Corvette: Year by Year
1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 19641965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Corvette Specs, Options: Year by Year
1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 19651966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978
1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
To learn more about the 1979 Corvette, click here.
1979 Corvette Specs
Body Specs |
|
| Wheelbase | 98.0 inches |
| Overhang (Front) | 42.4 inches |
| Overhang (Rear) | 44.8 inches |
| Front Track | 58.7 inches |
| Rear Track | 59.5 inches |
| Length | 185.2 inches |
| Front Fender Overall Width | 69.0 inches |
| Rear Fender Overall Width | 68.8 inches |
|
Ground Clearance
Differential to Ground |
5.7 inches |
|
Ground Clearance
Front Suspension to Ground |
6.6 inches |
|
Ground Clearance
Front Bumper to Ground |
10.8 inches |
|
Ground Clearance
Exhaust System to Ground |
5.5 inches |
|
Ground Clearance
Rear Bumper to Ground |
11.8 inches |
|
Ground Clearance
Oil Pan to Ground |
5.5 inches |
|
Ground Clearance
Flywheel Housing to Ground |
5.5 inches |
|
Ground Clearance
Rear Axle to Ground |
5.7 inches |
|
Ground Clearance
Fuel Tank to Ground |
16.4 inches |
| Minimum Ground Clearance |
4.3 inches
(Measured at Catalytic Converter) |
| Overall Height | 48.0 inches |
| Rocker Panel to Ground (Front) | 8.0 inches |
| Rocker Panel to Ground (Rear) | 7.6 inches |
| Luggage Capacity | 8.4 Cubic Feet |
| Cowl Height | 36.4 inches |
| Windshield Slope Angle | 57.0° |
| Effective Head Room | 36.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room | 47.5 inches |
| Hip Room | 49.9 inches |
| Tire Size | P225/70R15 |
| Recommended Tire Inflation | 35 PSI Front; 35 PSI Rear |
| Wheels, Regular Production | Size: 15 x 8 |
| Synchronization | All Forward Gears |
| Turbo Hydra-Matic (Automatic) Transmission |
1st Gear 2.52:1
2nd Gear 1.52:1 3rd Gear 1.00:1 Reverse Gear 1.93:1 |
|
Four Speed M20 Transmission
Base L48, L82 Engine |
1st Gear 2.43:1
2nd Gear 1.61:1 3rd Gear 1.23:1 4th Gear 1.00:1 Reverse Gear 2.35:1 |
|
Close Ratio Four Speed
M21 Transmission L82 Engine |
1st Gear 2.43:1
2nd Gear 1.61:1 3rd Gear 1.23:1 4th Gear 1.00:1 Reverse Gear 2.35:1 |
| Transmission Lubricant Type |
GL-5 Gear Lubricant
80W or 80W-90 |
| Lubricant Capacity | Four Speed Manual: 3 Quarts |
| Differential Lubricant Type |
GL-5
SAE 80W-90 |
| Differential Lubricant Capacity | 3.75 pints |
| Axle Ratio |
195 Horsepower Base Engine
Four Speed Manual 3.36:1 195 Horsepower Base Engine Automatic 3.55:1 225 Horsepower L82 Engine Four Speed Manual 3.36:1, 3.70:1 225 Horsepower L82 Engine Automatic 3.55:1 |
| Transmission Synchromesh | All Four Gears |
| Standard Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.7 Gallons |
| Wheel Turns | 2.92 |
| Turning Diameters |
37.0 feet (Curb to Curb)
38.6 feet (Wall to Wall) |
|
|
| 49 State | 13 mpg |
| California | 13 mpg |
|
|
| Model 19437 Sport Coupe |
(Curb)
(Shipping) |
|
Curb Weight: The calculated weight of a vehicle with standard equipment, only as designed with the additional load of oils, lubes, coolants and fuel filled to capacity.
