Would like your input
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,759
Likes: 539
From: AZ
St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10-'11-'12-'13 '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
Would like your input
A friend of mine has an 82 he is selling. I am wondering what are the issues that the 82's have?
His is in very good shape and he has recently redone some of the suspension and put Bilstien shocks on. It rides well and seems to run very well.
So what are the main issues with this year? The crossfire system? Brakes? Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks
His is in very good shape and he has recently redone some of the suspension and put Bilstien shocks on. It rides well and seems to run very well.
So what are the main issues with this year? The crossfire system? Brakes? Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 16,482
Likes: 2,374
From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Age is the enemy. I just bought an 82 last month with 27K miles on it. Unfortunately the car was neglected and sat outside in the NE for some time. I'm installing new bushings front and rear and cleaning up and painting a lot of surface rust. Fortunately no one "bubba'd" the drivetrain. I did have to replace a lot of interior items and there are a few electrical gremlins running around. The car is complete and the drivetrain is solid. The CFI is not the most powerful but it is reliable and the gas mileage can't be beat. I averaged 31 mpg on my trip from NJ to FL. This is my second 82. I had a CE I bought in 1985 with 2700 miles on it. I drove it as a DD for seven years and sold it in 1992 with 71K miles. The only mechanical failures were brake caliper seals and a torque convertor lock up relay.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,759
Likes: 539
From: AZ
St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10-'11-'12-'13 '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
Thanks 
Age is the enemy. I just bought an 82 last month with 27K miles on it. Unfortunately the car was neglected and sat outside in the NE for some time. I'm installing new bushings front and rear and cleaning up and painting a lot of surface rust. Fortunately no one "bubba'd" the drivetrain. I did have to replace a lot of interior items and there are a few electrical gremlins running around. The car is complete and the drivetrain is solid. The CFI is not the most powerful but it is reliable and the gas mileage can't be beat. I averaged 31 mpg on my trip from NJ to FL.
This is my second 82. I had a CE I bought in 1985 with 2700 miles on it. I drove it as a DD for seven years and sold it in 1992 with 71K miles. The only mechanical failures were brake caliper seals and a torque convertor lock up relay.
My buddy is a mechanic and has taken good car of this one. Only current gremlin is a faulty gas tank level indicator which he is sure will be an easy fix.
We are considering a swap, with extra money of course, for my '08 Z06.
This could get interesting.
Age is the enemy. I just bought an 82 last month with 27K miles on it. Unfortunately the car was neglected and sat outside in the NE for some time. I'm installing new bushings front and rear and cleaning up and painting a lot of surface rust. Fortunately no one "bubba'd" the drivetrain. I did have to replace a lot of interior items and there are a few electrical gremlins running around. The car is complete and the drivetrain is solid. The CFI is not the most powerful but it is reliable and the gas mileage can't be beat. I averaged 31 mpg on my trip from NJ to FL. This is my second 82. I had a CE I bought in 1985 with 2700 miles on it. I drove it as a DD for seven years and sold it in 1992 with 71K miles. The only mechanical failures were brake caliper seals and a torque convertor lock up relay.
We are considering a swap, with extra money of course, for my '08 Z06.
This could get interesting.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
Love the 82
I'm biased, but . . .I've owned several generations and the C-3 are my favorite. Having said that the 82 is the most refined of the C-3's.
There is no doubt that the C-4's & Up are more technologically advanced. If horse power & Tech performace rules your world, don't do it. But If you want a classic piece of Americana, that gives you the "Stingray Like" / "Coke Bottle" lines. but with PS, PB, AC, a reasonable ride ...and a Hatch (if you get the CE) the 82 is the way to go.
I did not want to go NCRS of this car, but I did want to keep the CFI because it is so unique. So instead I got rid of the Air Pump, Put on headers, high performance pullies, upgraded computer chips, the fuel pump, and the rubber. and WOW!
The result is a clean, dependable, 82. It won't break records at the dragway, but it turns tons of heads at the Shows!
Good luck To You!
Post some pics when you can.
Gerry
There is no doubt that the C-4's & Up are more technologically advanced. If horse power & Tech performace rules your world, don't do it. But If you want a classic piece of Americana, that gives you the "Stingray Like" / "Coke Bottle" lines. but with PS, PB, AC, a reasonable ride ...and a Hatch (if you get the CE) the 82 is the way to go.
I did not want to go NCRS of this car, but I did want to keep the CFI because it is so unique. So instead I got rid of the Air Pump, Put on headers, high performance pullies, upgraded computer chips, the fuel pump, and the rubber. and WOW!
The result is a clean, dependable, 82. It won't break records at the dragway, but it turns tons of heads at the Shows!
Good luck To You!
Post some pics when you can.
Gerry
TheCorvetteBen
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,987
Likes: 144
From: Van Alstyne, TX
Age is the enemy. I just bought an 82 last month with 27K miles on it. Unfortunately the car was neglected and sat outside in the NE for some time. I'm installing new bushings front and rear and cleaning up and painting a lot of surface rust. Fortunately no one "bubba'd" the drivetrain. I did have to replace a lot of interior items and there are a few electrical gremlins running around. The car is complete and the drivetrain is solid. The CFI is not the most powerful but it is reliable and the gas mileage can't be beat. I averaged 31 mpg on my trip from NJ to FL. This is my second 82. I had a CE I bought in 1985 with 2700 miles on it. I drove it as a DD for seven years and sold it in 1992 with 71K miles. The only mechanical failures were brake caliper seals and a torque convertor lock up relay.
the worst thing you can do to a c3 corvette (other than crash it or bubba it) is let it sit.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 4
From: Celeste Texas
The intake manifold on the crossfire engines is two pieces. If you neglect it that seal will leak and cause poor performance. My facts here might be a little off but I think there is 12 miles of vacuum lines on it. They all leak because no one cares about vacuum lines. That kills performance too. If you add some fuel pressure and open the exhaust they do perform a little better.
Bill
Bill
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,759
Likes: 539
From: AZ
St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10-'11-'12-'13 '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
I had to chuckle at the comments about keeping the Z because I figured I would get them. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore the Z. But I also know that in the long run what I want is an older vette. A C3 I can work on and changing miles of vacuum tubing and seals etc, is something I can do, (I'm retired). But beyond that, what I am really looking for is the classic Stingray, coke bottle shape, etc that folks have mentioned.
Will I miss the brutal acceleration of the Z? Oh &%$* yes. Will I miss $2000 tire changes? Nope. I've been down the quarter in it, 11.85 @123 MPH. For someone that hasn't been on the 1/4 in 30 years, I was happy, and the car is bone stock. But I don't foresee being able to do that without a LOT of money to repair things that break or upgrade things that need it.
It's complicated but it comes down to wanting a cruising vette, homecoming parades, veterans parades, etc. Those are especially well suited to a convertible shark.
Will I miss the brutal acceleration of the Z? Oh &%$* yes. Will I miss $2000 tire changes? Nope. I've been down the quarter in it, 11.85 @123 MPH. For someone that hasn't been on the 1/4 in 30 years, I was happy, and the car is bone stock. But I don't foresee being able to do that without a LOT of money to repair things that break or upgrade things that need it.
It's complicated but it comes down to wanting a cruising vette, homecoming parades, veterans parades, etc. Those are especially well suited to a convertible shark.