When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have had many hot rods but I recently bought a low mile 1982 and I absolutely love driving it. My maiden drive was from Indiana to New York and was pleasantly surprised how comfortable it was.
Oh, I want one. I was just thinking more along the lines of advice from people like "I wish I wouldn't have bought my 198x because of the way component Y was built and installed they all fail sooner or later and ended up costing me 5k to fix. I should have bought the 197x instead because it didn't have this component".
Of course, I haven't seen anything like that _yet_, but that's why I'm here asking.
BTW, y'all are great - one thing I've noticed over the last 20 years or so is that no matter what you buy, if there's a friendly forum with knowledgeable and helpful people, it just makes ownership that much more enjoyable.
Don't forget that '68-'82 are very similar with '78-82 identical in most ways. If you do more searching here you'll find that many of the problems that can be expensive to repair (especially if you can't DIY) are in every year--trailing arm rebuild is one of these (but nowhere near 5K) as is significant rust in the birdcage (>5K). The brake system is excellent but the calipers must ALL be resleeved with stainless steel or replaced at some point--unless you get a "barn car" that's sat for many years there's a good chance that has already been done. The power steering system almost always develops leaks yet they can be minor and go on for years if not decades before getting really bad.
The power window and lock mechanisms have to be disassembled, cleaned, lubricated and reassembled at some point replacing parts as necessary. It's not a terrible DIY job but it will cost you quite a bit of money if you hire it out.
A/C systems rarely last for decades and repairs can be expensive as some parts are an utter pain to access.
Vacuum is used extensively but fortunately most of the components are extremely reliable and long-lived. Hoses however do not last forever yet are often not replaced because they "look OK".
'80-'82 received the aluminum "batwing" differential and mounting that is considered less robust than the previous cast iron but such is no problem unless you go wild with power.
Again, the CCC system used in '81 is a lemon and is likely expensive to maintain in proper working condition but it's not expensive to do away with the system.
I've read a few reports here of '82s that repeatedly eat their computer control module. They're still available (with performance enhancements as well) but aren't particularly cheap.
As many have said, '80 is favored for '80-'82. While fairly rare stock 4-speeds are available. The L82 engine has an excellent bottom end and only needs performance heads and headers for significant power improvement. The only electronics in the '80 are modules for accessories--the courtesy lamp delay, intermittent windshield wipers, low fuel light, alarm system. The engine and transmission are electronics free.
And don't forget that for a more civilized ride better suited to daily driving you should probably avoid the Gymkhana suspension. It will though prove difficult to find an L82 engine--particularly with a 4-speed manual--without the Gymkhana option.
Get an 80. Avoid the computers and cross fire injection. I see many questions and problems with both on the facebook C3 site.
I was torn between 78 and 80. My 78 L82 4 spd won out!
Between my 68 C3 and my 80 C3 I enjoy driving the 80 much more. I find that 1980 has a much more comfortable ride and with the 700 R4 conversion on long-distance rides I get much better gas mileage and a quieter ride than the 427 in the 68.
I find with the 68 you're always "driving" the car and with the 1980 it's more of a relaxed driving.
Back in 2008 we took the 68 to Vegas and by the time we got to the hotel all I wanted to do was take a nap. In 2009 we took the 1980, it was a much more relaxed driving and by the time we got to Vegas I was ready to gamble.
This is what you want. Doug and I have known each other for years. I would trade my 81 for his 80 in a heart beat. The 81 stock ECM system will drive anyone insane.
...The only electronics in the '80 are modules for accessories...
The exception is the LG4 cars for California; they have computers.
...It will ...prove difficult to find an L82 engine--particularly with a 4-speed manual...
Possibly impossible to find since the 80 L-82 was available only with AT; the L-82/4spd combo did not get emissions certified. 4spd cars were L-48 only.
1981: The one-year-only Computer Command Control v1 system with strange electromechanical carburetor was used. It was not successful in large part because even when new it did not "age" well. The only engine option was the pathetic 305 used in California cars. Weight continued to drop but so did engine power.
