: 65 Ft. Lbs.

Intake Manifold: 30 Ft. Lbs.

Exhaust Manifold:

Outside Bolts: 20 Ft. Lbs

Inside Bolts: 30 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Shaft Stud: 50 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Cover: 45 Inch Lbs.

Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 45 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 70 Ft. Lbs.

Flywheel to Crankshaft: 60 Ft. Lbs

Vibration Damper: 60 Ft. Lbs.

Alternators:

8 Cylinder Engine:

#1102474

Rated Hot Output: 61 Amperes

Field Current @ 12 Volts, 80 Degrees: 4.0-4.5 Volts

Output @ 14 Volts, 5,000 RPM: 57 Amperes

Voltage Regulator: Integral

#1102484

Rated Hot Output: 42 Amperes

Field Current @ 12 Volts, 80 Degrees: 4.0-4.5 Volts

Output @ 14 Volts, 5,000 RPM: 38 Amperes

Voltage Regulator: Integral

Distributors:

8 Cylinder Engine:

#1103285

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 0 Degrees @ 600 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 6 Degrees @ 1,000 RPM

Full Advance: 11 Degrees @ 2,200 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger: 4"

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 5 Degrees @ 8" Vacuum

#1103291

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 0 Degrees @ 600 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 6-1/2 Degrees @ 800 RPM

Full Advance: 8 Degrees @ 1,000 RPM

#1103337

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 0 Degrees @ 550 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 6 Degrees @ 800 RPM

Full Advance: 8 Degrees @ 1,200 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger: 4"

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 12 Degrees @ 10" Vacuum

#1103353

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 0 Degrees @ 550 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 6 Degrees @ 800 RPM

Full Advance: 8 Degrees @ 1,200 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger: 4"

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 10 Degrees @ 10" Vacuum

Starting Motors:

8 Cylinder, 350 Cu. In. Engine:

#1109052, 1109059

No Load Test: 65-95 Amps, 9 Volts @ 7,500-10,500 RPM

Brake Specifications:

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Disk Brake:

Front 1-7/8"

Rear: 1-3/8"

Master Cylinder Bore:

Manual Disc Brakes: 1-1/8"

Power Disc Brakes: 1-1/8"

Rear Axle Specifications:

Carrier Type: Integral

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash:

Method: Check with Dial Gauge

Adjustment: .005"-.008"

Pinion Bearing Preload:

Method: Spacer

New Bearing Adjustment: 20-25 Inch Lbs.

Used Bearing Adjustment: 5-10 Inch Lbs.

Differential Bearing Preload:

Method: Shims

New Bearing Adjustment: .010"

Used Bearing Adjustment: .010"

Wheel Alignment Specifictions:

Front Wheel Alignment:

Caster: + 2-1/4 Degrees

Camber: +3/4 Degrees

Toe In: 3/16 to 5/16""

Rear Wheel Alignment:

Camber: +7/8 Degrees

Toe In: -1/32" to +1/32"

Carburetor Types:

8 Cylinder Engines:

Rochester Quadrajet M4M:

Carburetor #17058202, 17058204

Float Level: 15/32"

Pump Rod:

Hole: Inner

Adjustment: 9/32"

Fast Idle, Bench Adjustment: 3 Turns

Choke Coil Lever: .120"

Choke Rod: 46 Degrees

Vacuum Break:

Front: 30 Degrees

Rear: --

Air Valve Dashpot: .015"

Choke Setting: 2 Lean

Choke Unloader: 42 Degrees

Air Valve Valve Spring Wind-Up: 7/8"

Rochester Quadrajet M4M:

Carburetor #17058203

Float Level: 15/32"

Pump Rod:

Hole: Inner

Adjustment: 9/32"

Fast Idle, Bench Adjustment: 3 Turns

Choke Coil Lever: .120"

Choke Rod: 46 Degrees

Vacuum Break:

Front: 30 Degrees

Rear: ---

Air Valve Dashpot: .015"

Choke Setting: 3 Lean

Choke Unloader: 42 Degrees

Air Valve Valve Spring Wind-Up: 7/8"

Rochester Quadrajet M4M:

Carburetor #17058210, 17058228

Float Level: 15/32"

Pump Rod:

Hole: Inner

Adjustment: 9/32"

Fast Idle, Bench Adjustment: 3 Turns

Choke Coil Lever: .120"

Choke Rod: 46 Degrees

Vacuum Break:

Front: 33 Degrees

Rear: ---

Air Valve Dashpot: .015"

Choke Setting: 2 Lean

Choke Unloader: 42 Degrees

Air Valve Valve Spring Wind-Up: 1"

Rochester Quadrajet M4M:

Carburetor #17058211

Float Level: 15/32"

Pump Rod:

Hole: Inner

Adjustment: 9/32"

Fast Idle, Bench Adjustment: 3 Turns

Choke Coil Lever: .120"

Choke Rod: 46 Degrees

Vacuum Break:

Front: 33 Degrees

Rear: ---

Air Valve Dashpot: .015"

Choke Setting: 3 Lean

Choke Unloader: 42 Degrees

Air Valve Valve Spring Wind-Up: 1

Rochester Quadrajet M4M:

Carburetor #1708502

Float Level: 15/32"

Pump Rod:

Hole: Inner

Adjustment: 9/32"

Fast Idle, Bench Adjustment: 3 Turns

Choke Coil Lever: .120"

Choke Rod: 46 Degrees

Vacuum Break:

Front: 31 Degrees

Rear: ---

Air Valve Dashpot: .015"

Choke Setting: 2 Lean

Choke Unloader: 42 Degrees

Air Valve Valve Spring Wind-Up: 7/8"

Carburetor #17058502, 17058504

Float Level: 15/32"

Pump Rod:

Hole: Inner

Adjustment: 9/32"

Fast Idle, Bench Adjustment: 3 Turns

Choke Coil Lever: .120"

Choke Rod: 46 Degrees

Vacuum Break:

Front: 33 Degrees

Rear: ---

Air Valve Dashpot: .015"

Choke Setting: 2 Lean

Choke Unloader: 42 Degrees

Air Valve Valve Spring Wind-Up: 7/8"

VIN Numbers:

1Z38L8S400001 - 1Z87L8S440274

Popular Options:

Pace Car Option; Power Windows; Power Door Locks; Silver Anniversary Paint; Removable Glass Roof Panels; Rear Defogger; Air Conditioning; Sport Mirrors; Gymknhana Suspension; Cruise Control; Automatic Transmission; 4 Speed Manual Transmission; Tilt & Telescopic Steering Column; AM-FM Radio; AM-FM Stereo Radio; AM-FM Stereo Radio with 8 Track Tape Player; AM-FM Stereo Radio with CB; Power Antenna; Aluminum Wheels; Trailer Towing Package; Luggage & Roof Rack; Convenience Group, Heavy Duty Battery; Engine Options.

Paint Colors:

Code Color

10 Classic White

13 Silver

13/07 Silver Anniversary

19 Black

26 Corvette Light Blue

52 CorvetteYellow

59 Corvette Light Beige

72 Corvette Red

82 Corvette Mahogany

83 Corvette Dark Blue

89 Corvette Dark Brown

1978 Corvette Promotional Model Cars Available:

Plastic: Corvette Sting Ray Coupe with Silver Anniversary Trim

Corvette Sting Ray Coupe with no Trim

1978 Corvette Historical Data:

1978 Corvette model year introduction date was on October 6, 1977.

Model Year Production: 46,776 Cars of which 6,502 were Pace Cars.

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