What’s up guys I just got a 1981 corvette from my grandfather it was my uncles but he unfortunately passed and the car was given to me and I am having trouble figuring out what kind of engine is in it has L82 badges on it but I have read that in 1981 L82 was not an option o have the vin # if someone can help

1AY8765B5103869

Thank you

 

1981 Corvette VIN

VIN Range - 1G1AY8764BS400001 to 1G1AY8764BS431611 (St Louis Plant)

VIN Range - 1G1AY8764B5100001 to 1G1AY8764B5108995 (Bowling Green Plant)

Character Position Code Significance
1-2 1G US Built by General Motors
3 1 Chevrolet
4 A Occupant Restraint System
5 Y Corvette
6-7 87 Coupe
8 6 350 4V Engine
9 4 Check Digit (can vary)
10 B 1981 Model Year
11 S Saint Louis Assembly Plant
11 5 Bowling Green Assembly Plant
12-17 6 Digit Build Sequence Number

1981 Corvette Options

1YY87 Corvette Sport Coupe 40,606 $16,258.52
AU3 Power Door Locks 36,322 $145.00
A42 Power Driver Seat 29,200 $183.00
CC1 Removable Glass Roof Panels 29,095 $414.00
C49 Electro-Clear Rear Defroster 36,893 $119.00
D84 Custom Two-Tone Exterior Paint 5,352 $399.00
DG7 Electric Sport Mirrors 13,567 $117.00
F51 Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers 1,128 $37.00
FE7 Gymkhana Suspension 7,803 $57.00
G92 Performance Axle Ratio 2,400 $20.00
K35 Cruise Control 32,522 $155.00
L81 190 HP 350 CI Engine 40,606 No Charge
M18 4-Speed Standard Manual Trans 5,757 No Charge
MX3 Turbo Hydra-Matic Trans 34,849 No Charge
N90 Aluminum Wheels 36,485 $428.00
QGQ P225/70R 15 Blackwall Radial Tires 663 No Charge
QGR P255/70R 15 White Letter Radial Tires 21,939 $72.00
QXH P255/60R 15 White Letter Radial Tires 18,004 $491.92
U58 AM-FM Stereo Radio 5,145 $95.00
U69 AM-FM Radio 851 No Charge
U75 Power Antenna 32,903 $55.00
UL5 Radio Delete (Credit) 315 -($118.00)
UM4 AM-FM Stereo Radio with 8-Track 8,262 $386.00
UM5 AM-FM Stereo Radio w/ 8-Track CB 792 $712.00
UM6 AM-FM Stereo Radio with Cassette 22,892 $423.00
UN5 AM-FM Stereo Radio w/ Cassette CB 2,349 $750,00
YF5 California Emissions 4,951 $46.00
ZN1 Trailer Package 916 $110.00
V54 Roof Panel Carrier 3,303 $135.00

You're correct, it appears the L82 was not an option. Either the badges are for show or the engine is not original.

 

no other engines were available in 1981 besides the base L81..

 

ALL 1981s came from the factory with a 190hp "L81" motor.
NO optional motors.

Maybe a previous owner thought L8'2' was close enough and slapped the emblems on.

 

could an engine swap be possible?

 

A previous owner stuck L-82 badges on it. Cheap and easy to do.

The stampings on the pad on the block at the front of the right head will give you the information you want. One stamp will identify the engine (probably VxxxxZDA or ZDD depending on the tranny); the second stamp will be the VIN derivitive for the car the engine was originally install in.

Hopefully the VIN derivitive will match your VIN.