C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

1982 Corvette value?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 22, 2006 | 05:41 PM
  #1  
VETTE277's Avatar
VETTE277
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Default 1982 Corvette value?

Hey, I figured I'd ask you guys this. I'm looking into a neighbor’s car here in FL but was curious as to what a fair price would be for the car. It's a 1982 non-special edition. It needs about 5K worth of work to make it road worthy (Air compressor, mufflers, tires, etc.) from it sitting in his garage for quite the past few years. Exterior looks pretty good, definitely needs to be washed up, but nothing too bad that can't be buffed out. Interior is also decent, seat covers, and wheel leather is cracked from the heat it appears. It has 61K miles on it, he's the original owner and I just wanted what you guys think it'd be worth.

Thanks a bunch!
Reply
Old May 22, 2006 | 06:54 PM
  #2  
E_Tar's Avatar
E_Tar
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,427
Likes: 1
From: Tracy California
Default

Originally Posted by VETTE277
Hey, I figured I'd ask you guys this. I'm looking into a neighbor’s car here in FL but was curious as to what a fair price would be for the car. It's a 1982 non-special edition. It needs about 5K worth of work to make it road worthy (Air compressor, mufflers, tires, etc.) from it sitting in his garage for quite the past few years. Exterior looks pretty good, definitely needs to be washed up, but nothing too bad that can't be buffed out. Interior is also decent, seat covers, and wheel leather is cracked from the heat it appears. It has 61K miles on it, he's the original owner and I just wanted what you guys think it'd be worth.

Thanks a bunch!
Wrong way to go about it dude...
That a car looks ok means nothing... Firstly, does it even start up ???
THe ONLY real test is to take it to a mechanic and put it up on a lift, check for the following things..


1. - Rust on the frame (frame should be rust free)
2. - Bent or damaged frames (check for signs of collision)
3. - Leaks,... check for leaks from tranny.
4. - Usual engine check. (fluids, belts, no knocking/pinging etc)
5. - Check engine bay for rust. Check headers, cat, y-pipes, exhaust.
6. - check every single bit of electronics, especially the popup headlamps
7. - Yours is a 82, that means crossfire, check it with a corvette mechanic.
8. - No air compressor means you have to check into how much installing one will cost you

If all this is in working order, then and only then, I would say about $3500 - $4000 is good.

Interiors and exteriors you can always beautify later... thats what you should spend your extra money for, only after you know that the mechanicals work fine.
Decide in haste, repent at leisure...
Good luck.

Last edited by E_Tar; May 22, 2006 at 07:15 PM.
Reply
Old May 22, 2006 | 07:00 PM
  #3  
E_Tar's Avatar
E_Tar
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,427
Likes: 1
From: Tracy California
Default

Please post a pic or two, that would enable us to help you better..
1. pic of the car front/side
2. pic of the interior
3. pic of the engine (important)
Reply
Old May 22, 2006 | 07:36 PM
  #4  
SIXFOOTER's Avatar
SIXFOOTER
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Default

Vett277, where in Fla? if your down here in S fla I can help you check it out. You can email me if you like
Reply
Old May 22, 2006 | 08:10 PM
  #5  
VETTE277's Avatar
VETTE277
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Default

Defiantly we're going to have it checked out, thanks for pointing out some particulars. I appreciate the advice, and any more would be appreciated. I'll see what I can do about the pictures in the coming week or so.

SIXFOOTER, I'll shoot you an email.

Thanks again, and I'll work on getting some more info!
Reply
Old May 23, 2006 | 09:04 AM
  #6  
jdp6000's Avatar
jdp6000
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Default

I would say $3,000 max. Thats provided it runs. Solid frame is a must. Many parts are exclusive to the 1982. A little more expensive.

Jim
Reply
Old May 23, 2006 | 09:13 AM
  #7  
classiczx's Avatar
classiczx
Drifting
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,501
Likes: 0
From: Old Skool, NY
Default

Just remember, whatever you think its gonna cost to fix... it'll probably cost more in the end so make sure your budget can handle that.

Good Luck!
Reply
Old May 23, 2006 | 09:18 AM
  #8  
TexasYankee's Avatar
TexasYankee
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 924
Likes: 15
From: DFW Metroplex Texas
Default

Originally Posted by E_Tar
Wrong way to go about it dude...
That a car looks ok means nothing... Firstly, does it even start up ???

7. - Yours is a 82, that means crossfire, check it with a corvette mechanic.....
Good luck.


The CFI system is fantastic when operating as designed. It can be a nightmare when not. There are not very many mechanics that can work on these properly it seems.

From what you describe, it does sound like a project car and ought to be priced as such...

Good luck!
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 23, 2006 | 11:05 AM
  #9  
bluesilver82's Avatar
bluesilver82
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 1
From: St Augustine FL
Default

I paid 8K for my 82 with 120k on it.
It is a good solid driver that needs a little TLC.
Came with two sets of tops. Glass and colored. The glass panels need to be reworked to fit propoerly
The paint is a 10 footer and is original. There was some rust issues but they have been resolved.
The interior is an 8 out of 10.
I have just about everything electrical working on the car now with the exeption of the cruise control (needs a transducer). The car needs a tune up, weather striping at the windows and on the drivers side t-top (does'nt leak yet), I need to chase down a couple of small oil leaks and put new tires on the car.
The car has the origianl radio and it works.
The only modifications that I can see is a chrome alternator, an Accell HEI distributor, and a 2.5 inch true dual exauhst system.
The tranny is good, the motor runs strong, suspension and brakes are also in good shape. I have probably spent another $500 in misc. stuff.

