Third generation · C3 "Stingray" · 1968–1982

1976Chevrolet Corvette

The Coke-bottle 'shark' body — the longest-running Corvette generation. Big-block muscle early, then detuned through the 1970s emissions era; the original ZR1 option appeared 1970–1972.

Third generation · C3 "Stingray"

Photo: AlfvanBeem / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.

The 1976 model year

Overview

The 1976 Chevrolet Corvette was the C3 Stingray model-year specification for the U.S. market. Its documented factory range comprised 350 cu in small-block V8 with 3-speed automatic or 4-speed manual.

Specifications

Engines: 350 cu in small-block V8
Transmissions: 3-speed automatic, 4-speed manual
Body styles: Coupe with removable roof panels

Year over year

What changed

The coupe-only C3 continued with year-specific emissions, trim and equipment revisions.

Worth knowing

Notable

This page records the U.S. 1976 factory powertrain and body-style range rather than borrowing a nearby model year's specification.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

For a 1976 Corvette, verify the VIN, installed powertrain and service history against the exact-year GM document; age, modifications and deferred maintenance are more useful evidence than generation-wide reputation.
Check the NHTSA VIN lookup for unrepaired safety recalls before purchase or road use.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 1976 Corvette on the road

Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.

Service topics: 8
Scheduled topics: 7
Applicability stated: 8
Exact references: 1

Before ordering Identify your engine, options and build date. Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.

