JWASR64

I like the 80 -81 C3 body style, and I am thinking of one for my daily driver
( 20 miles min., 40 miles high per day). I would like options on which year I should focus on ? Thanks in advance

The13Bats

I owned 2 81's at different times, the 80's doesn't have as much comp and related stuff, or does it?
I put well over 100K on one 81 before rebuilding it ground up in 89 so these cars can rack up miles,
I never keep things stock but if you do then you have to find a car that is nice to start with, low miles doesn't mean things won't start needing to be replaced fast when you daily drive it, so I wouldn't care so much if it was 80 or 81 but rather one that has been kept up to snuff, all the wear items replaced 34 years is still old, I guess I would worry more about color, stick or auto ( which one you desire ) a replaced engine and tranny would be nice unless the low miles ones were well taken care of, I guess in this case if I wanted to use it as it was made to be used a "car" I would rather have restored than surviver...well, that was babbling even for me...

qwank

'82. Fuel injection and overdrive transmission.

Brack c

Depends what you're looking for wanting ...
Someone correct me if I'm wrong :

1980 ~ last year to have carburetor & no computer . 4 speed & auto trans .
1981 ~ last year for carburetor BUT has computer . Also last year to have manual transmission for a number of years .
1982 ~ changed to fuel injection , computer & only trans offered was 4 speed automatic .

~Stingray

But an auto only.

OP, I have a 1980, so I am biased.

terry82

they got the stick shift back in 84

corvetteronw

Correction: 1981 has the computer carb and it is VERY expensive to rebuild. It is a relatively simple thing to unhook the computer and go with an '80 style distributor and carb or go aftermarket. The 1981s had a problem with cracked heads near the (if I remember correctly) exhaust valves. Be careful with 1980s because any that were sold in California have the 305 engine instead of the 350. The 81 has an aluminum rear end which does not lend itself to high HP/torque engines. The 82 can have problems with the transmission as they are not as strong as the ones found in the C4s. I cannot remember if they too have the aluminum rear end. The 82 has the (usually) finicky Cross Fire Injection.
All these negatives can be addressed but require infusions of greenbacks

Brack c

Thanks Ron . .I corrected my typo . 2nd entry was suppose to be 1981 . And yes the 82s have the aluminum rear end .

3JsVette

It really depends on whether or not you want stick or automatic but after you decide that buy the best car you that falls within your budget. Condition IMCO is more important than price especially since you want to "drive" this car.
Good luck in your search.

Mikeski

You want a restored modified 80 or 81 if you want it as a daily driver. The previous owner will have done most of the work for you. Otherwise driving it everyday will require you to start replacing and fixing it yourself. If you have auto mechanic experience and disposable income then it will be a fun experience. IF not then you may regret it.

SIXFOOTER

The E4ME carb is not any harder to rebuild than any other carb. There is a book and a Ton of info on the web, if you can follow a recipe you can rebuild it. Toughest thing I have found working on 81's is patching up all the bubba mods.

The13Bats

except the part about it being some regrettable experience if you are not a tech or have a tech and a bottomless wallet,

My first 81 went to over 100K with the same costs any same level car would require, I never toasted a tranny or engine, I replaced wear items as needed and did do lots of work myself but still...
I have no reserves using my current 69 as a daily driver and it will not cost any more than my wifes xterra, in fact I bet it gets better MPG.

I believe I am different I never cared about original, I put non comp parts on my 81's and real dual exhaust,

After the 100K the first 81 got a radical rebuild.


How it looked as daily driver and this was mid 80's I am sporting way cool parachute pants...


Same car in 89 after the rebuild full tilt wide body show car took all the fun out of the car for me......it was shipped overseas