1966 Corvette Resources

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1966 Corvette Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes

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1966 Corvette:

1966 Corvette Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1966 Corvette Facts

In a big change, the emphasis for 1966 at Corvette was on the big block V-8, now at 427 CID. The engine came in two forms: 390 HP with 10.25:1 compression, and 425 HP at 11:1 compression. The 425 HP engine had larger intake valves, a larger Holley four-barrel carburetor on a high rise aluminum manifold, mechanical lifters, and four main bearing caps. Though it was listed with no more horsepower than the previous high-compression 396 CID V-8, the 425 HP version was under-rated and packed a lot more torque – 460 lb⋅ft versus. 415 lb⋅ft. The new  390 HP version also delivered that same 460 lbs. ft., but at a lower 3600 RPM.  The new 425 HP version had estimates of up to 450 HP as being closer to the truth. It was a monster engine in a fairly light body!

With big-block V8s being touted, there was less demand for the 327 CID versions, so offerings were cut from five to two for 1966, with only the 300 and 350 HP versions retained. The pedestrian 250 HP engine was shelved – as was the peaky 365 HP version. The remaining 327 CID versions still required premium fuel due to compression ratios over 10.0:1, and their performance was impressive all the same. Only the 300 HP version could be teamed with the Powerglide automatic transmission and the standard three-speed manual. All engines, regardless of power rating, could be had with the four-speed manual transmission.

The 1966 model’s front fascia was mildly altered with an egg-crate grille insert to replace the previous horizontal bars. The coupe lost its roof-mounted extractor vents, which had proven inefficient were also deleted. All Corvettes received a script “Corvette” emblem in the left-hand corner of the hood this year. Head rests were a new option.

The relative lack of change were more about refinement and increased performance. The lack of many new features did not reflect a fall-off in the car’s popularity, as more people opted for the higher performance big blocks. 1966 would prove to be another record-busting year, with volume rising to 27,720 units, up about 4,200 over 1965 sales.

1966 Corvette Facts – Powertrains

• Transmission Ratios
  
  • 300 HP Only – Three-Speed Manual Transmission – First: 2.54:1, Second: 1.50:1, Third 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.58:1.
  • 300 HP Four-Speed Manual Transmission – First: 2.52:1, Second: 1.88:1, Third 1.46:1, Fourth: 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.64:1.
  • 350-390-425 HP Four-Speed Close Ratio Manual Transmission – First: 2.20:1, Second: 1.64:1, Third 1.28:1, Fourth: 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.26:1.
  • 350-390-425 HP Four-Speed Manual Transmission – First: 2.52:1, Second: 1.88:1, Third 1.46:1, Fourth: 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.59:1.
  • 300 HP Only – Two-Speed Powerglide Transmission – Low: 1.76:1, Direct: 1.00:1. Reverse: 1.76:1.
• Rear Axle Ratios
  

Manual Transmissions –
– 300 HP Three Speed: 3.36:1.
– 300 HP 4-Speed: 3.36:1.
– 350  HP Close Ratio Four-speed: 3.70:1.
– 350  HP Wide Ratio Four-speed: 3.36:1.
– 390  HP Close Ratio Four-speed: 3.36:1.
– 390  HP Wide Ratio Four-speed: 3.08:1.
– 425 HP Close Ratio Four-speed: 3.55:1 Optional 3.36:1, 3.70:1, 4.11.

Powerglide Transmission
– 300 HP: 3.36:1.

Optional available rear axle gear ratios: 3.08:1, 3.36:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1.

1966 Corvette Facts – Powertrain Options

Engines:

• • L75  V-8 327 cubic inch 300 horsepower four-barrel carburetor engine (standard).
  • L79 V-8 327 cubic inch 350 horsepower four-barrel carburetor engine ($105.35).
  • L36 V-8 427 cubic inch 390 horsepower four-barrel carburetor engine ( $181.20).
  • L72 V-8 427 cubic inch 425 horsepower four-barrel carburetor engine ( $312.85).

Other:

• • Automatic transmission ($194.8).
  • Heavy Duty Suspension: ($36.90)
  • Four-speed Manual floor shift transmission ($184.25).
  • Four-speed Close-Ratio Manual floor shift transmission ($184.35).
  • Off-road exhaust system ($36.90).
  • Positive traction rear axle ($42.15).
  • Transistor Ignition System ($73.75)

1966 Corvette Facts – Significant Options

• • Air conditioning ($412.90).
  • Back-up lights and inside rear view mirror ($16.15).
  • Detachable hardtop ($231.75).
  • Headrests ($42.15).
  • Heater and defroster ($100.00).
  • Leather seats ($79.00).
  • Power brakes ($43.05).
  • Power steering ($94.80).
  • Power windows ($59.20).
  • Radio, AM/FM ($199.10).
  • Shoulder harness ($26.35).
  • Special 15 inch knock-off type wheels ($322.80).
  • Special 36-gallon fuel tank, coupe only ($202.30).
  • Special Highway Axle, 3.08:1 ratio ($43.05)
  • Teakwood steering wheel ($48.45).
  • Telescopic steering column ($43.05).
  • Tinted windows ($15.80).
  • Tinted windshield ($10.80).
  • Tires, Goldwall ($46.55).
  • Tires, Whitewall ($31.30).
  • Traffic-hazard lamp switch ($11.60).