frank_81

Newbie here. I recently purchased a Black/Black 81 Vette in pretty good condition, but needs a few things worked out. Need to know what the best service and repair manuals are. Thanks.

gbvette62

Without a doubt, the factory 1981 Corvette Shop Manual is the way to go. These aren't cheap at about $110, but they are far better than any other manuals, such as the Helms, Chiltons, or generic 66-82 manual on the market.

The factory shop manual is the same book that was used at Chevrolet dealerships, by their mechanics. The factory shop manual will cover all areas of your 81 Corvette.

Sometimes you can find used ones for less than the $110 for a new one.

The assembly manual, which has exploded drawings of most components of the 81, is the perfect book to accompany the shop manual, and at $19 for reprints, it's quite reasonable.

Dose11

Whoaaaa there buddy.... First things first!

You just purchased an 81 Black/Black....well congratulations and welcome to the forum...

But before you start asking questions....Your gonna need to post some pics of this new vehicle of yours....YUP

frank_81

Just posted a few pictures on my profile. Thanks guys

mapman

frank 81 Welcome to the Forum! As gbvette62 states, you'll want both the Genuine Corvette Shop Manual for 1981 and the 1981 Assembly Instruction Manual. Wiring diagrams are available from several sources, with reprints of the GM wiring diagrams available from the NCRS store.

Check your V.I.N, it will tell you if your car was built in St Louis or Bowling Green. There is an "archive" pdf available from General Motors Heritage Center that has a lot of useful information about the 1981 Corvette. If the car was built in Bowling Green, the National Corvette Museum may be able to get you a copy of the build sheet and window sticker for your car. If the Museum does not have the build sheet or your car was built in St Louis, the GM Heritage Center has the shipping document ($$) for your car that lists dates, Options, dealer, etc for your specific car. (1977 and up Corvette)

http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-h...tion-kits.html


Again, welcome to the Forum!

Dpoole

Hi

Just wondering, was there an original service log for the 1981 vette.
I'm after a service log that let's you know in miles what the service should be for the vehicle.
Does anyone know of such a service log for the car.
I couldn't see this in the owners manual

Any help would be great

Cheers
David

4-vettes

A service log? You can tell your from Australia Mate!
I'm in Queensland. But originally from the states. Thought log book servicing was funny when I first got here.
change your oil every 5 thousand miles and change the diff and gearbox oil every 4th time if you have a manual. Grease and lube everything everytime.
change the engine coolant about every 4 years and flush the brakes about as often.
Am I missing something?
Perhaps, others will chime in.
And you really should start a new thread. Restarting a 12 year old thread isn't really the right way to post up questions on here.

Mr D.

My go-to library (1973)

1) Corvette Factory Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) $22.00
2) Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual $35.00
3) Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual $28.00
4) Motor Manual $10.00
5) Corvette Technical Information and Judging Guide $75.00
6) 0OSOEZ Wiring Guides $50.00

Bonus Items
1) Chevrolet Corvette Parts and Illustration Catalog 1953 to 1982 (free .pdf on internet)
2) Haynes Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Manual $15.00
2) Corvette by the Numbers 1955 - 1982 $70.00

I adjust the above library based on what year Vette you own.

Mark G

Frank-81. Perhaps in the meantime, let us know what thing's you think need to be worked out. Or post what questions you have in a new thread. Good guys here who can help you work through the electronics and other things.

gbvette62

Recommended service intervals are in the 81 Owners Manual, but they're not included in as a "log", chart or table. All service details are included under Section 5, Service and Maintenance, starting on page 5-1. In Section 5 you will find recommended engine oil and oil change intervals, transmission and coolant information, tire inflation, clutch adjustments, etc.

I don't think Frank-81 has any more questions. This is a 12 year old post, and from looking at his profile the last time Frank-81 checked in here was in September 2011.