C3 - 80, 81 or 82 - Recommendations??

[91-Vetteman]

Hi, new to forum. I am researching the purchase of my 1st Vette and I have narrowed it down to a 1980, 81 or 82. I am looking for a weekend driver during the nice weather, not a show car. Is there a difference among those 3 years that makes one year better then another ? I see a special website dedicated to the 1981 model, is that more of a collector? Appreciate your input and opinions. Thanx ! John :cool

 

[Bob Chadwick]

This link focuses on the differences between the 81 and 82. I suspect that the differences between the 80 and 81 were more subtle.

 

[80convertible]

You can get a lot of opinions on which year and whats better. I've seen arguments over this kind of topic. My 2 cents...I would look for the best most complete/clean car you can within these 3 years regardless of which year it is. In other words, if you find a clean 81 over a rough 82, go for the 81. There were not that many differences in these models other than the 82 collectors edition which could have more value in show condition. Don't get to caught up in the numbers matching game. Unless the car is an unmolested original numbers matching, you can make a better investment in the stock market. Get the vette because you want one not because its an investement.

There is a site called Idaho Corvette, look for it thru google.com. They have a great checklist of things to inspect when purchasing a vette. I think there are three parts to the check list. I sure wish I knew more before I bought my vette. I probably would have passed on it in retrospect. But now I love it and will spend whatever it takes to restore/modify it.

 

[cscarlson]

Let me know what year you choose. i might be selling my '80

 

[Glensgages]

just my $.02 worth...
all 'other' things being equal (interior condition, mileage, paint, road-wothiness, etc.), here are a few things to consider:
If you are comfortable with tuning a carb, the '80 is the last non-computerized C3 (I believe), and also lacks a lock-up torque converter;
The '81 Corvette had a computer running 'some' functions (ignition timing?), and an ' '81-only' THM350C, with a lock-up converter in the transmission. '81 also offered a 305 CID for California
The '82 is the 'last-of-the-breed', but came with a 4-speed, A/OD transmission with lock-up converter, controlled by a computer, which also runs the '82 & '84-only Cross-Fire Injection induction system.
If you're comfy playing with EFI, you may enjoy the '82; other-wise, you might want to choose the '80-'81 models.
The '80 models offered the last L-82s, all with automatic transmissions.
The '81 & '82 models offered a fairly rare two-tone paint option (D84?), which could prove to be of value in future years.
'82 also offered the first of many Collector Editions to follow ('88, '96, etc.). The '82 C.E. offered unique wheels, and the ONLY C3 having a 'hatch' back window, increasing it's value, too.
Happy Shark-hunting!!!

 

[Yoda]

..... ...... '81 also offered a 305 CID for California....

Happy Shark-hunting!!!

Glen is correct with one small exception the 1980 was the 305 engine for California only cars and all were automatics All the 1981's came with the L81 engine, 350/190hp. 1981 was the last year of the 4-speed manual transmission. To see or read more look in the Tech Center Tab at the top and then into the "Model Center" plug in the years you want to read about. There are subtle changes from 1980 ~ 1982 from glass thickness to suspension changes

 

[80convertible]

Glensgauges makes a valid point regarding computerized carb and the cross fire 82 engine. I think some of the 1980 vettes also had a computer according to my Lectric Limited 1980 wiring diagram. It was a closed loop system only for the carb.

One other thing to consider among many things are the specific laws in VA. In most cases a C3 is exempt from emissions laws and sometimes even inspection depending on state laws. This is relevant because it determines what mods you can make to your vette. If you were to find a vette with no emissions yet VA requires the emission equipment be installed and functional, you could be in for quite an expense. My car had no emissions on it but I did not get inspected nor sniffed.