Shipping Weight: Same as base curb weight except 3 gallons of gasoline. |
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195 Horsepower Standard L48 Engine, Four Speed Transmission:
3,801 lb. |
Pounds / Horsepower: 19.49 |
|
195 Horsepower Standard L48 Engine, Automatic Transmission:
3,818 lb. |
Pounds / Horsepower: 19.58 |
|
225 Horsepower L82 Engine
Four Speed Transmission: 3,808 lb. |
Pounds / Horsepower: 16.92 |
|
225 Horsepower L82 Engine
Automatic Transmission: 3,825 lb. |
Pounds / Horsepower: 17.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Air Conditioning (RPO C60) |
+54 lb. (With Standard L48 Engine)
(+41 lb. Front; +13 lb. Rear) +58 lb. (With L82 Engine) (+46 lb. Front; +12 lb. Rear) |
| Power Windows (RPO A31) |
+4 lb.
(+2 lb. Front; +2 lb. Rear) |
| L82 Engine |
+7 lb.
(+3 lb. Front; +4 lb. Rear) +24 lb. With Automatic Transmission |
|
Standard L48 Engine
With Turbo Hydra Matic Transmission |
+17 lb.
(+10 lb. Front; +7 lb. Rear) |
| Four Speed Close Ration Transmission (RPO N37) |
-14 lb.
(-9 lb. Front; -5 lb. Rear) |
|
Tilt / Telescopic Steering Wheel
(RPO N37) |
+7 lb.
(+4 lb. Front; +3 lb. Rear) |
|
Gymkhana Suspension
(RPO FE7) |
+5 lb.
(+5 lb. Front; +0 lb. Rear) |
|
Radio, AM/FM Stereophonic
(RPO U58) |
+10 lb.
(+6 lb. Front; +4 lb. Rear) |
|
Radio, AM/FM Stereo With CB
(RPO UP6) |
+10 lb.
(+6 lb. Front; +4 lb. Rear) |
|
Radio, AM/FM Stereophonic
With Tape Player(8-Track) (RPO UM2) |
+13 lb.
(+7 lb. Front; +6 lb. Rear) |
|
Radio, AM/FM Stereophonic
With Tape Player (Cassette) (RPO UN3) |
+12 lb.
(+7 lb. Front; +5 lb. Rear) |
|
Heavy Duty Battery
(RPO UA1) |
+5 lb.
(+0 lb. Front; +5 lb. Rear) |
|
Power Antenna
(RPO U75) |
+4 lb.
(+0 lb. Front; +4 lb. Rear) |
|
Aluminum Wheels
(RPO N90) |
-34 lb.
(-17 lb. Front; -17 lb. Rear) |
|
Glass Roof Panels
(RPO CC1) |
+14 lb.
(+5 lb. Front; +9 lb. Rear) |
| Spoilers, Front / Rear | +17 lb. |
|
Speaker, Auxiliary
(RPO U81) |
+3 lb. |
|
Operating Convenience Package
Power Windows, Door Locks (RPO ZQ2) |
+9 lb. |
|
Convenience Package
(RPO ZX2) |
+7 lb. |
|
Speed and Cruise Control
(RPO K30) |
+5 lb. |
|
Defogger, Rear Window
(RPO C49) |
+1 lb. |
|
|
| Type: | V8 |
| Valve Location: | In Head |
| Bore / Stroke: | 4.00" / 3.48" (Standard, L82) |
| Displacement: |
Standard, L82 Engines: 350 Cubic Inches
(5.7 Liters) |
| Compression Ratio: |
8.2:1 (Standard Engine)
8.9:1 (L82 Engine) |
| Cylinder Head Material: | High Chrome Cast Alloy Iron |
| Cylinder Block Material: | Cast Alloy Iron |
| Oil Pump Type: | Gear |
| Normal Oil Pressure | 32 - 40 psi @ 2,000 RPM |
| Oil Pressure Gauge | Electrical |
| Crankcase Oil Capacity, Standard, L82 Engines |
4.0 Quarts, Less Filter
4.5 Quarts, With Filter Change |
| Recommended Oil Grade |
Above 20°F: SAE 20W-20, SAE 10W-30, 10W-40
20W-40, 20W-50 0°F to 60°F: SAE 10W, 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40 Below 20°F: SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 |
