1982 C3 Chevrolet Corvette: L83 and L89 Engine History and Pricing
The only engine available in the 1982 Chevrolet Corvette was the L83 as pollution requirements became more stringent throughout the 80’s. At 350 cubic inches, or 5.7 L, it produced 200 horsepower (149 kW) and 285 lb. ft. of torque (386 Nm) at a compression ratio of 9:1. This Chevy Vette could be ordered only with a four-speed automatic transmission, which had a new torque converter clutch in gears 2, 3, and 4 to save fuel. Another fuel-saving, pollution-reducing innovation on the 1982 Corvette was “Cross-Fire Fuel Injection,” which was like a combined fuel injection and carburetion. The system featured a new electric fuel pump and allowed the car to develop 200 hp without violating anti-smog regulations. The base car sold for $16,258 while the Collector’s Edition Hatchback sold for $22,537.
Due to production issues, there was no 1983 Corvette, although 44
prototypes were built for testing and press purposes. The 1984 Corvette
was built with essentially the same engine as the 1982 car. Starting in
1985, the standard Corvette engine was a 230 hp (170 kW), 350 cubic
inch L98 engine featuring tuned-port fuel injection. The base price
came to $16,258 (automatic transmission). A four-speed manual
transmission was optional.