LS3-Powered 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 5-Speed

Description

The second-generation Corvette was a masterpiece of design and engineering. Introduced in 1963, the C2 immediately turned heads with its low, wide stance, elongated nose, and powerful fenders. The Coupe styling was positively sensual, with a gracefully designed rear end featuring a wide back window and V-shaped tail design.

Beneath that striking exterior, Zora Arkus-Duntov’s chassis delivered both rigidity and a low center of gravity. Paired with an all-new independent rear suspension featuring transverse leaf springs, a capable front suspension, and strong brakes, the C2 offered exceptional handling and stopping power. And inside the cabin, the driver-focused cockpit combined comfort, clear instrumentation, and effortless style.

In 1966, buyers could choose from four small-block or big-block V8s, with manual or automatic transmissions. But today, swapping in an LS3 engine results in more net horsepower than a big block, as well as better street manners and fuel economy than a small block.

This 1966 Corvette is so-equipped: the seller dropped in a 525-horsepower LS3 crate engine, backed by a 5-speed manual transmission. Refinished in Porsche Sapphire Blue, it now features desirable upgrades like custom gauges, headers with side pipes, Rally wheels wrapped in modern rubber, and more.

This LS3-powered C2 is now offered with a 1966 Corvette Owner's Guide and a clean Texas title in the seller’s name.

Highlights 

• 6.2L Chevrolet Performance LS3 V8 crate engine rated at 525 horsepower

• 5-speed TKX manual transmission 

• Keen Parts headers and side pipes with mufflers 

• Refinished in Porsche Sapphire Blue (originally 976 Nassau Blue) 

•  (418) Dark Blue vinyl interior with blue carpet 

• Dakota Digital 160-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltage, and fuel level gauges 

Modifications 

• Repaint done by Houston Corvette Service 

• Custom air intake system 

• Custom Image Corvettes engine accessory drive kit 

• Gen IV engine/trans controller 

• Holley fuel tank kit 

• Modern Driveline TKX kit with hydraulic swap  

• Updated four-wheel disc brake system 

• 15” Rally wheels wearing 255/60R15 BF Goodrich tires 

• Upgraded carpet 

• Retrofit AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo with hatch-mounted speaker box 

• LED headlights 

Servicing

• August 2024: Comprehensive brake job

Known Imperfections 

• Paint chips around headlight bezels 

• Driver side mirror needs adjusting

• Worn, cracking dash with discolored center speaker cover 

• Paint chips on center console 

• Clutch springs need adjusting

Ownership History

This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette was acquired by the seller in 2019 and modified in 2022.

Included Items 

• 1966 Corvette Owner's Guide

Additional Information

The seller states, “This Corvette had 104,000 miles on it when purchased, with the previous owner handing over a 3-ring binder full of parts receipts.

"I modded the vehicle in 2022 with a new LS3 engine (it had a crate 350 before) and new LED dash cluster, with the new engine it is now showing 758 miles. The only time the car leaves my garage is to go to the golf course and back.”