 

[82ColEd]

I had my 82CE for over 10 years and it has been a pleasure, though it really depends on what you want to do with the car. If you like tinkering, the 82 CE might not be it, as it has tons of Auto-Everything, AC, CCC, the CrossFire etc etc... If you just want to drive it for pleasure and keep her shiny, i found it fairly uncomplicated. Though it is over 21 years old by now, with it's share of issues... It's all in what you want to do with it.. And i am with what 80convertible said:

I would look for the best most complete/clean car you can within these 3 years regardless of which year it is...

Good luck hunting !
Later...
Stefan

 

[Glensgages]

Glen is correct with one small exception the 1980 was the 305 engine for California only cars and all were automatics All the 1981's came with the L81 engine, 350/190hp.

Gawd, I can't BELIEVE I made such an obvious mistake like that!
That's what happens when I drive my Dodge winter-beater during the snow-season!

A thousand apologies.....

 

[macx]

I went thru the same decision, ended up taking an 81 cuz it was nice, had all the options, and lo miles. Then I found out about the computer - if you're in a smog state, there's not much you can do. Can't upgrade without removing that whole setup. Runs the ignition timing and an electric Q-Jet that NOBODY will touch! The 82 has the crossfire injection which is slightly better than the 81 setup but is very lo-perf, and again you'd have trouble doing anything from a smog standpoint. However, the 82 DOES have an auto-od, although not the best one as the 1st to 2nd gear ratios are far too wide, so I'd personally take an 80 and install an upgraded 2004R becuz of the better ratios. Also the 80 has a regular carb, so much easier to upgrade induction. The 81 does have a glass rear spring stock, but - -. Knowing what I know now, I wish I'd have held out for an 80.

 

[bill81vette]

I just happen to fall in to an 81 someone at my wifes work had it and needed the $$$$ because hes buying a house:cool :cool

 

[Malamute]

Glen is correct with one small exception the 1980 was the 305 engine for California only cars and all were automatics All the 1981's came with the L81 engine, 350/190hp. 1981 was the last year of the 4-speed manual transmission. To see or read more look in the Tech Center Tab at the top and then into the "Model Center" plug in the years you want to read about. There are subtle changes from 1980 ~ 1982 from glass thickness to suspension changes

Just an addition, in 80 ALL California cars had the LG-4 305ci (180hp) V8 and it DID have a computer. All other 80's did NOT have a computer and were equipped with a L-82 (230hp) available with a 3spd automatic only or the L-48 (190hp) available with either 4-spd man. or 3spd auto.

Here are a couple links to help you decifer the differences and preferences of the years.

1980: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/1980/index.html
1981: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/1981/index.html
1982: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/1982/index.html

 

[gooney0]

I'd get the nicest car you can afford. The differences between 80-82 are few are far between. Only the experts can even tell!

I'd just be sure to get a non-lemon.

-Gööney0

 

[Glensgages]

gooney0:
I agree; get as GOOD a late C3 as you can find, but there ARE several differences between the '80, '81, and '82 Corvettes, especially in the motor/transmission departments, as stated earlier.
I believe this would be VERY important info for the 1st-time C3-buyer, even more-so if the car will be hot-rodded, by virtue of the computerized ignition, fuel-injection, OD/lock-up converter, etc.
While I personally find the '82 Cross-Fire/700R4 drive-train least attractive, I bought mine in-spite of this, because it had just 11,200 documented miles in May of '00.

Just my $.02 worth...

 

[Stallion]

Let me know what year you choose. i might be selling my '80

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! :cry

If you are looking for stock fuel injection, go for the '82.

 

[4 webers]

I quite agree with glen's statement about the 82 driveline . While it does deliver great mileage numbers it just lacks a bit of sparkle in the performance aspect . My 82 drives , rides and stops great . But late one night I had a brain pfarht and when morning came the car suddenly became a performer ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, yesssssssssssssssssss . On a serious note find the car YOU like and enjoy it !!



geo hi Glen

 

[johnd]

I really really like my 81 never had a better car in my entire life...ya I know I am twenty...but it is great never better!!

John Dykstra