Topic: 81 Vette - good or bad Karma?
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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Mine don't have round or rivet marks there. Only on the right rear quarter panel on my '81. Cause that quarter was replaced at one time due to a fender bender. 
The marks are about 1/16" in diameter. They must have used small rivets to hold 'er in place.
The marks are about 1/16" in diameter. They must have used small rivets to hold 'er in place.
Funny thing is, the marks come and go with temperature changes. Weird.
FYI, two tone paint schemes for '81 are Bowling Green cars. Basecoat/clearcoat paint. Solid color cars are St.Louis born. Laquer paint.
But I have heard that BG did paint a few cars a solid color. Only a VIN and paint code con prove that. I have yet to see a solid color '81 BG car.
GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
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Former Member
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Palmyra, PA - USA
Joined: 2/9/2007
Posts: 26
Vette(s): 1970 Vette Convertible, driver
1981 Vette, driver
Darryl, Thanks for info about you 81. The car that I'm looking at to purchase is two color. Judging from the shine of this vette, it appears to have a clear coat finish. You describe the dots as 1/16 inch. The dots that I'm questioning might be that size. Since you have an 81, do you have any information about different size engines or was this a "one size fits all" year? Are there any negative features to the 81?
Sorry David,
Joel (Adams' Apple) is correct. One engine only. The L-81. Unfortunately the L-48 & L-82's were laid to rest after 1980.
The only negatives with the '81's are the Computer Command Control engine management system. If it's a high mileage car, the system could cause headaches if not working properly. I did away with my CCC system and all wiring involved with it.
Performance is the other negative. 190hp isn't a lot, and the 2.87 rear end gear ratio has a lot to be desired.
The plus side of the later C3's though, is comfort. They are a much better touring car than the older models.
GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
Darryl is right. I bought an '81 with the CCC in place that was seriously acting up. I cut it all loose and dropped a crate in, best move I made with her so far. I kept the motor b/c it is matching #. It does ride very nicely though and is a good cruiser. She now hauls butt now.
If the car in fact only has 36K, you might not experience any CCC problems. I would do a Carfax on it for the $20. I did one on mine and it traced it to the original purchase date. It also mentioned a minor fender bender, which I had suspected. While I had it on the lift at a trusted shop you know, have them check out the CCC.
I love all Vettes except C4 and up, look wise, but if he is selling it pretty cheap and all checks out, you should be happy. Check out the June issue of Corvette Magazine, it gives the value of all C3's in that issue regarding poor, good, show shape, etc.
Good luck and Happy Easter!
Rick
I have an 81.. Prob areas (and are mostly age related, not mileage related are) Leaky calipers, exhaust system mani's back, u-joints, trailing arms, pumpkin leaks, shocks, radiator, etc... your also at the age where electric gremlin are popping up.. Vacuum ops work? Good news is the parts are readily available..
Former Member
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Palmyra, PA - USA
Joined: 2/9/2007
Posts: 26
Vette(s): 1970 Vette Convertible, driver
1981 Vette, driver
Qurtz sugests that I check in the June issue of Corvette Magazine for a price guide. I don't have access to that Magazine. Could someone look it up for me? PS...the more I read here, the more I'm having second and third thoughts. David
1981 Show Ready Good Average Needs TLC
$18,500 $14,500 $11,000 $7,000
Add $2000 for 4 speed; $700 for alloy wheels
Hope this helps,
Darryl
GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
Former Member
Send PM
Palmyra, PA - USA
Joined: 2/9/2007
Posts: 26
Vette(s): 1970 Vette Convertible, driver
1981 Vette, driver
Thank you Darryl,
The 81 that I'm looking at has an asking price of $14,000. It's not show ready but wouldn't take much to make it so. THe good thing about this car is that it looks like it has been pampered. David
Lifetime MemberBUCKHANNON, WV - USA
Joined: 1/4/2002
Posts: 474
Vette(s): 81 T Top Beige in color
Benelli 22, I have a 81 For Sale That I think is above good. If you might be interested e-mail me if you might interested. fhodges@cebridge.net
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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