80-82 vettes
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 5
From: Granbury, TX
Originally Posted by Glensgages
I've never been to "the Plex" myself, but a former co-worker was there the day that Eddie Hill became "the Four-Father" in April of 1988.
Last week, BERNADETTE and I attended the 21st Keystone Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, in Reading, Pa., and I posted a few pictures in "Off-Topic" last week that some of my C3-brethren may've missed:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1552113220
Enjoy!
Last week, BERNADETTE and I attended the 21st Keystone Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, in Reading, Pa., and I posted a few pictures in "Off-Topic" last week that some of my C3-brethren may've missed:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1552113220
Enjoy!
Cool pictures.
I'll be sure and take a bunch at the Fall Nationals. We have pit passes so we'll be up close and personal. I just love the smell of nitromethane in the morning!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: River Bend NC
I seem to remember that the 80-82's were the largest sellers for Chevrolet Corvette division. Must've been something right about these. Maby just more agreeable to women....less fuss to keep them running well. I have an '81 that I've modded in appearance only and love it for cruizin' around in. I think the these cars have absolutely the best design lines of any corvette type. They shore gots the curves man!
And, if you want more power or better fuel mileage, they're fairly easy upgrades.
And, if you want more power or better fuel mileage, they're fairly easy upgrades.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: ca
Originally Posted by MetalVette
Those years are great in appearance, as far as performance, I know of a could 80-82 vettes smoked by Honda's. Sad, Very sad. 
Almost, every year has its shortcommings. But whats important to one may not be to another.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 218
Likes: 6
From: SF North Bay California
Originally Posted by ferndog4
Lots of Mods available on the 80-82 series of vehicles.
I have a modded engine with about 350 hp and I have a hell of a time smogging it every 2 years.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 292
Likes: 2
From: Plumas Lake CA
I had an '80 for 11 years and liked it a lot. At times it was my daily driver and I thought I'd never sell it. I always loved the front facia treatment the General gave the 80-82 models but I was also partial to the back-half of the 68-73 convertibles. When I saw the add for my current '70 convertible, complete with an '80 front-end, L88 rear flares, and Hooker header/side exhaust, it was love at first sight!
The best of both worlds - and no smog!
The best of both worlds - and no smog!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 86
From: State of Confusion
Originally Posted by MetalVette
Those years are great in appearance, as far as performance, I know of a could 80-82 vettes smoked by Honda's. Sad, Very sad.
in 20+ years, those same rice-burners will have been recycled into soup cans or yield signs for the 3rd time because they AREN'T, and people don't want them!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa OK
I've had a ball with my 81. And living in a non-smog required state made waking up the tired old engine a whole lot easier. My only complaint is when trying to replace those 80-82 only parts that no one has anymore, like the front side makers. But since they're cars that most people aren't so worried about keeping original, they're great cars to have fun with.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,453
Likes: 461
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
...pic of my old Yellow 1980 L-48 4spd with Oyster White Interior sold 5-23-03.
Last edited by Paul Borowski; Sep 26, 2005 at 04:17 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 86
From: State of Confusion
..... I found a few more pix of late-C3s:
http://www.nitrosim.com/forum/attach...?postid=209762
http://www.70sfunnycars.com/Photos/2moby.JPG
http://www.70sfunnycars.com/Photos/1goose79.JPG
http://www.70sfunnycars.com/Photos/6Force2.JPG
(note the name, under the sponsor's signage )
http://www.70sfunnycars.com/Photos/7Bruce1.JPG
http://www.nitrosim.com/forum/attach...&postid=217315
http://www.nitrosim.com/forum/attach...?postid=209334
..... WHAT?
Nobody said the had to be street-legal!!!!!
http://www.nitrosim.com/forum/attach...?postid=209762
http://www.70sfunnycars.com/Photos/2moby.JPG
http://www.70sfunnycars.com/Photos/1goose79.JPG
http://www.70sfunnycars.com/Photos/6Force2.JPG
(note the name, under the sponsor's signage )
http://www.70sfunnycars.com/Photos/7Bruce1.JPG
http://www.nitrosim.com/forum/attach...&postid=217315
http://www.nitrosim.com/forum/attach...?postid=209334
..... WHAT?
Nobody said the had to be street-legal!!!!!
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Aubrey Texas
Originally Posted by Clint's C3
We have been racing in the Texas Muscle Car Challenge, you can check them out at www.tmccc.org
The next race is at Texas Motorplex in Ennis TX. on Oct 23 It’s a really nice ¼ mi track where they hold the NHRA Fall Nationals.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 5
From: Granbury, TX
Originally Posted by BadMojo
No way! Me too! I run with TorqueCentral. We've had a low attendance so we haven't gotten too many points this year. Oh well. It's all about fun at the track!
I'll see you there! I'll either be in a silver Grand Prix GXP or my blue '04 GTO. Hopefully we can find each other and shake hands! Plus now that I'm looking around for a C3 I can hit you with a ton of questions that I have! LOL!
I'll see you there! I'll either be in a silver Grand Prix GXP or my blue '04 GTO. Hopefully we can find each other and shake hands! Plus now that I'm looking around for a C3 I can hit you with a ton of questions that I have! LOL!
Well, that's too cool! Stop on by the Corvette Club trailer. It's white with a red C3 stencil. We'll be hanging around with our red Vette, a '95 TA and possibly a 96 Z-28. Questions are welcome!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Keizer OR
'80-'82 Corvettes are cheap because they are crap. J/K I think they are just easier find, and as mentioned, they don't have the power of the older ones. Not the slowest years, but not far off.
However, after looking at a few different ones from early 70's up I decided on getting a '78-'81 4-spd. I was living in CA and bought it to be a daily driver, so newer, nicer, and more comfortable was more important that big power and classic looks at a classic price. It was purely C3 looks that kept me from going with a C4, and IMHO the '80-'82 years are the nicest looking of all C3s.
Two nice things about the lower value of the late C3s, cheaper and easier to get, and you can modify and modernize without feeling guilty.
However, after looking at a few different ones from early 70's up I decided on getting a '78-'81 4-spd. I was living in CA and bought it to be a daily driver, so newer, nicer, and more comfortable was more important that big power and classic looks at a classic price. It was purely C3 looks that kept me from going with a C4, and IMHO the '80-'82 years are the nicest looking of all C3s.
Two nice things about the lower value of the late C3s, cheaper and easier to get, and you can modify and modernize without feeling guilty.