80, 81, or 82?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: TN
80, 81, or 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?
Is one considered more desirable than the others? Why?
Any big problems to avoid in specific models or options?
My intent would be to drive it occasionally throughout the year, and park it alongside my 69 vert.
Is one considered more desirable than the others? Why?
Any big problems to avoid in specific models or options?
My intent would be to drive it occasionally throughout the year, and park it alongside my 69 vert.
Last edited by akfox1; Jun 19, 2007 at 03:11 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 830
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
1980 No computer but available with Automatic or Manual Trans
1981 Computer but available with Automatic or Manual Trans and Power seat option.
1982 Fuel Injection (Crossfire) Computer controlled but Automatic Trans was only available. Pop up rear glass on CE and a kit was available aftermarket for all others.
None of the engines above created much HP due to gas prices back then.
1981 Computer but available with Automatic or Manual Trans and Power seat option.
1982 Fuel Injection (Crossfire) Computer controlled but Automatic Trans was only available. Pop up rear glass on CE and a kit was available aftermarket for all others.
None of the engines above created much HP due to gas prices back then.
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,714
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From: Concord VA, U.S.A.
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
Well, much like the '70s C3s ('75 and up) get a bad rap for low performance, the '80 gets a bad rap because 3,221 out of the 40,614 made had a 305 engine. Facts are (according to the Corvette Black Book), the '80 L-82 had 230 HP (which Corvette wouldn't see again until 1985). The '81 had 190 HP, same as the '80 L-48, and the '82 had a 200 HP crossfire engine (same as the '84 rated at 205 HP). As far as collectibility, the 1982 Collector's Edition will be worth the most (last of its kind). Still, the fewer the computers, the easier the mods. 
Last edited by JungleCat; Jun 19, 2007 at 03:50 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Fiberglass rear springs on the 81 and 82 standard suspension cars. Steel leafs on the FE7 cars. 80 and most 81s were assembled at St. Louis. Some 81s and all 82s came out of Bowling Green.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 224
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From: Boston Massachusetts
I have an 82 and like it a lot. Really good cruizer, pretty good on gas. The crossfire has not given me much trouble. The 700R4 trans tends to upshift too fast and "lug" the motor. I usually leave it in "3" around town.
Mine's a CE, I just love the color and the knock off style wheels.
Good luck with your search.
Tom
Mine's a CE, I just love the color and the knock off style wheels.
Good luck with your search.
Tom
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: North Richland Hills TX
Well, much like the '70s C3s ('75 and up) get a bad rap for low performance, the '80 gets a bad rap because 3,221 out of the 40,614 made had a 305 engine. Facts are (according to the Corvette Black Book), the '80 L-82 had 230 HP (which Corvette wouldn't see again until 1985). The '81 had 190 HP, same as the '80 L-48, and the '82 had a 200 HP crossfire engine (same as the '84 rated at 205 HP). As far as collectibility, the 1982 Collector's Edition will be worth the most (last of its kind). Still, the fewer the computers, the easier the mods.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 829
Likes: 2
From: Scottdale Pa
If you can find a 1980 L82 buy that one. It was the last year for the L82 motor, but it did'nt come with a 4-speed. All of them are about the same other than the 82 came with a few more options like power seats and the over drive transmission. Just be careful when looking at the 80 that you check the vin to see which motor you are getting.You want the fifth digit to be a 6 or an 8. If there is an H, then that is the 305 cu. in. 180hp California engine 
. 6 is the 230hp L82 motor and 8 is the 190hp L48 motor. I really like 1980. But I'm bias also. 
. 6 is the 230hp L82 motor and 8 is the 190hp L48 motor. I really like 1980. But I'm bias also.