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I’m new here and looking around for a 1980 to 82 C3. Want a nice driving car not a race car! Somewhere between a Grand Touring and Pro Touring I’d guess? I did a search and saw people liked VBP suspension things but it seems out of business. Any other suggestions or guidance while searching for a car and comfortable to drive cross country and fun? I have a 2018 Camaro SS that is a great performance car but so loud inside with road noise it gets old fast. Any tips for purchasing welcome too
Last edited by Lawdog800; Jan 30, 2021 at 04:51 AM.
Reason: Spelling
I can't hear the road noise over the sidepipes in my 80 (the last year with no computers). It sounds like you might like an 82.
Van Steel fills the niche left by VB&P, and can provide the parts to tweak your stock-style suspension to just what you want. You an also piece together what you want by following what others have done on this forum. All 81 and 82s should come with a composite rear-spring stock (except the few FE7/Gymkhana suspension cars). There are much more expensive options if you still want more.
I have not ridden in your year SS but I can’t imagine a c3 is quieter in the cabin but maybe I am wrong.
I think an 82 would be good choice. Do you want fuel injection? Do you want an auto or manual trans? Those will narrow down your year choice. I know overdrive would be important if I had your goals in mind.
I'll have my 80 finished in the spring and up for sale. It has an 89 tuned port 350, Th700r4 overdrive. Very clean car, but not original, will probably advertise it in the $13K range.
The '82 is the car you want. It is a C3 with a C4 engine & transmission (CrossFire efi dual-throttle body induction system and 700R4 overdrive transmission with lockup). This is the closest a C3 will get to refined and "touring". I had a new '84 (first year of C4's) and appreciated the improvement in the engine/transmission over the earlier C3's.
The 1980 car has the "look" of the '80-82 cars...but it is 'old school' as far as the drivetrain is concerned. The '81 is the 'odd duck' of the bunch--it has a lockup transmission, without the overdrive; and it has a cobbled-up 'one-year-only' electronic engine management system rigged up to work with a carb and distributor. I would suggest you shy away from the '81.
I started looking last Summer and found my 81 in October. Plenty of cars out there, searching on the internet can be exhausting but will teach you what you really like. Missed out on a like new 80 with total restoration as I thought it was too much money. Always better to buy a more complete car that the other guy has spent the money! In my opinion 80-82 have a super clean sexy look that even the new C8 would love to have. Parts are available for 81 with CCM and 82 cross fire as well. Happy hunting and remember you have the best resource library anywhere right here!
I agree in looking for an ‘82, but I would go even further and look for an ‘82 Collectors Edition with opening hatch. We had a 2012 Camaro SS for a while and it was about the same level of noise inside so unless you have some loud mufflers on your Camaro causing some of that noise I’m not sure a C3 will be much quieter.
I'm gonna go against the grain here and recommend the 80. Looks just the same and has the highest horsepower of the 3 at 230 (L82) I had one and loved it. And be aware that the 81 and 82 can be problematic to find someone who knows how to work on them.
Lots of good advice here. I’m supposed to go and look at an 81 this weekend hopefully and an 80 next week in another state. Looked at an 81 previously but pile of rust flakes behind kick panel so walked away. It was also missing the bottom of the front end center of the spoiler underneath. As well as a crack in the top of fender near the curve by the front corner of hood. Learned a LOT more of what to look for here on the forums. My thought is a nice car to drive a bit before restoring as a resto mod with an LS and OD Auto.
question as want to confirm that you can swap the steel leafs on an 80 for the composite spring?
and as someone asked if I’ve been in a C3? It has been probably 30 years. Friends had a Blue 81. And I loved it. She got killed in a construction accident and I have always wanted one. Now it’s time. I want performance but not a heavy modded engine the LS is so reliable and good economical power
82 are efi, but it is a cantankerous old efi. but converting an efi car to more modern efi is a lot less work. 81 are oddball 1 year only comp controlled carbs. if you find an 81 that is nice enough, carb, distributor and tossing the ecm are in the near future. or efi conversion. if the car is nice enough, fuel system is one of the easier less pricey mods. buy one cuz it runs great. just needs windshield frame, trailing arms and paint...
Last edited by derekderek; Feb 5, 2021 at 04:44 PM.
Here's the rear end of my 80. You can absolutely swap in a composite spring. That, and heim jointed strut rods, will greatly improve your driving experience. With VB&P out of business, I'd suggest you call Van Steel and ask about their low-arch composite springs.
Last edited by Bikespace; Feb 5, 2021 at 05:18 PM.
Did someone mention 1980 L82 ? Lol . Mine were quiet until I installed side pipes
on the black L82 I went with Van Steel suggestion and got the 480 lbs front and 300 lbs fiber spring for the rear ( still back ordered) with Bilstein shocks all four wheels . The white Vette is staying stock
Here's the rear end of my 80. You can absolutely swap in a composite spring. That, and heim jointed strut rods, will greatly improve your driving experience. With VB&P out of business, I'd suggest you call Van Steel and ask about their low-arch composite springs.
It was a 360 lb VB&P spring, shortened at the factory, and remarked 385. With 550 lb front coils, it is still a bit too soft. I'll try a 400 lb Van Steel spring at some point, and swap this one to my 79.
New Guy looking for 80-82
