1981 Corvette Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 3
From: Palmyra NY
1981 Corvette Question
Hello. I am new to this site. I have a chance to buy a 81 Corvette but I understand this is the first year of the ECM computer in them. How reliable is this year with the computer? That kind of scares me. Are you still able to do modifications to the car such as true dual exhaust, etc? Are they known to have a lot of issues? What does the computer control in the car? Thanks in advance! Don
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 431
Likes: 22
From: Chester Illinois
I have an 81 with true duals, smog removed, bigger jets in electronic quadrajet carb, timing advanced to 12 degrees btdc and still using the ecm. its no muscle car but a whole lot better than stock set up. next step is heads and cam and am planning on still using the ecm and carb. have heard a bunch of flack about the system but mine is working great. time will tell.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,992
Likes: 56
From: Antioch IL
No worries with the '81. It all depends on what you want to do with the car. if you want to heavily modify the engine then it is easy to remove the Dizzy and carb and remove the ECU. I almost forgot you also need to get a lock up switch for the transmission.
As Namvette6869 I have also modified my car . I have hooker headers and side pipes on my car to keep the O2 sensor a welding a bun on one the headers and done.
As Namvette6869 I have also modified my car . I have hooker headers and side pipes on my car to keep the O2 sensor a welding a bun on one the headers and done.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I liked 81's so much I had two, and I removed all the wanna be computer control crap, no big deal, one had a 500 plus hp small block and full can am wide body kit so you can do what you want to the car a little or a lot.....
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
I also have a 81 manual, Like stated earlier, worse case remove distributor and carb, replace with 1980 carb and dist and your good to go.
I have a complete computer with harnesses and mounting bracket if anyone is interested.
Good Luck you'll love it
Dennis
I have a complete computer with harnesses and mounting bracket if anyone is interested.
Good Luck you'll love it
Dennis
Last edited by spedaleden; Sep 5, 2013 at 07:20 PM.
