L81 Reliability ?

[clutch_62]

I'm very close to becoming a first time Corvette owner, I'm partial to the 80 & 81 models (as is my wallet)....however I'm unsure of all the particulars of the L81 compared to the L82/L48.
From what little I've researched it has a computer controlled fuel metering system, as well as the torque converter lock-up clutch etc.....any inherent problems? Any feedback would be appreciated regarding problems/glitches........thanks much

TJ

 

[fmize]

TJ, your reliability question is going to be hard to answer, but easier to answer if you know the history of the car you are looking at, how well it was maintained, was the oil changed religiously, etc. etc. etc. . I have pretty much done everything but a frame off resto on my 81, and it's only a 50k mile car! the reason? it just sat around and was barely driven and suffered from alot of dry rot ( bushings, hoses, leaking calipers, leaking power steering components etc.). It would be hard to say that a 22 year old car would be "reliable"! However, we are talking about a small block chevy 350 and a th350 trans. as a form of motovation, all of wich can be rebuilt and or modified to bulletproof standards at very reasonable prices, and with a moderate budget and some elbow grease it then can be turned into a "reliable" vehicle. Not knowing the specifics of the 81 vette you are looking at, someone may have already rebuilt these problem areas which would take alot of the elbow grease out of the picture and leave you nothing left to do other than enjoying your prized new vette purchase! As to your taste for 80-81 vettes, it coulndn't be any better!!!! I have owned several vettes, and the 80-81 body style is my personal favorite, by far not the most powerful model I've owned, but hey, thats why they make hot rod parts!!! and thats my 2 cents. Good luck no matter what year vette you decide on! (just be sure it's a C3!) he he he.

Franky

 

[Yoda]

clutch_62 ~ Welcome Aboard ~

Franky did an excellent reply. Hope you find one esp. a 1981, not that I'm baised or anything

AND
Franky good to see you posting, I received your email just haven't gotten around to responding back to you.. sorry bro... I'll get back to you yet.. Sounds like you are well on your way to having your L81 84L 152 done

 

[Nut]

TJ...... I have 203,800 miles and counting on my '81 and she has never left me stranded. Rare81 has seen and knows my car and can verify this. And Franky is completely correct. You take care of a Corvette and she'll take care of you. Good luck in your purchase.
NOTE: We are ALL biased regarding 1981's over here.

............. Nut

 

[clutch_62]

Thanks for the input........can't wait to get behind the wheel.:s

 

[81 Corvette]

142,000 and counting.

 

[CharlesW]

Use it!

I really think driving them is the best thing you can do for reliability. Mine has around 90k+ and I wouldn't hesitate taking it on a cross country trip today.

Charles