They are very nice cars ,,,,,,,,,, good cruiser and excellent mileage .
1982 corvette
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
1982 corvette
I'm new to the corvette world and thinking of purchasing my first one. I am looking for any information anyone can give me about these cars. How is the suspension, steering and performance of this year? How well does the crossfire injection work? Would it be good to convert to TPI or maybe just regular multipoint injection? What is the compression ratio and how are the heads? What kind of trans do these things have and how would they handle extra power? Also any info would be greatly appreciated about C3 corvettes in general from 73 on up. Thanks so much for your help! Even if you could give me a website where such info is listed I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks so much!
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 2
From: Flanders NJ
I have an '82 and I love it. It's about the best C3 for cruising. Very comfy, good gas milage with the OD trans and fuel injection, and it looks good! You will hear bad things about the crossfire injection but I always hear good things about it from guys that have them. Here is a good forum to look into on crossfire injection, The Cross-Fire Injection Vault
I have not had any problems with mine, maybe I'm one of the lucky ones, but I have to give it a
Good luck.
I have not had any problems with mine, maybe I'm one of the lucky ones, but I have to give it a
Good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Boston Massachusetts
1982 corvette
Hi Waldo 786,
If you want a great looking car for cruising around, you should consider an 82. If you want to modify your Vette for more power it would probably be best if you bought an earlier shark model. I own an 82 and haven't had too many problems with my car, but the crossfire injection can be fussy and it is not easy to increase it's horsepower. The only transmission available in 82 was the 700R4 automatic, no manuals were made.
I really like my 82, I do miss having a manual transmission. Also, some of the earlier carb models are easier to modify for more horsepower.
Take a few different models for test drives, join a Vette club and ask the members about their cars.
Good luck,
Tom
If you want a great looking car for cruising around, you should consider an 82. If you want to modify your Vette for more power it would probably be best if you bought an earlier shark model. I own an 82 and haven't had too many problems with my car, but the crossfire injection can be fussy and it is not easy to increase it's horsepower. The only transmission available in 82 was the 700R4 automatic, no manuals were made.
I really like my 82, I do miss having a manual transmission. Also, some of the earlier carb models are easier to modify for more horsepower.
Take a few different models for test drives, join a Vette club and ask the members about their cars.
Good luck,
Tom
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
thanks and more ?'s
Thanks guys you've given me some good insight! '82 definately sounds like the year I want as I want a good cruiser with the over drive and fuel injection. I'll check out the crossfire site but how good are the heads in the 82? Does it have to run on premium? If I were to get a TPI system I'd probably replace heads, roller cam, and get a TPI kit and exhaust system. This wouldn't be done right away but maybe in the future. If it has catalytic converters I'd get high flow ones to keep it emissions friendly. Does it have disc brakes and how would the trans hold up to this kind of power?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Boston Massachusetts
1982 corvette
Hi Waldo 786,
My crossfire is stock, but from what I have read (at the crossfire forum), the heads are not very good. I don't think the engine computer from an 82 could keep up with a different kind of injection system, but I could be wrong. It does have a single cat exhaust system, some guys have gone to dual exhaust. I don't know how much power the early 700R4 transmissions can take, the later models were stronger. All shark Vettes have four wheel disk brakes. The neat thing about the C3 Vettes is that there are a lot of modifications you can do. Engines, suspensions, brakes, all kinds of stuff is available for you to taylor your Vette to your needs. It all depends on how much money you are willing to part with.
Have fun!
Tom
My crossfire is stock, but from what I have read (at the crossfire forum), the heads are not very good. I don't think the engine computer from an 82 could keep up with a different kind of injection system, but I could be wrong. It does have a single cat exhaust system, some guys have gone to dual exhaust. I don't know how much power the early 700R4 transmissions can take, the later models were stronger. All shark Vettes have four wheel disk brakes. The neat thing about the C3 Vettes is that there are a lot of modifications you can do. Engines, suspensions, brakes, all kinds of stuff is available for you to taylor your Vette to your needs. It all depends on how much money you are willing to part with.
Have fun!
Tom
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
the 82 uses 464624 76cc smog heads, just like the later tpi cars do until the aluminium head came into play. Swapping to TPI will yield only a very minimal result,m a waste of money IMO. Get some better heads and a better cam and your cfi will run with the tpi cars easily. The manifold is restrictive but the major contributor to the pwerformance problems is the cam and the heads and intake are a good tie for 2nd. With some good heads and a higher compression the range of cam choices broadens quite a bit.
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Plainfield Illinois
Hey Waldo
I just recently purchased my first Vette and it's an 82. I love this car! Great cruiser and an eye turner everywhere I go. While its true she isn't the fastest thing on the road, it's OK. That's what the Hemi Magnum is for. You'll hear some folks badmouth the crossfire system, and while it certainly was in it's infancy in terms of fuel injection, you can't beat the smile it'll put on your face as you cruise past all those who wish they had your car. I've not had mine very long, but she runs and runs well. Do it and fear not regret.