Engine oil and filter — changeView intervals, applicability and sources
Engine oil and filter — change
Sourced interval available
The factory transcription says to replace the filter at the first oil change and every other oil change thereafter.
Applies to: 1976 · United States
Source: Chevrolet — 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual maintenance schedule (76Vette transcription) · Condensed Corvette Maintenance Schedule transcribed from Chevrolet's 1976 manual supplement · checked 2026-08-05
Normal service
Applies to: 1976 · United States
Published interval: 7,500 mi / 6 months · Whichever occurs first.
Source: Chevrolet — 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual maintenance schedule (76Vette transcription) · Condensed Corvette Maintenance Schedule transcribed from Chevrolet's 1976 manual supplement · checked 2026-08-05
Severe service
Applies to: 1976 · United States · Dusty use, trailer pulling, extended idling, or short trips in freezing weather.
Published interval: 3,000 mi / 3 months · Whichever occurs first.
Source: Chevrolet — 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual maintenance schedule (76Vette transcription) · Condensed Corvette Maintenance Schedule transcribed from Chevrolet's 1976 manual supplement · checked 2026-08-05
Positraction rear-axle lubricant — changeView intervals, applicability and sources
Positraction rear-axle lubricant — change
Sourced interval available
Applies to: 1976 · United States · Positraction axle.
Published interval: 15,000 mi
Source: Chevrolet — 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual maintenance schedule (76Vette transcription) · Condensed Corvette Maintenance Schedule transcribed from Chevrolet's 1976 manual supplement · checked 2026-08-05
Cooling system and hoses — serviceView intervals, applicability and sources
Cooling system and hoses — service
Sourced interval available
Applies to: 1976 · United States
Source: Chevrolet — 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual maintenance schedule (76Vette transcription) · Condensed Corvette Maintenance Schedule transcribed from Chevrolet's 1976 manual supplement · checked 2026-08-05
Pressure-test system and cap; inspect hoses and tighten clamps
Applies to: 1976 · United States
Published interval: 15,000 mi / 12 months · Whichever occurs first.
Source: Chevrolet — 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual maintenance schedule (76Vette transcription) · Condensed Corvette Maintenance Schedule transcribed from Chevrolet's 1976 manual supplement · checked 2026-08-05
Cooling and heater hoses — replace
Applies to: 1976 · United States
Published interval: 30,000 mi / 24 months · Whichever occurs first, or earlier if checked, swollen, or deteriorated.
Source: Chevrolet — 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual maintenance schedule (76Vette transcription) · Condensed Corvette Maintenance Schedule transcribed from Chevrolet's 1976 manual supplement · checked 2026-08-05
Automatic-transmission fluid and sump filter — serviceView intervals, applicability and sources
Automatic-transmission fluid and sump filter — service
Sourced interval available
Applies to: 1976 · Automatic · United States
Published interval: 30,000 mi · Normal driving conditions.
Source: Chevrolet — 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual maintenance schedule (76Vette transcription) · Condensed Corvette Maintenance Schedule transcribed from Chevrolet's 1976 manual supplement · checked 2026-08-05
PCV system — serviceView intervals, applicability and sources
PCV system — service
Sourced interval available
Applies to: 1976 · United States
Source: Chevrolet — 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual maintenance schedule (76Vette transcription) · Condensed Corvette Maintenance Schedule transcribed from Chevrolet's 1976 manual supplement · checked 2026-08-05
Check system and clean filter
Applies to: 1976 · United States
Published interval: 15,000 mi / 12 months · Whichever occurs first.
Source: Chevrolet — 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual maintenance schedule (76Vette transcription) · Condensed Corvette Maintenance Schedule transcribed from Chevrolet's 1976 manual supplement · checked 2026-08-05
Replace PCV valve and clear hose
Applies to: 1976 · United States
Published interval: 30,000 mi / 24 months · Whichever occurs first; replace deteriorated hoses.
Source: Chevrolet — 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual maintenance schedule (76Vette transcription) · Condensed Corvette Maintenance Schedule transcribed from Chevrolet's 1976 manual supplement · checked 2026-08-05
Spark plugs — replace; wires and distributor cap — inspectView intervals, applicability and sources
Spark plugs — replace; wires and distributor cap — inspect
Sourced interval available
Applies to: 1976 · United States
Published interval: 22,500 mi
Source: Chevrolet — 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual maintenance schedule (76Vette transcription) · Condensed Corvette Maintenance Schedule transcribed from Chevrolet's 1976 manual supplement · checked 2026-08-05
Engine air-cleaner element — replaceView intervals, applicability and sources
Engine air-cleaner element — replace
Sourced interval available
Applies to: 1976 · United States
Published interval: 30,000 mi · Normal operating conditions.
Source: Chevrolet — 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual maintenance schedule (76Vette transcription) · Condensed Corvette Maintenance Schedule transcribed from Chevrolet's 1976 manual supplement · checked 2026-08-05
Engine oil filter — catalog fitmentView intervals, applicability and sources
Engine oil filter — catalog fitment
Exact reference available
Manufacturer-catalog fitment only; no service interval is inferred.
Baldwin B27 cataloged fitment
This manufacturer application record establishes replacement-filter fitment only; it does not alter Chevrolet's service interval.
Applies to: 1976 · United States · Baldwin's exact 1976 Corvette 5.7-liter application row assigns B27; confirm the installed engine and filter before ordering.
Source: Parker/Baldwin Filters — 2025 Automotive Applications catalog · Chevrolet 1976 Corvette V8-350 (5.7L) application row — Lube — B27 · checked 2026-08-31
Verified ordering references
Validated equivalentBaldwin B27
Qty. 1 · Engine lubricating-oil filter · catalog-listed
Cataloged for the 1976 Corvette 5.7-liter application; confirm the installed engine and filter dimensions.
Catalog: Parker/Baldwin Filters — 2025 Automotive Applications catalog · Chevrolet 1976 Corvette V8-350 (5.7L) application row — Lube — B27 · checked 2026-08-31
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Sources

Other Third generation years

Explore the C3 "Stingray" generation →All Third generation · C3 "Stingray" years →

Documented lineup

Find your exact 1976 Corvette

Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.

2factory configurations

Exact factory pairings documentedHow this lineup was verified

These source-backed records identify published body, engine, and transmission combinations. Exact pairings do not by themselves assert that every factory option or special edition is represented.

Browse 2 documented records — use the filters above to narrow the list

Coupe with removable roof panels

Corvette Coupe with removable roof panels — 3-speed automatic

Body: Coupe with removable roof panels
Engine: 350 cu in small-block V8
Gearbox: 3-speed automatic
Built: Regular production

Open exact version

Coupe with removable roof panels

Corvette Coupe with removable roof panels — 4-speed manual

Body: Coupe with removable roof panels
Engine: 350 cu in small-block V8
Gearbox: 4-speed manual
Built: Regular production

Open exact version

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