So for $8,500-$9,000 I have an enjoyable sunday driver in good shape that I can keep tinkering with for fun.

NADA value ranges from around $7,000-$18,000 (cant remeber the exact numbers but that is in the ball park) depending on condition. If the car you are looking it is a project car, then it is probably worth 3-5k depending upon what it needs.
Reply
Old May 23, 2006 | 11:08 AM
  #10  
Flagstaff_Vette's Avatar
Flagstaff_Vette
Pro
Supporting Lifetime
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 604
Likes: 1
From: Flagstaff !!!! baby AZ
Default

But NADA values you deduct the price of repairs from the 'value' to get ALL systems working...

So he's back down below that $4,000 range...
Reply
Old May 23, 2006 | 01:47 PM
  #11  
bluesilver82's Avatar
bluesilver82
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 1
From: St Augustine FL
Default

Originally Posted by 71_454_Green_Machine
But NADA values you deduct the price of repairs from the 'value' to get ALL systems working...

So he's back down below that $4,000 range...

NADA value ranges from around $7,000-$18,000 (cant remeber the exact numbers but that is in the ball park) depending on condition. If the car you are looking it is a project car, then it is probably worth 3-5k depending upon what it needs.

I agree with you green Machine. Its a project 3-5K.
Reply
Old May 24, 2006 | 06:39 PM
  #12  
VETTE277's Avatar
VETTE277
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Default

I just wanted to inquire about the Cross Fire Injection engine. I spoke with someone regarding them today who specializes with corvettes and he said to actually avoid the 1981 and 82 because of it. Anyone have any suggestions?
Reply
Old May 24, 2006 | 06:47 PM
  #13  
E_Tar's Avatar
E_Tar
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,427
Likes: 1
From: Tracy California
Default

Originally Posted by VETTE277
I just wanted to inquire about the Cross Fire Injection engine. I spoke with someone regarding them today who specializes with corvettes and he said to actually avoid the 1981 and 82 because of it. Anyone have any suggestions?
Listen to your mechanic.
I'd rather drive my 77 with my holley carburettor than cruise in an 82 crossfire vette. I have heard horror stories about fixing those things.
Very expensive to repair them too if not working properly.
Reply
Old May 24, 2006 | 11:55 PM
  #14  
jdp6000's Avatar
jdp6000
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Default

Start the car...listen to the motor. If it smooth its fine. Fix things as the go and it will run for ever at 24 mpg plus....

The problem with the crossfire is too many try to screw with the settings and no nothing about the system. Which could make it a great deal.

If its not running right get back to us with a description of what its doing.

Jim
Reply
Old May 25, 2006 | 07:18 AM
  #15  
FASTAZU's Avatar
FASTAZU
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 11,616
Likes: 1,055
From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
2015 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '16
Default



Don’t let the CF scare you away from a good deal.

I would also agree the Crossfire is a great set up as long as you know how to work on it. It was no powerhouse but they do get great fuel mileage and have good low-end torque.
Reply
Old May 25, 2006 | 08:27 AM
  #16  
Easy Mike's Avatar
Easy Mike
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by VETTE277
I just wanted to inquire about the Cross Fire Injection engine. I spoke with someone regarding them today who specializes with corvettes and he said to actually avoid the 1981 and 82 because of it. Anyone have any suggestions?
Hmmmmmm. '81s don't have CFI, but they do have computers. They also have the "electronic" Quadra-Jet. Your mechanic might have had that in mind. '82s are the only C3s with CFI stock.
Reply
Old May 25, 2006 | 09:09 AM
  #17  
mooneyd's Avatar
mooneyd
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 2
From: Flanders NJ
Default

The crossfire injection is not a problem, as a matter of fact I think it's a great running engine. As long as it's tuned well (just like any other engine) it runs great. It has 200 hp which is higher than all the '75 thru '81 models, except the L82 engine. It has a OD trans with the locking converter and gets great milage. I get 21mpg everyday driving and 25+ mpg on highway trips. It's funny that most of the people who knock the crossfire are people who don't have one.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 1982 Corvette value?

Old Mar 28, 2018 | 12:01 AM
  #18  
Aramey6's Avatar
Aramey6
8th Gear
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Default 1982 corvette

I recently purchased a silver 1982 corvette. It has just over 92 k miles but runs amazing. All the electronics works. Its 100 percent original and I have the orginal sales price paper, delivery paper, and where the corvette was assembled and sold. Anyone have a guess of what worth?
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2018 | 12:38 PM
  #19  
Easy Mike's Avatar
Easy Mike
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

This thread is from 2006. Your car was assembled at the Corvette Plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. They assemble C7s in Bowling Green these days.

Without further information, your car is almost certainly worth what you paid for it.

Congrats on the 82.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2018 | 04:55 AM
  #20  
cvm's Avatar
cvm
Pro
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 698
Likes: 20
From: Md
Default

Ya, i got a nice morning laugh from the back-in-the-day " Corvette Mechanic " that said avoid 81-82 because of the crossfire . Had he had another bong hit maybe he would remember 82-84. "Corvette Mechanic"....

Carry on gentlemen w/ the 82 thread, they get no Love.
It is now, "What they were then". GM built it. I didn't.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:52 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE