For the 1966 Corvette , the big - closure V-8 come in two mannikin : 390 bhp on 10.25:1 compressing , and 425 bhp via 11:1 compaction , larger inspiration valve , a big Holley four - barrel carburetor on an Al manifold , mechanical shoplifter , and four- or else of two - golf hole main heading caps . Though it had no more H.P. than the previous high - compression 396 , the 427 tamp a circle more torque – 460 Sudanese pound / feet vs. 415 . Of of course , engine outputs were sometimes measuredly understated in the Sixties so as not to raise the ire ( and , subsequently the rate ) of indemnity companies . Here , 420 and 450 bhp would be snug to the verity .
ordain a 427 Corvette meant you had to take it with Positraction and the close - ratio Muncie four - speed ; there was no other selection . You also dumbfound an upgraded temporary removal , basically the same as the 396 package , as well as hardy , shot - peened halfshafts and U - articulation and a higher - electrical capacity radiator and sump .
Regardless of which axle ratio it sour , the 427 Sting Ray was an astonishing executor . With the scant 4.11:1 gearing , 0 - 60 mph times were recorded in a closely incredible 4.8 seconds , and 0 - 100 miles per hour 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 Driverreported 0 - 60 in 5.4 seconds and a standing quarter of 12.8 sec at 112 mph .
Powerful big-block V-8s made the 1966 Corvette a hit with buyers. See moresports car pictures.
With big - block V-8s being the orderliness of the day , there was less demand for the 327 , so little - 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 skillful all - around engines . Both required premium fuel on compression ratio well over 10.0:1 , and they did n’t have the rocket - like thrust of the 427s , but their performance was impressive all the same . As before , both could be team with the Powerglide machinelike , the standard three - speed manual , or either four - focal ratio pick .
railway locomotive choices aside , the 1966 simulation year dawned restfully for the Sting Ray . Its head-on appearance was mildly falsify with an eggcrate radiator grille insert to replace the previous horizontal bars , and the coupe lost its roof - mount extractor vents , which had proven inefficient . This proportional deficiency of modification reflected plans to bring out an all - new Corvette for 1967 . It sure enough did not meditate a fall - off in the car ’s popularity , however . In fact , 1966 would prove another record - busting year , with bulk rise up to 27,720 unit , up some 4200 over 1965 ’s 23,562 sales .
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Powerful big-block V-8s made the 1966 Corvette a hit with buyers. See moresports car pictures.
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1966 Corvette Specifications
The 1966 Corvette Sting Ray offered a bigger enceinte - pulley 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 :
Mechanical Specifications ( 2 - room access convertible / coupe )
Suspensionfront : Independent ; upper and lower A - arms , coil springs , antiroll bar , tube-shaped hydraulic shock absorber absorbersrear : Fixed differential , U - jointed one-half shafts , lateral struts , radius rods , transverse folio spring , tubular hydraulic jounce absorbers , antiroll bar w / big block engine
Powerful big-block V-8s made the 1966 Corvette a hit with buyers. See moresports car pictures.
Wheels / Tires7.75x15
Brakesfront : 11.75 - in discrear : 11.75 - inch phonograph record
Transmission3 - speed manual ( std)4 - velocity manual of arms ( opt)2 - speed Powerglide ( opt )
stock axle ratio3.55:1
Engine spec
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Only minor cosmetic changes were made to the 1966 Corvette.
Vehicle Production and Base Prices
26.35
Color Choices and Production
1966 was the last year Corvette offered optional aluminum wheels.
1966 was the last year Corvette offered optional aluminum wheels.
1966 was the last year Corvette offered optional aluminum wheels.
Powerful big-block V-8s made the 1966 Corvette a hit with buyers. See moresports car pictures.
Only minor cosmetic changes were made to the 1966 Corvette.
1966 was the last year Corvette offered optional aluminum wheels.
