C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

1980 Differential Gears:

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 13, 2009 | 10:53 PM
  #1  
401KVette's Avatar
401KVette
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 163
Likes: 1
From: Port Allen Louisiana
Default 1980 Differential Gears:

Would anyone know what gears are in the differential that came original from the factory.
I only do pleasure driving and have been trying to increase my gas mileage. Someone asked me about the gears, but I didn't have a clue. I'm not really thinking about changing anything on the differential, but I am curious of what I have. It is stock.

If anyone has any tips on improving the gas mileage and performance, I would really like to hear from you. I'm really not looking to get into the engine or changing the heads at this time.
But how about that differential?

Thanks to all,
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2009 | 02:01 AM
  #2  
RIJVETTES's Avatar
RIJVETTES
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
Default

I believe all 1980 vettes came from the factory with 3.07 rearend gears.
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2009 | 08:09 AM
  #3  
Crash80's Avatar
Crash80
Drifting
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
Default

Originally Posted by 401KVette
If anyone has any tips on improving the gas mileage and performance, I would really like to hear from you. I'm really not looking to get into the engine or changing the heads at this time.
But how about that differential?

Thanks to all,
You might consider swapping out your tranny to a 4 speed auto, like a 2004R or 700R4, which is also the same tranny that went into all 1982 models. The 2004R is the easier swap of the two in terms of direct fit.
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2009 | 06:09 PM
  #4  
a1sensei's Avatar
a1sensei
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: Orange Park Fl
Default

Proper tuning is the obvious first step. If you are not getting at least 15 in town and 18 on the highway, that's where you need to start. After that; better exhaust, overdrive transmission. There's not really anything to be gained with swapping out your rear gears.

God bless, Sensei
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2009 | 07:20 PM
  #5  
hugie82's Avatar
hugie82
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Default

I was just on Ebay and there is an 82 vette rear that has 2:78s in it for $150.
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2009 | 09:07 PM
  #6  
mikem350's Avatar
mikem350
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
Default

If you want better mileage, go to a reputable shop and get a good tune up, and have em check the curve in the distributor (or tweek it non smog style), along with the vacuum advance. Does not have to be a vette shop either, just a guy who knows carbs and engines!

Or bring it to my shop here in sunny FL

Amazing what this can do for both mileage AND power
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 1980 Differential Gears:





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:24 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-1
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE