1981 corvette help
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
1981 corvette help
Hey guys and gals im looking to buy a 1981 corvette i found one for 9k but from what I read is that its a horrible car to own...my question is has anybody have problems with it or has modified it only to have more problems
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
I have never heard anything about the 1980's being "horrible" and suspect that branding of them was started by a disgruntled owner. As far as I know they are just as reliable as any of the other later C3's.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,800
Likes: 1,712
From: Summerville SC
Just remember these are OLD cars. If you plan on using it for a daily driver, and you aren't very mechanical, you might need to think about this a bit more. But if you like getting your hands dirty and don't need the car to get to work tomorrow morning, these cars a just a lot of fun. And hey, how many people do you know that can say " I've got a Corvette in the garage"? I am sure I have been no help in your decision making….ha ha
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 3,936
Likes: 54
From: Marietta, GA & Elba, AL
St. Jude Donor '16
My '81 isn't junk, but it's not a race car either. Mine is fairly stock, and though I haven't had it long, seems to run and drive well. Read up on what to look for when buying a C3, look for rust on the frame and birdcage, real rust, not surface. I learned a lot just by googling the years I wanted and could afford. As mentioned, it's 34 years old. It will need work to keep going. I'm new to all this and the folks on here have been a huge help already, saving me several dozen dollars.
As far as this year/that year, I just treat it as smack talk. Some are joking around, and some are true elitist snots that need a good slap. 200 miles and $80,000 does not make you a driver.
As far as this year/that year, I just treat it as smack talk. Some are joking around, and some are true elitist snots that need a good slap. 200 miles and $80,000 does not make you a driver.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 923
Likes: 4
From: Austin Tx
not a horrible car by any means. The early 80s cars are built quite well actually. Just like most cars or trucks by the end of the body style run the manufacturer has figured out the bugs and refined the car, by 1981 GM had 12 years of real world testing and feedback on the C3 from customers and mechanics to fix things and make it better. I will tell you I would prefer an 80 to an 81 since 81 had the computer controlled carb which adds some complexity with no gain in performance and only a slight gain in economy with the locking t350 transmission.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 337
Likes: 6
St. Jude Donor '16
My 81' is fairly stock...the computer controlled carburetor works correctly...the car is a 4 speed ( the main reason for purchasing ) and for gentlemen in my age group has way too much horsepower...(I can scare myself any time I want)...but! oh, so fun to drive!...If you purchase, count on lots of help from this forum ( it is the best Corvette forum on the internet )...Good Luck!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 3,936
Likes: 54
From: Marietta, GA & Elba, AL
St. Jude Donor '16
My 81' is fairly stock...the computer controlled carburetor works correctly...the car is a 4 speed ( the main reason for purchasing ) and for gentlemen in my age group has way too much horsepower...(I can scare myself any time I want)...but! oh, so fun to drive!...If you purchase, count on lots of help from this forum ( it is the best Corvette forum on the internet )...Good Luck!
Mine is a 4 speed also. I'm hoping the fact that its mostly stock will help when I'm trying to work on it.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I own an '81 also. I love the body lines and options it has on it (creature comforts). The biggest gripe that I had was the paltry 190 horsepower engine. That's been replaced with a stouter 355 cid. I didn't like the overdrive TH350C but it took care of itself shortly after I purchased it.
Go for it. We are here to help you brother.
Go for it. We are here to help you brother.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
