1973 C3 Corvette
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Specifications
8 configurations
| Model | Body | Engine | Transmission | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corvette / Stingray | Convertible | 350 cu in 5.7L V8 | 4-speed manual (Borg-Warner/Muncie) | 190 | — |
| Corvette / Stingray | Coupe | 350 cu in 5.7L V8 | 4-speed manual (Borg-Warner/Muncie) | 190 | — |
| Corvette / Stingray | Convertible | 350 cu in 5.7L V8 | Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed automatic | 190 | — |
| Corvette / Stingray | Coupe | 350 cu in 5.7L V8 | Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed automatic | 190 | — |
| Corvette / Stingray | Convertible | 454 cu in 7.4L V8 | 4-speed manual (Borg-Warner/Muncie) | 275 | — |
| Corvette / Stingray | Coupe | 454 cu in 7.4L V8 | 4-speed manual (Borg-Warner/Muncie) | 275 | — |
| Corvette / Stingray | Convertible | 454 cu in 7.4L V8 | Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed automatic | 275 | — |
| Corvette / Stingray | Coupe | 454 cu in 7.4L V8 | Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed automatic | 275 | — |
- Note
- Base L48 shown. 1972+ ratings are SAE net.
Sample data Commonly published figures, seeded as sample data. Verify against factory documentation. Weight, dimensions, gear ratios and capacities will be added from verified sources; until then, use the owner's manual.
Common problems
Known issues reported for the 1973 C3
From 1965 the Corvette used four-wheel disc brakes with four-piston calipers. Over time, moisture in the brake fluid pits the caliper bores and the seals start leaking. A common fix is rebuilding the calipers with stainless steel sleeves, which resist pitting.
C1 through C3 Corvettes have tight engine bays and old cooling designs. Many run hot in traffic or on warm days, especially after decades of mineral build-up, missing seals, or mismatched parts. Most cases come down to airflow, the radiator, the fan or the ignition timing.
Under the fiberglass body, C2 and C3 Corvettes have a steel inner structure often called the "birdcage." It surrounds the cabin and windshield. Water leaks from windshield and roof seals can rust it, especially at the windshield pillars and the lower windshield frame. Repairs can be extensive because the body may need to come off.
C3 headlights (and the wiper door on early cars) open and close using engine vacuum. Cracked hoses, leaking actuators, a failing control valve or a leaking reservoir make the doors slow, stuck or droop open over time. It's a system of many small parts, so leaks are common.
Vacuum wiper door on 1968–1972 cars.
Maintenance
VetteBase doesn't make up maintenance intervals. Your owner's manual or the GM service schedule for your VIN is the authority, and it depends on driving conditions and, for newer cars, the oil life monitor. Classic cars (C1–C3) should follow restoration-shop guidance for their condition.
- Owner's manual: the glovebox copy, or GM's owner resources site for 1990s+ cars
- Factory service manual: for torque specs, capacities and procedures
- Your dealer or specialist: can print your car's service history by VIN
From maintenance records in member garages. This is community data, not a schedule.
No records yet.
Owner discussions
Parts that fit
Compatibility is community-maintained. Confirm fitment with the seller.
Seals and hardware to rebuild the four-piston calipers used on 1965–82 Corvettes. Many owners choose sleeved calipers to prevent future leaks.
A consumer-grade ceramic coating kit for paint, wheels and trim. Paint must be fully cleaned and decontaminated first for best results.
An automatic charger and maintainer with an AGM mode and a quick-connect pigtail. Safe to leave connected for long-term storage.
A replacement vacuum actuator for C3 pop-up headlight doors. Replace the hoses at the same time for best results.
Replaces worn rubber control arm and trailing arm bushings on C3 Corvettes with firmer polyurethane. Firmer feel, with some extra noise compared with rubber.
Builds & member cars
No member cars yet. Add yours.
Recalls
Recalls are issued per VIN, so the only reliable check is the official lookup. VetteBase doesn't keep its own recall list because an outdated one could be dangerous.
Use the U.S. NHTSA lookup for 1973 and newer VINs. Your VIN is entered on their site, never on ours.
DIY guides & buyer info
Red flags, questions for the seller, printable inspection checklist.
How the C3's vacuum-operated headlight doors work, why they misbehave, and a methodical way to find leaks.
Why Corvettes drain batteries, what a battery maintainer does differently from a trickle charger, and how to hook one up safely.
What to check, bring and expect before your first high-performance driving event (HPDE) in a Corvette.
What brake fluid does, why it wears out, how DOT ratings differ and when Corvette owners should think about flushing it.
A step-by-step approach to inspecting a used Corvette before you buy, and when to bring in a specialist.
A plain-English tour of all eight Corvette generations, what changed between them and what each one is like to own today.