| Fuel Filter | Mesh Strainer |
| Fuel Pump | Mechanical |
| Fuel Pressure | 7.5 - 9.0 PSI |
| Cooling System Capacity |
21.6 Quarts (Manual Transmission)
20.7 Quarts (Automatic Transmission) |
| Thermostat Type | Pellet |
| Radiator Cap Relief Pressure | 15 PSI |
| Battery |
12 volt - 3,500 Watts
Heavy Duty (RPO UA1) 12 volt - 4,000 Watts |
| Thermostat Opening |
192° - 198° F
Fully Opened at 227° |
|
Brakes |
|
| Type | Caliper Disc, Four Wheel Hydraulic |
| Gross Lining Area | 43.15 Square Inches |
| Swept Area | 249.14 Square Inches |
| Disc | Vented |
|
Horsepower |
|
| Standard Engine (350 cubic inch) |
195 hp @ 4,000 RPM;
Torque: 285 lb-ft @ 3,200 RPM California 195 hp @ 4,000 RPM; Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 2,400 RPM |
| RPO L82 (350 cubic inch) |
225 hp @ 5,200 RPM;
Torque: 270 lb-ft. @ 3,600 RPM |
|
Ignition System |
|
| Ignition Timing Centrifugal Advance |
Distributor | 1103353 | Base Engine
Manual Transmission Start: 0° @ 1,100 RPM Intermediate: 12° @ 1,600 RPM Maximum: 22° @ 4,600 RPM Distributor | 1103302 | Base Engine Automatic Transmission Start: 0° @ 1,100 RPM Intermediate: 12° @ 1,600 RPM Maximum: 22° @ 4,600 RPM Distributor | 1103285 | Base Engine California, Automatic Only Start: 0° @ 1,200 RPM Intermediate: 12° @ 2,000 RPM Maximum: 22° @ 4,200 RPM Distributor | 1103291 | L82 Engine Start: 0° @ 1,200 RPM Intermediate: 13° @ 1,600 RPM Maximum: 16° @ 2,000 RPM |
| Ignition Timing Vacuum Advance |
Distributor | 1103353 | Base Engine
Start: 0° @ 4 inches Hg Maximum: 20° @ 10 inches Hg Distributor | 1103302 | Base Engine Start: 0° @ 6 inches Hg Maximum: 15° 12 inches Hg Distributor | 1103285 California, Automatic Only Start: 0° @ 4 inches Hg Maximum: 10° @ 8 inches Hg Distributor | 1103291 | L82 Engine Start: 0° @ 4 inches Hg Maximum: 10° @ 8 inches Hg |
| Initial Timing |
Base Engine
6° BTC - Manual Transmission Base Engine 6° BTC - Automatic Transmission Base Engine | Above 4,000 ft. Altitude, California Spec 8° BTC - Automatic Transmission Distributor | 1103291 | L82 Engine 12° BTC @ 900 RPM - Manual Transmission 12° BTC @ 700 RPM - Automatic Transmission |
| Spark Plug |
AC Spark Plug R45TS |
| Spark Plug Torque | 25 lb.-ft. |
| Spark Plug Thread | 14 mm. |
| Spark Plug Gap | .045 inch |
| Firing Order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 |
| Idle |
Standard Engine, Manual Transmission:
700 RPM (In Neutral) Standard Engine, Automatic Transmission: 500 RPM (In Drive) L82 Engine, Manual Transmission: 900 RPM (In Neutral) L82 Engine, Automatic Transmission: 700 RPM (In Drive) |
1979 Corvette Options
| RPO | Description | Production | Price |
| A31 | Power Windows | 20,631 (38.34%) | $141.00 |
| AU3 | Power Door Locks | 9,054 (16.83%) | $131.00 |
| C49 | Rear Window Defogger | 41,587 (77.29%) | $102.00 |
| C60 | Air Conditioning | 47,136 (87.60%) | $635.00 |
| CC1 | Removable Glass Roof Panels | 14,480 (26.91%) | $365.00 |