I just recently purchased my first Vette and it's an 82. I love this car! Great cruiser and an eye turner everywhere I go. While its true she isn't the fastest thing on the road, it's OK. That's what the Hemi Magnum is for. You'll hear some folks badmouth the crossfire system, and while it certainly was in it's infancy in terms of fuel injection, you can't beat the smile it'll put on your face as you cruise past all those who wish they had your car. I've not had mine very long, but she runs and runs well. Do it and fear not regret.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Ive had mine for over 3 years now and going into my 4th summer. Pretty happy with the car since I use it mainly for countryside cruising-grand touring.
The CFI with 700R4 performs great together and so far has been no issue for me. Make sure your brakes are up to par and then feel free to tweak the car where you want.
C3s are one of the most distinguishable looking cars on the road, so you'll get attention almost everywhere you go-sometimes from the local authorities too.
Make the leap, you wont regret it.
Brent....
The CFI with 700R4 performs great together and so far has been no issue for me. Make sure your brakes are up to par and then feel free to tweak the car where you want.
C3s are one of the most distinguishable looking cars on the road, so you'll get attention almost everywhere you go-sometimes from the local authorities too.
Make the leap, you wont regret it.
Brent....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 352
From: Madison Alabama
Hey Waldo, I've been a Cross-fire driver for about six years now (see my sig for details) and love the car. Only thing I'll add to what the others have said - someone once told me that you can drive 300 miles in an 82 Corvette and it will seem like you've drove 30. They are the Cadillac's of the C-3 Corvette world.
As for your questions on premium fuel...I run mine on super unleaded but hey it gets almost 26 MPG hwy and as it's not my daily driver - a tank of gas last me two - three weeks or more.
Also, as someone else mentioned, check your brake system over real good before you work on performance....do the whoaa before the go!
Good luck with your search. Let us kow if you have any questions.
As for your questions on premium fuel...I run mine on super unleaded but hey it gets almost 26 MPG hwy and as it's not my daily driver - a tank of gas last me two - three weeks or more.
Also, as someone else mentioned, check your brake system over real good before you work on performance....do the whoaa before the go!
Good luck with your search. Let us kow if you have any questions.
Last edited by 2TONE82; Mar 29, 2005 at 09:38 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,776
Likes: 142
From: North of Atlanta GA
St. Jude Donor '05
They are all right! The '82 is a head turner and a pleasure to drive. I want to get a C5 but I'm NOT willing to part with my '82. The only problems I have is a little pinging on takeoff which I'm working on with guidance from the guru TwinTurbo (forum member), and my brakes pull. I put new calipers on the front last summer and it still pulls so I'm changing the rear calipers this summer and probably the brake hoses at each wheel, other than that no problems and I'm still in love. I'm also going to add some Bilstein shocks.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 683
Likes: 4
Hey Waldo, The 82 is a great Vette. I have owned one since 82. I have just finished restoring it. If your going to buy do your homework. Buy something in good condition to begin with. If you don't you will surely pay in the future. You have to find the most knowledgable person you can find to look over the car. NCRS is now judging these and they also have a manual that tells all the bits and pieces. Expect to pay between 15k and 20k for a nice car, 20k to 25k for low miles and excellent condition. I would say you really don't want to mess with engine improvements as to the crossfire is best when left alone and kept in top tune. The 700R4 transmission is good and can be improved very easily. Gas mileage on the highway can be as good as 23 mpg. Good luck and good Hunting.
PS Chevs and Vettes in Arizona has cars that can be viewed online.
Steve
PS Chevs and Vettes in Arizona has cars that can be viewed online.
Steve
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 144
Likes: 14
From: Central FL
I've had my '82 for 5 years now. It is completely stock. If you want to get better performance, I suggest you get a good crate motor and swap it for the stock unit. The stock unit is a good cruising motor, it runs on regular no problem and gets around 20 mpg. The crossfire system is fairly simple but not well understood by most mechanics. The '82 was the first year for the 700r4 trans. '82's have some unique features such as magnesium valve covers instead of aluminum and a ram air system built into the hood. Most parts are easy to get, so restoring it isn't that bad. Good luck with your search and let us know what you end up with. 
Last edited by 82X-FireVette; Mar 30, 2005 at 08:09 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 1
From: Savannah Ga
The early 700R4 trans. had some reliability issues from what I've heard.The guy I bought mine from said he had the trans rebuilt useing the new and improved parts,also put in shift kit.Mine is an 82CE and it runs great with the CF and medium grade gas.Compresion on these engines is 9.00 to1.Rear gears if stock are 2.72:1 and the CE's got 2.87:1.This info is right out of my owners manual.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: AZ
Good to go!
Hey there! Just purchased an 82 CFI about two weeks ago. It's not the cleanest, but it has all the basics. The CFI is far more agreeable than most of the horror stories you may have heard. Anyone who has dealt with more than just one carb (tunnel rams, motorcycle multi carb set-ups) should be able to grasp what is going on there. The aftermarket support is phenomenal and the car has some of the best lines in the stable. Shop around, there are some great deals on 82s out there if you take your time and be ready to move when you find the right one. Best of luck and keep Vettin!
