1980 Z49 Option
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2
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From: Lancaster, SC
1980 Z49 Option
I purchased a 1980 Corvette back in July of last year from a dealer in Portland, OR and had it shipped to SC. Unfortunately, I received no information/paperwork on the vehicle other than the title. After a little research, and trying to interpret what was left of the tank sticker I recovered, I learned that my car was originally purchased in Canada. I was able to get some great information from Vintage Vehicle Services that included the original options list. The very last option is Z49 - Mandatory Canadian Base Equipment Modifications. Can anyone inform me what this includes? I assume the Speedometer (KMPH vs MPH), but not sure what else may have been included in that option. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,682
Likes: 3,135
From: Shamong, NJ
As you assumed, the speedometer calibrated in kilometers, or reversed from the US version where MPH is main and KPH is under MPH. The temp gauge may be in Celsius too? The certification labels required in Canada were different than the US so Canadian ones would be installed on the door jam, etc. Some of the material for the glove box would be different too. The labels and glove box material may have been printed in both English and French, since this has been a law in Canada for years. I don't recall when Canada required daytime running lights, but it was long before the US started to adopt them. I don't would if Canada required them as long ago as 1980, but if they were required in 80 it would have them.
There were no major changes made for a Corvette going to Canada, just some minor things to conform to Canadian laws.
There were no major changes made for a Corvette going to Canada, just some minor things to conform to Canadian laws.
