'81 auto
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
'81 auto
Hey all, I'm new and have been searching alot to see what c3 might best suit being a dily driven summer only car. I use the term daily driven because I plan on using it as my transportation whenever there is no snow or salt on the ground. It seems that for what I want my best bet would be to go for an 81 automatic. With that being said I understand that it is an almost 30 yr old car and will require maintenance, I'm no mechanic but am able to do small general maintenance. My budget goes up to 23k and I am fully aware that I may need to put another few grand into it just for preventative maintenance. So with all that what do guys think in terms of the 81,
What type of problems are most common?
Good or bad choice of year?
Cost of maintenance?
Anything special to look for with the 81?
Sorry if it seems like I'm rambling but I'm new to the whole vette buying thing and just want to learn about what I'm jumping into before I actually make the jump.
Thanks in advance
BB
Edit: Forgot to add that even as my daily driver it will only see 5000 kms or less.
What type of problems are most common?
Good or bad choice of year?
Cost of maintenance?
Anything special to look for with the 81?
Sorry if it seems like I'm rambling but I'm new to the whole vette buying thing and just want to learn about what I'm jumping into before I actually make the jump.
Thanks in advance
BB
Edit: Forgot to add that even as my daily driver it will only see 5000 kms or less.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Brakes. If not done by a previous owner, you can expect to replace the master cylinder and go to stainless steel sleeved calipers.
Toss up. There were no optional engines for 81 and all have computers. It's a matter of what you want.
That would depend on the condition she's in and how you drive her.
Most are automatic, but 4 spds were available. It would depend on what you want.
There's a current thread running about assembly line production at St. Louis. All the pics are of '81s. Take a look.
The Bowling Green plant opened in June 1981, so if you want a Bowling Green car as opposed to a St. Louis car, you can find them.
Good luck with the hunt.
...Good or bad choice of year?...
...Cost of maintenance?...
...Anything special to look for with the 81?...
There's a current thread running about assembly line production at St. Louis. All the pics are of '81s. Take a look.
The Bowling Green plant opened in June 1981, so if you want a Bowling Green car as opposed to a St. Louis car, you can find them.
Good luck with the hunt.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Near Round Top (pop. 90) Texas
I have an 81 auto,
I get 17mpg in town 19mpg on highway.
80-82 are the least problematic of all c-3 (get in and go).
80-carb (no computer)
81-carb ecm, engine control module (computer), controls spark, lockout converter, and fuel air mixture in the carb.
82-twin throttle body injection (Basically 2 injectors spraying fuel down its throat), not to be confused with tpi, tuned port injection (injector for each cylinder) also ecm.
If you plan on spending 23k on an 81 it really needs to be absolutely perfect, low miles all options, but then you prob wouldnt want to drive it.
you should be able to get a very nice car that meets your needs for around 10-12thousand.
81 is a good choice if you do not plan on engine mods. The ecm does a good job of monitoring engine systems and letting you know when there is a problem (check engine light)
I get 17mpg in town 19mpg on highway.
80-82 are the least problematic of all c-3 (get in and go).
80-carb (no computer)
81-carb ecm, engine control module (computer), controls spark, lockout converter, and fuel air mixture in the carb.
82-twin throttle body injection (Basically 2 injectors spraying fuel down its throat), not to be confused with tpi, tuned port injection (injector for each cylinder) also ecm.
If you plan on spending 23k on an 81 it really needs to be absolutely perfect, low miles all options, but then you prob wouldnt want to drive it.
you should be able to get a very nice car that meets your needs for around 10-12thousand.
81 is a good choice if you do not plan on engine mods. The ecm does a good job of monitoring engine systems and letting you know when there is a problem (check engine light)
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Groton MA
I bought my 81 in June of 08 with about 78K mi on it. I have been using it like you describe and having a great time ever since. It now has 83k on it. Mine is a 4-speed that I was either going to mod or restore, but other than replacing the carpet and seats this winter I'm having too much fun driving it to do any work on it. It's not a screamer on the performance end, but the power is more than adequate and mine feels tight and handles well.
As for a price I agree with toolman that for $23k you should expect top quality. $10-12k will get you something nice, but if you shop around you can do better than that. I spent $8k for a car that needed nothing but minor interior work and routine maintenance items.
As for a price I agree with toolman that for $23k you should expect top quality. $10-12k will get you something nice, but if you shop around you can do better than that. I spent $8k for a car that needed nothing but minor interior work and routine maintenance items.
