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Hey wait...A 1980 L82 produced 230-235 (depending which magazine)HP.
That's a huge leap over the 75-79 Base engines
Yes, but the 78 L-82 is way faster than a base or worse-than-base 80 Corvette. (And also, a 10 hp difference between the two cars, which probably only existed to get people to keep buying new vettes).
I hope you were intentionally presenting a fallacious argument.
To the OP:
Out of all the years listed, I would probably stick with an 80 merely because you can avoid the CCC q-jets, as long as you stick away from the LG4 motor. However, it's trivial to switch to a non-computerized setup with a swap of the carb and distributor. I would probably avoid 82 Corvettes, but it's definitely not the worst thing in the world to own. Any vette from 68-82 is going to be fairly easy to keep running, with a bit of exception to the unique throttle body parts on the 82 and of course the '68-only parts.
I also wanted an 80-82. The deciding factor for me was the power seat. I raise the back up and my back doesn't kill me like it does in the 80s. My targets were an 81 4 speed or 82 auto. I ended up with an 81 auto because everything else was about perfect on it.
My opinion is if you want to mod the engine / driveline, go with an 80 or 81. If you want a steady, auto cruiser, go with an 82.
I've always liked the looks of these 3 years - 1980 - 1982. If I were looking to buy one, what are the major differences between the years?
How can you tell them apart visually?
'82s usually have steering-wheels that are bent..... this happens when their drivers, tired of getting beaten by skate-boarders, horse-pulled carriages, wind-blown hot-dog wrappers, and motorized wheel-chairs, smack it with the palm of their hands in frustration.....
'82s usually have steering-wheels that are bent..... this happens when their drivers, tired of getting beaten by skate-boarders, horse-pulled carriages, wind-blown hot-dog wrappers, and motorized wheel-chairs, smack it with the palm of their hands in frustration.....
Another vote for 1980. They look great, have no computer and are easy to work on, and they are inexpensive. Don't be concerned about keepin it original. Think performance and fun to drive! Just rebuild the engine for some HP and TQ, add a better flowing exhaust, lighten the load with a rear composite spring and dump the spare, put 3:55 gears in the rear, and you've got the street vette the General should have built.... but I'm biased and not an NCRS guy.