Hi guys, sorry for this rather amateuristic/newbie question but i am searching for a nice '80-'82 Vette but as so many '80s are listed as an "early" '81 i am a bit confused.

How can i easily spot the difference between an '80s L48/L82 and a '81s L81?

I assume most proof will be under the hood but what are the most obvious things to look at?

Thanks in advance, René

 

Crossed flags emblems. Chrome edge for 80; black edge for 81.

The L-82 was available only on the 1980 models. Do not go by scripts since anyone could add L-82 or L-48 to any car.

The 81s had no optional engines and no engine badges of any type.

The VIN is always the best choice for determining model year.

 

case closed

 

As stated about, the best way to tell is the VIN.

80 Corvettes have a 13 digit VIN number, with the 5th digit being an "A", to indicate that it's a 1980.

For 1981, the VIN was increased to 17 digits. On 81's, the 10th digit indicates the year, a "B" for 81 and a "C" for 82.

As Mike said, the 80 nose and gas door emblems have a chrome plated casting with plastic flag inserts, while the 81's use a black painted casting. Besides the finish on the castings, the castings themselves, are actually different. The 81 casting around the flags, is much thinner than the 80's.

The rocker panels are different too. The 80 rocker has a shiny silver edge, along the top of the rocker, with the balance of it flat black. The 81-82 rockers, are completely black.

All 81 Corvettes came with a chrome air cleaner lid, and black painted, finned magnesium valve covers. 80 Corvettes used a black painted air cleaner lid. 80 L-48's had steel valve covers painted blue, while L-82's used black painted finned aluminum covers.

There are some other smaller details too, such as different radio and headlight *****, and 80's having a "Use Unleaded Fuel Only" label around the gas door. Also, certain options, such as power drivers seat and power mirrors, weren't offered in 80. Some colors were different, and only the 81 was available in two-tone.

 

Wasn't the 81 the only year with an 85 mph speedometer?

P.

 

Nope. The 85 mph speedometer was first used at the end of 79 production, and continued to be used through 1982.

 

 

Great, i always thought this forum houses a lot of genuine Corvette knowledge but to see it to this level is a surprise to me, thanks guys.

Any way besides the VIN to tell if i am looking at a (California) 305ci Vette? Not that the original 350ci engines are such powerhouses but i do not want a 305.


I am chasing a 1981 4 speed manual right now, is this correct? (as if: Was there a 4-speed manual available for the '81's?)

Many thanks.

 

California 305s were available one year only - 1980. The 81 models were emissions certified in all fifty states. Yes, a factory four speed was available on the 81 models.

Purchase a copy of The Corvette Black Book or the NCRS 1968-82 Corvette Specifications Guide. Either is small enough to carry around with you and will answer most of your questions.

 

a 1980 305 SHOULD have a computer controlled carb and distributor, and stainless steel exhaust manifolds. but don't get confused with the fact that ALL '81 350s had these parts also.

 

Any major difference in undercarriage? Was the 81 the first one with the composite spring?

 

Nope.

Yes, for cars with auto trannies and without FE7.

 

Many thanks, i am spotting an 81 4-speed manual which is in very doubtful condition. Hope to send you guys photos of the car in my garage very soon.