1981 corvette
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 28
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From: nashville tn
1981 corvette
i have just bought a 1981 corvette with 43k actual miles. it is copper with black hood stripe and black tail valance. this seems to be an unusual color scheme. it boasts an L-82 logo on tachometer. having not yet researched vin numbers, i am curious as to whether this car has the anemic 190 hp engine or something more. i have heard that the 190 hp was only engine available in 1981, but this thing has ungodly power and torque. it feels way more than 190 hp. it literally rumbles and shakes at red lite. this engine seems to have been rebuilt or upgraded. am i crazy?
Drifting
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta Ga
i have just bought a 1981 corvette with 43k actual miles. it is copper with black hood stripe and black tail valance. this seems to be an unusual color scheme. it boasts an L-82 logo on tachometer. having not yet researched vin numbers, i am curious as to whether this car has the anemic 190 hp engine or something more. i have heard that the 190 hp was only engine available in 1981, but this thing has ungodly power and torque. it feels way more than 190 hp. it literally rumbles and shakes at red lite. this engine seems to have been rebuilt or upgraded. am i crazy?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,666
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From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
There was a "dark Bronze" color option in 81. Look at the trim tag- mounted inside the drivers door jamb. It is a rectangular aluminum tag with numbers on it. Match those numbers to the list on this link, then YOU TELL US if these are factory colors. I'm betting my life that the black stripes are NOT factory.
http://www.rogerscorvette.com/specs/81.htm
http://www.rogerscorvette.com/specs/81.htm
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 28
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From: nashville tn
yes, we specialize in timbertech decking and railing products. were the largest installer of timbertech in state of tn. kind of a niche business. we do travel into 5 surrounding states occassionally.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Cold Hell, Minnesota...for now
St. Jude Donor '15 thru '26
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: nashville tn
also own music city steel inc. were a wedgcor steel building dealer. whatever it takes to pay the bills and buy the toys. i have 5 restored pontiacs inc a 1970 grand prix i bought when i was 15. owned it ever since 1980. completely restored it 4 yrs ago. also have a matched set of 1966 bonneville convertibles. red/ with white drop tops. love my pontiacs. this is my first corvette
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 12,122
Likes: 417
From: Cold Hell, Minnesota...for now
St. Jude Donor '15 thru '26
Welcome to the forum. Tons of experts here. Very helpful, and informative. 
Enjoy the Corvette. Pics of all those other sweet cars are welcomed to!
Enjoy the Corvette. Pics of all those other sweet cars are welcomed to!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: nashville tn
im seriously questioning the "original milage" on this car now. it looks like new interior wise. seats are pristine. has a few door lock issues. im beginning to think i was somewhat mislead on the condition of this car. nonetheless i got it for actual cost of 4500.00. cant and wont complain because it rides, runs and handles awesome.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 28
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From: nashville tn
i will post some soon. thanx for the warm welcome. i plan on keeping this vette forever. its such a head turner, even moreso than my m3 bmw. this car has attitude, stance and timeless styling. not to mention a red lite rumble to die for. i really like yours. badass!
