[BobJ]

Hello, I am new to the forum and need some help. I am looking at 1981 Corvette that is listed as a L82 Model, a friend of mine has told me that they did not make a L82 in 1981. Since I am shopping for my first Corvette I will have a lot of questions. So I need your help did they make a L82 in 1981 or has it been misrepresented?
Thanks in Advance: BobJ

 

[ecordeddie]

They only made one engine option that year. It was rated at 190 hp. It was the L48.

 

[SC-Razor]

They only made one engine option that year. It was rated at 190 hp. It was the L48.

Yep. 1980 is the last L-82. Can you get us a VIN # and we can help you with it.




FYI:
The L82's were produced from '73-'80. Through '79, both the L48 and L82 350 blocks are #3970010. '80 blocks are #14010207. The L48 is a two bolt main (165-190hp) while the L82 is a 4 bolt main (205-250hp).

The head's intake/exhaust on the L48 are 1.94/1.50 vs. the L82's 2.02/1.60.

The L48 camshaft is P/N#3896929, with Intake/Exhaust lift of .390/.410 & I/E duration of 310/320. The L82 is .450/.460 & 346/360.

The '78 aluminum intake manifold #458520 was the first aluminum intake used on a SB since the '72 LT-1, and only found on the L82.

The L82's higher compression pistons, bigger cam, large valve heads, aluminum intake and stronger 4 bolt main, resulted in the hp gain over the L48's.

 

[The_Phoenix]

My information says different. :huh:

In 1981 there was a LG4, a L48, a L82, and a L81. 180, 190, 230, and 190 hp respectively. LG4 was California only.

 

[SC-Razor]

My information says different. :huh:

In 1981 there was a LG4, a L48, a L82, and a L81. 180, 190, 230, and 190 hp respectively. LG4 was California only.

From the L81 Registry:


Production Facts
The 1981 Corvette was the first model year to be built simultaneously in two locations.The first Corvette was completed at the new Bowling Green , KY asssembly line on June 1, 1981. The last Corvette to be built at St. Louis was completed on August 1, 1981.
Although there were no engine options for 1981, the base 350 (190 hp) L81 engine was certified for the state of California, and was available in all states including California with both 4-speed manaul and automatic transmissions.
Exterior styling carried over from 1980, but emblems did change slightly.
The tubular stainless steel exhaust manifolds, used on 1980 Corvettes sold in California with the LG4 305 engine, were standard with the 1981 base engine.
Chevrolets computer command control used on 1980 Corvettes sold in California became standard equipment on all 1981 Corvettes. The system automatically adjusted ignition timing and fuel mixture.
Chevrolet introduced a fiberglass - reinforced monoleaf rear spring for 1981 Corvettes equipped with automatic transmissions and standard suspensions. The plasticspring weighed eight pounds compared to forty-four pounds for the steel unit it replaced.
The anti-theft alarm system was improved in 1981 by the addition of an ignition interrupt to prevent engine start.
All 1981 valve covers were magnesium for weight reduction
For improved fuel economy, auto transmissions had torque convertor clutches for second and third gears.
A detail change to the 1981 Corvette interior was the color keying of the headlamp and windshield wiper switch bezels to the interior color. In 1980, they were black regardless of interior color.
The 1981 Corvette was the last model to have a manual transmission available until well into the 1984 production year.
The St. Louis Corvette assembly plant continued to use lacquer paints through the end of the 1981 production in that facility. meanwhile in B.G., a new paint process was developed which used enamel basecoats followed by clearcoats.
A power driver seat was available for the first time in 1981 as RPO A42. It was not available for the passenger side.

 

[The_Phoenix]

Well, my facts came from the 1953-2003 Corvette history poster hanging at the carlot. Your info is probably more correct. The poster does mention the dual build sites so I guess it got something right.

It's got a lot of specs for each motor I mentioned. I wonder where they got them if it dosent exist.

 

[SC-Razor]

Well, my facts came from the 1953-2003 Corvette history poster hanging at the carlot. Your info is probably more correct. The poster does mention the dual build sites so I guess it got something right.

It's got a lot of specs for each motor I mentioned. I wonder where they got them if it dosent exist.

That's interesting. I would like to see that poster.:huh:

 

[The_Phoenix]

Here's the poster. I resized the pic and it killed the detail, sorry.

