I'm looking to find an 80-83. There is a cosmetic difference between them that my girlfriend can see but I can't. Can some one tell me what they are? And is it possible to get one for around 10k that is in good shape?

 

Yes. They have different front and rear bumpers and your budget should get you a nice one if you know what to look for. Do your homework on birdcage rust, body mounts, trailing arm issues, paint and body prices.

 

They did not make a 83.

 

The '83 Corvette does not exist on the street only in a museum and it looks like an '84.

'80's have carbs, L-48 190HP auto or manual, neither have overdrive, L-82 230HP all automatic (no overdrive), LG4 305 180HP California Emissions Corvette.
'81's have computer controlled carbs, L-81
'82's are fuel injected and all automatic with overdrive

Air conditioning was standard equipment starting in 1980 along with power windows and tilt-telescopic steering.

yada yada...

 

probably the biggest difference is the "bubble" rear windows on the '80, '81 and '82's

 

10k u should get a decent one just search the forums for frame issues to look for. And I feel the 1980 is the better of the 3 years as it is still old school enough to work on easily yet has the same body as the 81 and 82 .

 

The 80-82s also have different side grills

 

Visually, 80-82's are nearly identical.

All three years, have their own unique flag design, for the nose and gas door emblems. 80's have straight across emblems, with colored plastic flag inserts and chrome edges. The 81 emblem is similar, but the edges were black. The 82 emblem has more traditional looking flags, and they're painted, not plastic inserts.

On 1980's, the rocker moldings have silver top edge, with the balance of the rocker, painted black. On 81's & 82's, the entire rocker panel is black.

On 82's, there is an emblem over the side louvers, that says "Cross-Fire Injection". 80 & 81's, don't have any emblems over the side louvers, except for a few 80's that were equipped with the optional L-82. Those 80's, will have an "L-82" emblem, on the side fender.

On 80's & 81's, with the optional aluminum wheels, the emblem on the center cap had a black background with silver bordered flags. The 82 center cap emblems, have a silver background, and the edges of the flags are black.

80's and 81 St. Louis cars, were all painted solid colors. 81's built in Bowling Green, and 82's, could be painted a single solid color or be two-toned. The champagne colored "Collector Edition", was only offered in 82.

There were other minor differences to the gauges, door panel trim, available radios, as well as the engines offered, but the items above, are the only external clues to the years.

 

Purchase any of the Corvette history coffee table books. All of them will discuss model years. You can also find them in Google Images.

For C3 only, this is pretty good.


This is good, but it is out of print. It's worth buying if you can find a used copy.

 

there are plenty out there, all conditions


http://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/3718164119.html

http://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/3675231118.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3669399005.html

 

Your Girlfriend has good taste, and you need to pay more attention to detail