Replacing the 396 engine, the "427" packed a punch.
1966 Chevrolet Corvette
The 1966 Corvette featured a new egg-crate grille and functional engine compartment cooling vents. Chevrolet’s new "427" replaced the 396 as Corvettes top power-plant option. The new 427 packed pure power, and was first offered with two options for these big blocks. The RPO L36 was priced at $181and rated at 390 hp and the RPO L72, with a price tag of $312 was rated at 425 hp.
The 427/425 hp Corvette convertible could hit 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, and ran the quarter mile in 14 seconds. "427 Turbo Jet" crossed racing flag emblems appeared above the cooling vents. Three four speed gearboxes -- wide ratio, close-ratio, and heavy-duty close ratio were optional. Side-mounted exhaust pipes were optional. A total of 5,116 L36s and 5,258 L72s were built, resulting in 38% of the 1966 Corvettes optioned with 427 power-plants.
1966 Chevrolet Corvette Production Numbers
Model Number
Body/Style Number
Body Type & Seating
Factory Price
Shipping Weight
Total Production
Corvette
94
37
2 Dr Fastback Coupe
$4,295
2,985 lbs
9,958
94
67
2 Dr Convertible
$4,084
3,005 lbs
17,762
Chassis Data
Model
Wheelbase
Overall Lenght
Width
Front Tread
Rear Tread
Tires
Corvette
98 in
175.2 in
69.6 in
57.6 in
58.3 in
7.75 x 15
VIN Numbers
Serial Numbers were stamped on a plate on the left front door hinge pillar (center pillar on Corvair). The Fisher Body number plate on the right-hand side of the cowl gives additional information such as the body style number, the production sequence number, the trim (upholstery) number code and the paint number code.
First Symbol - Manufacturer
1 = Chevrolet
Second & Third Symbol - Series
01 = Corvair 500 six-cylinder
33 = Chevelle 300 Deluxe/Std. El Camino six-cylinder
05 = Corvair Monza six-cylinder
34 = Chevelle 300 Deluxe/Std. El Camino V-8
07 = Corvair Corsa six-cylinder
35 = Chevelle Malibu/Custom El Camino six-cylinder
Location Of Engine Code: Stamped on the block in front of the right hand cylinder head.
Letter Code
Engine
Horsepower
Torque
Transmission
Carburetor
HD
8-327 #
350
360
4-Speed Manual
4 BC
HE
8-327 *
300
360
3 & 4-Speed Manual
4 BC
HH
8-327 *
300
360
3 & 4-Speed Manual
4 BC
HO
8-327 *
300
360
Powerglide
4 BC
HP
8-327 *
300
360
3 & 4-Speed Manual
4 BC
HR
8-327 *
300
360
Powerglide
4 BC
HT
8-327 #
350
360
4-Speed Manual
4 BC
IK
8-427 #
425
460
4-Speed Manual
4 BC
IL
8-427
390
460
4-Speed Manual
4 BC
IM
8-427
390
460
4-Speed Manual
4 BC
IP
8-427 #
425
460
4-Speed Manual
4 BC
KH
8-327 #
350
360
4-Speed Manual
4 BC
+ High Lift Camshaft
* High Performance
Transmission Codes
Transmission
Location
3-Speed Manual
Stamped on rear face of upper right corner
4-Speed Manual
On the top right flat of the case assembly
Turbo Hydra-Matic
Right hand vertical suface of transmission case
Powerglide
Stamped on the bottom of oil pan, immediately behind right hand machining lug with the bottom of the sticker parallel to mold flash, stamped on right side of transmission oil pan
Plant and Type Designation Prefix
Plant
Transmission Type
N
Muncie
4-Speed
W
Warner Gear
3 and 4-Speed
P
Muncie
4-Speed
R
Saginaw
4-Speed
S
Saginaw
3-Speed
M
Muncie
3-Speed, Overdrive*
C
Cleveland
Powerglide
T
Toledo
Powerglide
CA
Hydra-Matic
3-Speed, Automatic Turbo Hydra-Matic
D
Saginaw
Overdrive
K
McKinnon
3-Speed
E
McKinnon
Powerglide
O
Saginaw
Overdrive
X
Cleveland
Turbo Hydra-Matic 350
B
Cleveland
Turbo Hydra-Matic 350
Y
Toledo
Turbo Hydra-Matic 350
A
Cleveland
2-Speed, Manual Powerglide
*Overdrive distinguished from 3-Speed by physical appearance only. The above transmissions (exc. Warner Gear) will carry a production code number such as: C1116N (C = Cleveland Powerglide, 11 = November, 16 = 16th, N = Night Shift). The Warner Gear transmissions will carry a production code number such as: WG1031 (W = Warner Gear 4-Spd., G = July, 10 = 10th, 7 = 1967, 1 = First Shift).
NOTES:The first letter of a two-letter paint code identifies the body color. The second letter identifies the roof color. (For example, the combination VC on a Chevrolet would indicate the body finished in Cameo Beige and the roof area in Ermine White.) General Motors paint code plate for all models except Corvair and Corvette is located under the hood at the top of the firewall on the left or right of the upper shroud. Corvair paint code plate is on the left rear wheel housing. Corvette paint code plate is under the dash, below the glove compartment.
1966 Chevrolet Corvette Interior Paint Codes
Color Name / Code
Color Image
Color Name / Code
Color Image
Medium Dark Saddle
Lucite® Code - 9190LH (flat)
Red
Lucite® Code - 9188LH (flat)
Dark Green
Lucite® Code - 9187LH (flat)
Maroon
Lucite® Code - 9186LM (flat)
Dark Bright Blue
Lucite® Code - 9282LH (flat)
Black
Lucite® Code - 4466L (flat)
Dark Teal Blue
Lucite® Code - 9283LH (flat)
NOTE: Unpolished LUCITE® will generally produce a gloss comparable to original interior semi-gloss finishes. If lower gloss is required, use DuPont #4528 flattening compound to reduce gloss.
Trunk Colors (spatter finish)
Gray Black 389-259
Axle Codes
Location Of Axle Codes: The axles for Chevrolet will be built by Chevrolet Buffalo, Chevrolet Gear and Axle, Buick, Oldsmobile, and McKinnon. Divisional Manufacturer code letters will be metal stamped on the axle tube adjacent to the carrier for identification. Metal stamp on left rear axle tube on the rear side, letters and numerals 3/16 in. high, 3 in. outboard of carrier.
