1980-81 what to lookout for?

[Gazmic]

I'm keen to buy myself a 1980-81 manual vette. I've read the buyers guides and thought I should ask the owners.
Are there any regular issues I should be wary of with this model?
Is the L82 that much better than the L48?
Are there Corvette specialist dealers/importers in NSW like Corvette QLD?
What should I expect to spend on an honest reliable car that doesn't need a re-build and re-spray in the next few years?
Thanks for your time.

[Cameron 77C3]

Welcome Gazmic.

I'm a 77 C3 man but I'm sure one of the later year mob will drop in and help ya out.

Chromie this might be up your alley.

Cam
Your Friendly Forum Administrator

[Chromie]

Hi Gazmic
The 1981 is slightly better than the 1980
The 1981 had the metal in it better treated against rust
Appart from that the body's were pretty much the same
The L82 & L48 were only engine horsepower changes and they were only in the 1980
The 1981 and 1982 had their own engine and they only had one type of engine in each of those years
The quality will depend upon whether or not you are after a right hand drive or left hand drive.
Like all Corvette purchases it is very wise to get familar with the corvette of the year that you are after in the left hand drive format.
Like all cars you will pay more for original low milage than you would for a high mileage non original
The best rule is worry about the body and interior as these are the most expensive to repair
The mechanicalls are not so expensive.
Hope this helps
Oh and where possble get the vehicle inspected by someone who knows before you purchase.
These C3's are starting to all be over 25 years old so there are not very many original/cheap corvettes around.;42

[77CVT]

Ditto.

Also, if you get a Californian 80 you will get one with a 305 in it and not a 350.

As they are 25+ yrs old I don't consider mileage a big factor as you'll end up replacing rubbers, bushes etc anyway.

L48 or L82.....either way they need more HP so.... rebuild!  :evil

[nifty]

gazmic if you interested,i have a mate who imports cars in my home town,whyalla s.a.
he will find and ship.if you find the car he will take care of all paperwork involved and ship also.
hes more of a mopar guy(has a very sweet dodge charger for sale @ 100k, and a few others including vettes)
he has shipped cars all over australia,including a 95k camaro,and an 80k 59 vette....i have his web site if you interested..