1981 Corvette

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Sep 14, 2021 | 08:51 PM

thelal1

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From: Ohio

1981 Corvette

What is the actual top speed of a 1981 corvette if you change speedometer to a.140 conversion

Sep 15, 2021 | 01:05 AM

Bikespace

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From: Virginia

The glib answer is 140 mph, while stock it's only 85. I'm not aware of any speed-limiting function in an 81 Corvette. Is that what you are asking?

You may need to change the driven gear that plugs into the transmission, too, but I'm not sure. If you download a speedometer app, you can use the GPS on your phone to give you accurate speed.

Sep 15, 2021 | 05:59 AM

7T1vette

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From: Crossville TN

The 'top speed' of a 1981 C3 with the 140 mph speedometer is the same as that with an 85 mph speedometer.....
But with the 140 mph speedo, you know how fast you are actually going.

Sep 15, 2021 | 06:42 AM

derekderek

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From: SW Florida.

it isn't a hell of a lot more than 85 anyway...

Sep 15, 2021 | 07:54 AM

Jebbysan

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From: New Braunfels Texas

About 120 MPH if you have the 45 seconds it takes to get there.......it feels like forever.....and if you have one that the *** end is sagging or the front is too high, the steering will start to float around 120...which is your cue to slow down LOL!

Jebby

Sep 15, 2021 | 02:01 PM

LU8

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From: SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelal1

What is the actual top speed of a 1981 corvette if you change speedometer to a.140 conversion

Going by road test data, around 125 mph. Can vary depending on diff ratio and gearbox chosen.

Sep 15, 2021 | 02:49 PM

Buccaneer

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From: Arizona - If you don’t know CFI, STOP proliferating the myths around it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelal1

What is the actual top speed of a 1981 corvette if you change speedometer to a.140 conversion

I would just change it to 250mph, then you could keep up with most other exotics with no problem.

I should change mine, it pegs at 85mph, but somehow I go faster, Mmmm...

Last edited by Buccaneer; Sep 15, 2021 at 02:51 PM.

Sep 15, 2021 | 05:20 PM

L-46man

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From: PHX AZ

I agree with Jebby...AGAIN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jebbysan

About 120 mph. We don't know miles/compression /attitude/altitude/octane/ state of tune....It's a CRAPSHOOT

However, if you can get to 120, no matter how long it takes....be happy with that L-81

Unkahal