1966 Corvette
For the 1966 Corvette, the big-block V-8 came in two forms: 390 bhp on 10.25:1 compression, and 425 bhp via 11:1 compression, larger intake valves, a bigger Holley four-barrel carburetor on an aluminum manifold, mechanical lifters, and four- instead of two-hole main bearing caps. Though it had no more horsepower than the previous high-compression 396, the 427 packed a lot more torque -- 460 pound/feet vs. 415. Of course, engine outputs were sometimes deliberately understated in the Sixties so as not to arouse the ire (and, subsequently the rates) of insurance companies. Here, 420 and 450 bhp would be closer to the truth.
Powerful big-block V-8s made the 1966 Corvette a hit with buyers.
Regardless of which axle ratio it turned, the 427 Sting Ray was an astonishing executor. With the short 4.11:1 gearing, 0-60 mph times were recorded in a nearly unbelievable 4.8 seconds, and 0-100 mph in 11.2 seconds, with a blistering top speed of 140 mph. The modest 3.36:1 ratio made things only a bit less sensational: Car and Driver reported 0-60 in 5.4 seconds and a standing quarter of 12.8 seconds at 112 mph.
With big-block V-8s being the order of the day, there was less demand for the 327, so small-block offerings were cut from five to two for 1966, and only the basic 300- and 350-bhp versions were retained. Arguably, these were still the best all-around engines. Both required premium fuel on compression ratios well over 10.0:1, and they didn't have the rocket-like thrust of the 427s, but their performance was impressive all the same. As before, both could be teamed with the Powerglide automatic, the standard three-speed manual, or either four-speed option.
Only minor cosmetic changes were made to the 1966 Corvette.
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
| 1963 Corvette | 1964 Corvette | 1965 Corvette |
| 1966 Corvette | 1967 Corvette |
Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:
- Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
- Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
- Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
- Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
- Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.
1966 Corvette Specifications
The 1966 Corvette Sting Ray offered a bigger big-block option, as the 396 became a 427 offering 390 bhp or a stout 425, versus 350 for the year's top 327. Here are the specifications for the 1966 Corvette Sting Ray:
 1966 was the last year Corvette offered optional aluminum wheels. |
| Vehicle Specifications | Convertible | Coupe |
| Wheelbase, inches | 98.0 | 98.0 |
| Length, inches | 175.2 | 175.2 |
| Width, inches | 69.6 | 69.6 |
| Track, inches | front: 56.3 rear: 57.0 | front: 56.3 rear: 57.0 |
| Height, inches | 49.8 | 49.8 |
| Curb weight, pounds | 3,230 | 3,230 |
Mechanical Specifications (2-door convertible/coupe)
Suspension
front: Independent; upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, antiroll bar, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers
rear: Fixed differential, U-jointed half shafts, lateral struts, radius rods, transverse leaf spring, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, antiroll bar w/big block engines
Wheels/Tires
7.75x15
Brakes
front: 11.75-inch disc
rear: 11.75-inch disc
Transmission
3-speed manual (std)
4-speed manual (opt)
2-speed Powerglide (opt)
Standard axle ratio
3.55:1
Engine Specifications
| Type | ohv V-8 | ohv V-8 | ohv V-8 | ohv V-8 |
| Displacement, liters/cu inch | 5.35/327 | 5.35/327 | 7.0/427 | 7.0/427 |
| Bore x stroke, inches | 4.00 x 3.25 | 4.00 x 3.25 | 4.25 x 3.76 | 4.25 x 3.76 |
| Fuel Management | 1 x 4-bbl. | 1 x 4-bbl. (AFB) | 1 x 4-bbl. | 1 x 4-bbl. |
| Horsepower @ rpm | 300 @ 5000 | 350 @ 5800 | 390 @ 5400 | 425 @ 5600 |
| Torque @ rpm, pound-foot | 360 @ 3200 | 360 @ 3600 | 460 @ 3600 | 460 @ 4000 |
Published Performance Numbers
| Acceleration | 425 hp, 4-sp man. |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 5.6 |
| 0-100 mph, sec | NA |
| 1/4-mile, sec @ mph | 13.4 @ 105 |
Vehicle Production and Base Prices
| Car Type | Production | Price |
| 2-door convertible | 17,762 | $4,084.00 |
| 2-door coupe | 9,958 | 4,295.00 |
Options and Production
| Option | Production | Price |
| Leather Seats | 2,002 | $79.00 |
| Soft Ray Tinted Glass, all | 11,859 | 15.80 |
| Soft Ray Tinted Glass, windshield | 9,270 | 10.55 |
| Power Windows | 4,562 | 57.95 |
| Headrests | 1,033 | 42.15 |
| Shoulder Belts | 37 | 26.35 |
| Auxiliary Hardtop | 8,463 | 231.75 |
| Heater and Defroster Delete (credit) | 54 | 97.85 |
| Air Conditioning | 3,520 | 412.90 |
| Special Front and Rear Suspension | 2,705 | 36.90 |
| Positraction Rear Axle, all ratios | 24,056 | 42.15 |
| Power Brakes | 5,464 | 42.15 |
| Special Heavy Duty Brakes | 382 | 342.30 |
| Air Injection Reactor | 2,380 | 44.75 |
| Transistor Ignition System | 7,146 | 73.75 |
| 390 hp Engine | 5,116 | 181.20 |
| 425 hp Engine | 5,258 | 312.85 |
| 350 hp Engine FI | 7,591 | 105.35 |
| 4-speed Manual Transmission | 10,837 | 184.35 |
| 4-speed Manual Transmission, close ratio | 13,903 | 184.35 |
| 4-speed Manual Transmission, close ratio, heavy duty | 15 | 237.00 |
| Powerglide Automatic Transmission | 2,401 | 194.85 |
| 36 Gallon Fuel Tank (coupe) | 66 | 198.05 |
| Off Road Exhaust System | 2,795 | 36.90 |
| Side Mount Exhaust System | 3,617 | 131.65 |
| Teakwood Steering Wheel | 3,941 | 47.40 |
| Teakwood Steering Column | 3,670 | 42.15 |
| Power Steering | 5,611 | 94.80 |
| Cast Aluminum Knock-Off Wheels | 1,194 | 316.00 |
| Whitewall Tires, 7.75 x 15 rayon | 17,969 | 31.30 |
| Goldwall Tires, 7.75 x 15 nylon | 5,557 | 46.55 |
| AM/FM Radio | 26,363 | 199.10 |
| Traffic Hazard Lamp Switch | 5,764 | 11.60 |
Color Choices and Production
| Color Choice | Production | Color Choice | Production |
| Tuxedo Black | 1,190 | Ermine White | 2,120 |
| Rally Red | 3,366 | Nassau Blue | 6,100 |
| Laguna Blue | 2,054 | Trophy Blue | 1,463 |
| Mosport Green | 2,311 | Sunfire Yellow | 2,339 |
| Silver Pearl | 2,967 | Milano Maroon | 3,799 |
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
| 1963 Corvette | 1964 Corvette | 1965 Corvette |
| 1966 Corvette | 1967 Corvette |
Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:
- Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
- Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
- Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
- Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
- Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.