But just so you can see I'm not crazy, heres a pic of the 81's little section.

 

[SC-Razor]

That's damned interesting ain't it:huh: :drink:

 

[The_Phoenix]

Like I said, my poster my be wrong, but if it is why would GM license it? And if it's right, why would several other places have such bad info? :huh:

 

[krez68]

Well I somewhat remember in the corvette black book. I will have to check when I get home, only one engine option.

http://www.rogerscorvette.com/specs/81.htm

Whats really funny. NADA Guides states a L82 in the listings for options.

 

[BobJ]

More Info

Thank you for the info everyone, I didn't realize things could get so confusing. Here is the Vin number if it helps:1g1ay8762bs402155 Thanks again for all of your help.
Bob

 

[SC-Razor]

1981 Corvette Identification


VIN Tag Information
1G1AY8764BS400001 - 1G1AY8764BS431611 (St.Louis)
1G1AY8764B5100001 - 1G1AY8764B5108995 (B.Green)
Digit Definition
1st 1 = Nation Origin = US
2nd G = Manufacturer = GM
3rd 1 = Make/Type = Chevy/Passenger
4th Vehicle Restraint System: A = Manual Belts, B = Automatic Belts, C = Air Bags
5th Y = Carline = Corvette
6th/7th 87 = Body Type = Corvette
8th 6 = Engine Type = L81
9th Check digit to verify VIN#
10th B = Model Year = 1981
11th Assembly Plant: S = St. Louis, MO, 5 = Bowling Green, KY
Last 6 digits Production Number starting with 400001 and up.

Engine Suffix ID Numbers
ZDA: 350ci, 190hp (manual transmission)
ZDB: 350ci, 190hp (automatic transmission, California Emissions)
ZDC: 350ci, 190hp (manual transmission, California Emissions)
ZDD: 350ci, 190hp (automatic transmission)

Block ID Numbers
14010207: All Engines

Head ID Numbers
462624: All Engines

Alternator ID Numbers
1101075, 1101085, 1103088, 1103091, 1103103

Carburetor ID Numbers
Rochester Q-Jet #17081217: 350ci, 190hp (manual transmission)
Rochester Q-Jet #17081218: 350ci, 190hp (automatic transmission, California Emissions)
Rochester Q-Jet #17081228: 350ci, 190hp (automatic transmission)

Distributor ID Numbers
1103443: All Engines


Eighth digit is a 6. Case closed! That was seriously fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup:

 

[Patrick]

Great info, thanks steve-o! artyon:

 

[BobJ]

Thank You!!

A big thank you to Steve and all of you on helping me with this mystery! Maybe they just added the L82 on the hood for looks, or maybe the hood was replaced.
I have a lot to learn about what to look for so I really appreciate your help.

Thank You: Bob

 

[vettecop]

Could this be the vehicle in question?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1981-Corvette-L82-L-82-70k-Miles-NO-RESERVE-NR_W0QQitemZ300000496279QQihZ020QQcategoryZ6168QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[SC-Razor]

Could this be the vehicle in question?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1981-Corvette-L82-L-82-70k-Miles-NO-RESERVE-NR_W0QQitemZ300000496279QQihZ020QQcategoryZ6168QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

That is damned interesting! Nice find!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup:

 

[OldVetteFan]

Here's the poster. ... heres a pic of the 81's little section.

Phoenix -

Your poster is also incorrect in another way.

Look at the bore and stroke under the LG4 engine. That's no 350, that's a 305!! The 305 was available in California ONLY in 1980, not 1981.

By 1981, the L81 (differentiated for California and Federal emissions by the codes SC-Razor published earlier) was the only engine option.

Steven

 

[OldVetteFan]

Could this be the vehicle in question?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1981-Corvette-L82-L-82-70k-Miles-NO-RESERVE-NR_W0QQitemZ300000496279QQihZ020QQcategoryZ6168QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Did anybody notice that the description says "AC delete" but the compressor is sitting in plain sight (and connected) in the pictures? I guess "AC delete" means "AC don't effing work"!!

Steven

 

[BobJ]

What is it worth?

I may go see this car today, for those of you that have looked at the car on ebay what do you think of it and what do you think would be a good price?
Thanks: Bob