1980 vs 1981 ?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 788
Likes: 2
From: The People's Republic of NY
1980 vs 1981 ?
I've always liked the 1980 - 1982 body style since I was a kid, and I'm thinking about finally buying one. I'd really like a manual trans, so I believe 1982s are out. Can anyone tell me the difference between 1980 and 1981 models?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach Florida
I have an 81 for sale 99% restored .No emmisions. It has to go to a state that does not have emmision inspections.. email prissyo@aol.co for pics and info,,74k miles
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
I just finished my 81. Also 81 used a lighter hood for weight. You will get a leaf spring with a 4 speed not a fiberglass spring. Don't really know why GM did that, because performance was not a big issue back then. I got rid of the computer, so I guess I'm a 80 1/2
I liked the power seat as earlier stated.
I liked the power seat as earlier stated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,921
Likes: 0
From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.
Originally Posted by Bangkok Dean
81 has a power drivers seat 
plus they look better than the 80
plus they look better than the 80
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
IMHO, I'd steer clear of the 81 with it's one year only computer controlled carb....that's one complication you don't need.
An 80 w/L82 4sp would be the very nice.
An 80 w/L82 4sp would be the very nice.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 37
From: South Central PA
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
81 additions:
1. slight exterior emblem change
2. stainless steel exhaust manifolds standard for CA sold 80s were standard for 81
3. computer command control
4. igniton interrupt added to alarm system
5. magnesium valve covers
6. color-keyed headlamp and windshield wiper switchbezels to match interior color
7. power driver seat.
also automatics got a torque converter clutches for 2nd and 3rd gears to improve fuel economy, and as said before they also had fiberglass-reinforced monoleaf rear spring. also interesting about the 81s, some of them were the last built in St. Louis, so you could get a real collector.
good luck with your choice!
1. slight exterior emblem change
2. stainless steel exhaust manifolds standard for CA sold 80s were standard for 81
3. computer command control
4. igniton interrupt added to alarm system
5. magnesium valve covers
6. color-keyed headlamp and windshield wiper switchbezels to match interior color
7. power driver seat.
also automatics got a torque converter clutches for 2nd and 3rd gears to improve fuel economy, and as said before they also had fiberglass-reinforced monoleaf rear spring. also interesting about the 81s, some of them were the last built in St. Louis, so you could get a real collector.
good luck with your choice!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Originally Posted by The_Dude
Unfortunately, for the '80 model year, all L82s were automatics.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,071
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
If you don't have to deal with emissions, and are a wrencher, the '81 is sweet.
If you do have to deal with emissions... go with an '80, and sacrifice the few "improvements" that the '81 gives.
If you do have to deal with emissions... go with an '80, and sacrifice the few "improvements" that the '81 gives.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
St. Jude Donor '15
I was looking at the same model years, but decided I wanted a power seat for comfort. (The stock seat angle is just too reclined for me.) My target vehicles were 81 manual or 82 auto. The low percentage of manuals during the late C3 years makes finding a good one tough. I found an outstanding 81 auto for sale by another forum member in my wife's favorite color and bought it.