My personal hat goes to an '80 with L82 motor. '81 (especially with that anemic California engine) is my personal dislike.
My original Calif. 1981 L-81 is a 350. I thought the 305 was 1980.
If you are close to Greenville Texas you can come over and look at my 72 and 82 so you can see the differences. I'll even let you drive the 82. Each model year has quirks that you either love or you don't but its still a vette.
I have had many hot rods but I recently bought a low mile 1982 and I absolutely love driving it. My maiden drive was from Indiana to New York and was pleasantly surprised how comfortable it was.
i seen this car for sale in Indiana. I thought it was a great car at a good price ,,,enjoy
Beautiful C3s in this thread, thank you all for posting pics and helping make this decision even tougher!
OK, here's where I'm at - and this is just my opinion, not a reflection on anyone else's choices
I've been talked into an 80, 82, possibly a 78 or 79.
I've been talked out of an 81.
Of course, if faced with the right car and I have money in hand, the year won't matter much
Sounds like the 81 can be a pain if you keep it stock, but I have the option of swapping in another engine. Honestly I'd rather not do this unless I had to, although I will likely do it eventually in any car I buy. I want to drive the heck out of it, not look at it in the garage, and an engine swap takes time.
The 82 with the 700R4 and the fact that it's the last C3 is appealing. CFI sounds fine.
The 80 also sounds good because of the opposite. The last non-electric carb model would be a fun to "upgrade".
Again, the right car at the right time, who knows...There was a 74 454 around here recently that would have been in my garage already if I had the cash at the time. It just looked so nice.
I'm still sold on a dark color - I really want black. Not two tone, just straight black. Based on the
Speaking of colors, I saw a white 82 with red interior for sale a couple weeks ago. That's the car that put me over the top and made it clear I needed an 80-82. I love red in general, but I think dark colors are at the top of my list, especially black. I know how hard black is to take care of, and to make it worse I'm in the PNW and the rain will make it even harder. But the heart wants what the heart wants....
THere is something about Black that is hard to ignore (When clean) !
If you are close to Greenville Texas you can come over and look at my 72 and 82 so you can see the differences. I'll even let you drive the 82. Each model year has quirks that you either love or you don't but its still a vette.
Bill
Bill, I see you moved away from McKinney. Too many people? We moved to Anna to get away from the gazillions of people in Frisco!
I have had many hot rods but I recently bought a low mile 1982 and I absolutely love driving it. My maiden drive was from Indiana to New York and was pleasantly surprised how comfortable it was.
if you're looking for a cruiser, I would choose the 82.
- overdrive automatic
- fiberglass rear spring
- power mirrors and locks available (not sure about 80 & 81)
- rear hatch on 82 collectors edition if that is important to you.
If you're looking to drop an engine/trans combo I would choose an 80. The reason would be that the computer controlled carburetor on the 81 may not be as conducive to a swap. You'll have more wires, to deal with and I'm not certain how easy it'll be to bypass.
Whichever year you pick, I would recommend a thorough inspection. Check the body for an accident, stress cracks and the cowl area for to check the seam seals. IMO, paint and body is the most expensive thing to fix on a corvette. I would rather spend more money upfront on a quality car than trying to repair a potential nightmare at a discount price. Good luck and enjoy!!!
CHEERS!
you want to buy the best car you can afford.That will save you money later.get the best paint job, the lowest mile ,think about what options are the most important to you like ac or auto or stick.
However, I followed terry and went with a heart transplant for mine. I enjoy working on cars, big stress relief.... ummm well sometimes, but a great hobby non-the-less.
Older cars, always better to put more money in than deal with bigger expenses later. Unless, you like work. I bought what some would consider a basket case. Yet, I made sure the frame, running gear, and birdcage were solid. Everything else I can work on and will/have worked on.
03-28-2017, 05:51 PM
