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Differences between 76 and 77?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,065
Likes: 2
From: Smalltownville Michigan
Cruise-In 5, 6 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,754
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
I think it depends on where your car was made. I have the alarm switch in the door lock, suggesting late production. And by original block is orange, suggesting early. My vin says my car is # 31,251.
Oh, Rick... I have chrome trim around my windshield. I suppose it could have been changed but I doubt it. The previous owners didnt take care of anything, so I dont know why they would touch the trim.
Oh, Rick... I have chrome trim around my windshield. I suppose it could have been changed but I doubt it. The previous owners didnt take care of anything, so I dont know why they would touch the trim.
The black may have just worn off the window trim as it has on my 77....
the rear bumper "corvette" script is different as well between the years and I also think between early 77 and late....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 1
From: Niagara Falls ON
Some late 1976 had the interior light above on the bar that supports the tops.
I seem to recall that late 76 with the above change also had the mirror on the windshield instead of frame around it. I could be wrong on that one though.
AC compressor changed late in 76.
I believe that emissions were the same or very similar between the two years.
I have read that the hood on the 76 was specific to that year.
I do believe that my 1976 is faster and handles better than a 77
I seem to recall that late 76 with the above change also had the mirror on the windshield instead of frame around it. I could be wrong on that one though.
AC compressor changed late in 76.
I believe that emissions were the same or very similar between the two years.
I have read that the hood on the 76 was specific to that year.
I do believe that my 1976 is faster and handles better than a 77
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Fowlerville Mi.
This was taken from RoadandTrack, regarding the 1977 corvette: For those detractors of the fiberglass Chevy who to this day seem to ask, “But is it really a sports car?” here’s still more proof: The L82 had the fastest time we’ve ever recorded through our slalom test, 63.6 mph. As a comparison, the Porsche Turbo Carrera managed 62.8. On the skid pad the Corvette generated 0.726g (the Porsche did 0.811)
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA
76'S has wood trim on door panels, 77'S only year for black trim inserts on door panels.
77's has same tack and speedo as 76's, But center console up dated with aircraft style guages.
Senter arm rest changed in 77's
77's standerd steering colum got Vege steering wheel, T & T colums got 3 spoke leather wraped wheels
Standard mirrior in 77 was drivers side only steel, Optional was duel sport mirriors
Mine came with black painted windshild trim. But it was so weathered out that when I was at car chow last Laborday I took steel wool and buffed it off.
77's has same tack and speedo as 76's, But center console up dated with aircraft style guages.
Senter arm rest changed in 77's
77's standerd steering colum got Vege steering wheel, T & T colums got 3 spoke leather wraped wheels
Standard mirrior in 77 was drivers side only steel, Optional was duel sport mirriors
Mine came with black painted windshild trim. But it was so weathered out that when I was at car chow last Laborday I took steel wool and buffed it off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
77 was the year the C3 Corvette began it's slide into mediocrity. They brought back the Corvette specific steering wheel (Vega wheel gone) but switched to many generic GM parts in the interior. It was kind of sad. The changes in the dash and console cheapened the car and ended the purity of the breed. Common components shared with Chevelles, Impalas and even the trucks, ie, the A/C controls. Plastic was the word in 77 and it really hurt the Vette in my opinion.
