The 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray introduced the real “Big Block” 427 cubic-inch engines. Models with these engines also came with a special bubble hood to accommodate the “Big Block”. Both the big blocks were originally marketed as bigger displacement engines. The 425 horsepower engine was originally specified as a 450 and the 390 was originally 400. No changes to the actual engines was made but the literature and badges were changed to the lower numbers. The side vents on the coupe disappeared this year. Backup lights were now a standard item and were incorporated into the existing tail lights. Holley carburetors which were on some optional engines before are now standard on all engines. Seats were updated to decrease wear and tear. The knock off wheels were still available although the center cap now had a dull finish. Headrests were optional for the first time and the interior door pulls are bright metal. The headliner of the ’66 Vette is foam and vinyl, an upgrade from the fiberboard headliner previously used.
1966 Corvette Stingray
The 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray introduced the real “Big Block” 427 cubic-inch engines. Models with these engines also came with a special bubble hood to accommodate the “Big Block”. Both the big blocks were originally marketed as bigger displacement engines. The 425 horsepower engine was originally specified as a 450 and the 390 was originally 400. No changes to the actual engines was made but the literature and badges were changed to the lower numbers. The side vents on the coupe disappeared this year. Backup lights were now a standard item and were incorporated into the existing tail lights. Holley carburetors which were on some optional engines before are now standard on all engines. Seats were updated to decrease wear and tear. The knock off wheels were still available although the center cap now had a dull finish. Headrests were optional for the first time and the interior door pulls are bright metal. The headliner of the ’66 Vette is foam and vinyl, an upgrade from the fiberboard headliner previously used.