| D35 | Sport Mirrors | 48,211 (89.60%) | $45.00 |
| D80 | Spoilers, front and Rear | 6,853 (12.74%) | $265.00 |
| F51 | Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers | 2,164 (4.02%) | $33.00 |
| FE7 | Gymkhana Suspension | 12,321 (22.90%) | $49.00 |
| G95 | Optional Rear Axle Ratio | 428 (0.80%) | $19.00 |
| K30 | Cruise Control | 34,445 (64.02%) | $113.00 |
| L82 | 350 cu. in. 225hp Engine | 14,516 (26.98%) | $565.00 |
| M21 | 4-Speed Manual Transmission, close ratio | 4,062 (7.55%) | n/a |
| MX1 | Automatic Transmission | 41,454 (77.04%) | n/a |
| N37 | Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column | 47,463 (88.21%) | $190.00 |
| N90 | Aluminum Wheels (4) | 33,741 (62.71%) | $380.00 |
| NA6 | High Altitude Emission Equipment (Manual transmission and L82 not available) | 56 (0.10%) | $35.00 |
| QBS | White Letter SBR Tires, P255 / 60R15 | 17,920 (33.30%) | $226.20 |
| QGR | White Letter SBR Tires, P225 / 70R15 | 29,603 (55.02%) | $54.00 |
| U58 | AM-FM Radio, stereo | 9,256 (17.20%) | $90.00 |
| U75 | Power Antenna | 35,730 (66.40%) | $52.00 |
| U81 | Dual Rear Speakers | 37,754 (70.17%) | $52.00 |
| UA1 | Heavy Duty Battery | 3,405 (6.33%) | $21.00 |
| UM2 | AM-FM Radio, stereo with 8-track | 21,435 (39.84%) | $228.00 |
| UN3 | AM-FM Radio, stereo with cassette | 12,110 (22.51%) | $234.00 |
| UP6 | AM-FM Radio, stereo with CB | 4,483 (8.33%) | $439.00 |
| YF5 | California Emission Certification (Manual transmission and L82 not available) | 3,798 (7.06%) | $83.00 |
| ZN1 | Trailer Package | 1,001 (1.86%) | $98.00 |
| ZQ2 | Power Windows and Door Locks | 28,465 (52.90%) | $272.00 |
| ZX2 | Convenience Group | 41,530 (77.18%) | $94.00 |
|
Total Production:
53,807
Notes: Base Corvette Coupe with 350 cu. in. 195 hp engine and four speed manual transmission: $10,220.23. Base price and some options increased during the year. |
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Colors
| Code | Exterior | Quantity | Interior | Wheels | |
| 10 | Classic White | 8,629 (16.04%) | Black / Dark Blue / Dark Green / Light Beige / Oyster / Red | Silver | |
| 13 | Silver | 7,331 (13.62%) | Black / Dark Blue / Dark Green / Oyster / Red | Silver | |
| 19 | Black | 10,465 (19.45%) | Black / Light Beige / Oyster / Red | Silver | |
| 28 | Corvette Light Blue | 3,203 (5.95%) | Black / Dark Blue / Oyster | Silver | |
| 52 | Corvette Yellow | 2,357 (4.38%) | Black / Light Beige / Oyster | Silver | |
| 58 | Corvette Dark Green | 2,426 (4.51%) | Black / Dark Green / Light Beige / Oyster | Silver | |
| 59 | Corvette Light Beige | 2,951 (5.48%) | Black / Dark Blue / Dark Green / Light Beige / Red | Silver | |
| 72 | Corvette Red | 6,707 (12.46%) | Black / Light Beige / Oyster / Red | Silver | |
| 82 | Corvette Dark Brown | 4,053 (7.53%) | Black / Light Beige / Oyster | Silver | |
| 83 | Corvette Dark Blue | 5,670 (10.54%) | Black / Dark Blue / Light Beige / Oyster / Red | Silver | |
