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80 or 81?

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Old Feb 6, 2006 | 12:06 PM
  #1  
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Default 80 or 81?

Are there any differences in the two years. I am looking at 2 cars and one is an 81 with 60 thousand and no restoration the other is an 80 with extensive restoration, new paint,cluch,ac unit,bushings...and 79 thousand miles. they want 2000 more for the 80 model. Any thoughts?
Thanks for takin time with a new guy.
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Old Feb 6, 2006 | 12:08 PM
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for 2k more i would be all over the 80, bearing it was a properly done resto...
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Old Feb 6, 2006 | 12:14 PM
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Go with the 80 as it sounds like a lot of work is done. Also...if it's an early 80 then it will not have an ECU...one less thing to have to deal with later....
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Old Feb 6, 2006 | 12:14 PM
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There are very few differences in the two. The 81 has a power driver’s seat. But it has a computer controlled carb distributor and auto lockout.
Many don’t like the computer but some do. I scrapped all my computer goodies and run a vacuum advanced dist. I have a 4 speed trans so the converter lock is not there. If the only difference is $2,000 between a fairly restored 80 to a 81 in need of work the 80 would be my choice.
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Old Feb 6, 2006 | 12:36 PM
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You just confirmed what i was thinking. Looks like the 80 Vett will be in my garage in a couple of weeks.
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Old Feb 6, 2006 | 12:40 PM
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Good choice. Don't forget to post pics when you get her home.

Kona
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Old Feb 6, 2006 | 12:46 PM
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I'd agree with the opinions above. Just make sure that the 80 isn't the California 305. The model LG4 should be on the under hood sticker.
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Old Feb 6, 2006 | 01:06 PM
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Good choice on the '80. If the resto is well done, then you'll have less things to worry about down the road.

Of course I'm a little bias.
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Old Feb 6, 2006 | 01:52 PM
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trust me you will spend way more than $2000 on the 81 restoring it.
the 80 is my vote
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Old Feb 6, 2006 | 01:53 PM
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with the '80, the new paint alone is worth way more than $2K.
Good luck
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Old Feb 6, 2006 | 10:44 PM
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I had a similar choice from an 81 or 80. The 80 was 90% restored, but cost $2500 more. Once I saw the car, I fell in love with it. I also heard about the computer crap and didn't want anything to do with it.

Here it is, what do you think?

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Old Feb 7, 2006 | 12:32 AM
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If you've got that spare cash, ya, definitely the '80. I've probably spent that much on my '81 and I still ain't done!
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Old Feb 7, 2006 | 12:57 AM
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Originally Posted by CA-Legal-Vette
I'd agree with the opinions above. Just make sure that the 80 isn't the California 305. The model LG4 should be on the under hood sticker.
Make sure there`s not an H in the VIN.If there is its a California 305CI engine.Plus that Cali version had the original computer...the CCC that was later on put in all 81`s.
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Old Feb 7, 2006 | 01:03 AM
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Originally Posted by gator79
trust me you will spend way more than $2000 on the 81 restoring it.
the 80 is my vote
Go with the 80 and post pics after you get it. Good luck
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Old Feb 7, 2006 | 01:37 AM
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Yeah, as a few have said, make sure that thing is a 350 and not a 305! Last thing you want is the 1980 California Edition
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