1982 Advise
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena Texas
1982 Advise
Looking to purchase a non-CE 82 what should I be looking for on these years that are typically bad? Any good sites for info? Where is the option tag for these years? Any other help would be appriciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 1
Re: 1982 Advise (99 Torch Coupe)
By 1982, the C3 was polished into a fine cruising Corvette. It was plush and comfortable, and far quieter and less spartan than my 1968.
The biggest complaint I've seen while moderating here is a dissatisfaction with the lack of power out of the Crossfire Injected 350. And it is difficult to make one perform, but not impossible. I have seen articles that suggest a Crossfire can be successfully brought up from 200 hp to about 330 hp, which is quite good for a streetcar. If you want more, you may have to consider either an engine swap or shelving the crossfire for a carbureted set up, and a boost in compression and head flow. Doing this should allow you around 400 hp.
My suggestion is to try one first and see how you like it. If it's fine for you, then nothing more needs to be done, other than the usual restoration items.
Good luck.
The biggest complaint I've seen while moderating here is a dissatisfaction with the lack of power out of the Crossfire Injected 350. And it is difficult to make one perform, but not impossible. I have seen articles that suggest a Crossfire can be successfully brought up from 200 hp to about 330 hp, which is quite good for a streetcar. If you want more, you may have to consider either an engine swap or shelving the crossfire for a carbureted set up, and a boost in compression and head flow. Doing this should allow you around 400 hp.
My suggestion is to try one first and see how you like it. If it's fine for you, then nothing more needs to be done, other than the usual restoration items.
Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,964
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville AL
CI 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Re: 1982 Advise (99 Torch Coupe)
The '82 is a great vette, I've owned mine since it was new and have about 172k miles on it. The only major problem that I have had is with the 4 speed auto. everything else is original, except for the typical maintenance items.
There's a WEB site dedicated to Crossfire Injection that has a lot of information: CrossFire Injection
There's a WEB site dedicated to Crossfire Injection that has a lot of information: CrossFire Injection
Pro
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: Littleton, CO USA
Re: 1982 Advise (99 Torch Coupe)
The 82 is a good choice. I think you might want to consider the CE as well as the other 82's. I'm not a big fan of the CE decals. With or without the decals it is a still a very nice looking car. But, the best feature of an 82 CE compared to any other 82 is the rear window. It's the first Corvette with an opening rear window and the only 82 with this feature. If it's a daily driver and a grocery getter AND it's for your wife....trust me....she'll love it. Besides, the interior of the 82 CE is one of Corvettes best efforts and absolutely cool! I've never met a woman who hasn't loved the interior. The best part of its interior although, is the view from the drivers seat!!
My 82 CE without decals.
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/odennis//82crop.JPG
My 82 CE without decals.
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/odennis//82crop.JPG
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,161
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
Re: 1982 Advise (ODennis)
I LOVE my 82 CE and as ODennis said, it looks great w/o the decals. I also love the opening rear hatch. The only "problem" is that parts are more expensive because of the "CE" designation. Mine was repainted and I don't know if I want to replace the decals(big $$) because it is a driver, not show car.
:D
[Modified by 82dukman, 10:47 PM 1/1/2002]
:D
[Modified by 82dukman, 10:47 PM 1/1/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,663
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
Re: 1982 Advise (99 Torch Coupe)
i have had good luck with my 82 .the overdrive trany will help you get good gas mileage,the fiberglass rear spring gives a good ride.for performance up grades go to cross-fire forum. :seeya
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 860
Likes: 40
From: Woodforest
Re: 1982 Advise (99 Torch Coupe)
Great car. You might want to look at the suspension items, ie upper and lower control arm bushings, ball joints, trailing arms, etc. These will, on an original car, most likely need replacement and can be pricey unless you do it yourself.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: honolulu HI
Re: 1982 Advise (Woodstoc)
lucky wife..the only reason i like the pre-1981 is the fact that it basically the same vette without the hassles of the computer chip..i have an 1980 which is the last of the muscle without comp. ect and find it much easier to work on and repair and tune myself..if u have experience with the cross fire then ur all set..if not u might like an 1977-1980..lol :cool:
[Modified by 1980 razz, 10:51 AM 1/2/2002]
[Modified by 1980 razz, 10:51 AM 1/2/2002]
