I am going to buy my first corvette (don't laugh :-), the 80-82 style. However, I don't know if it's better to go for 80-81 with carbs or for 82 with injection. Can anyone tell me the differences in terms of mileage, reliability, performance etc? Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the C3VR
I have an 82 CE with the crossfire injection. I must be pretty lucky because it runs well and doesn't give me any problems. If they do go "screwy", look out, it is really hard here to get someone to work on them, let alone where you are. Besides, 82 was the first year for computer control on the car too.
I would get an 80 -81, with the carburation (sp). You can do more with the engine in the "beefing up" area as opposed to the CE motor which is real restrictive.
Hope this gives you a little insight.

I agree with 82dukeman. There are tons of Q&A in the various magazines about the crossfire injection, ussually pertaining to power increases. Generally agreed "forget it". The problem is with the manifold. It does not flow enough volume to create significant gains.There is a new aftermarket set up that apparently does a better job, but it is expensive and the gain is only moderate

Alex

I have to agree with the above comments concerning the c/f manifold , It simply does not flow , the ports at the entrance to the cylinder heads are 1/2 the normal size . I drive an 82 but I made considerable changes to correct that problem . The 80/81 series will give you great leeway for future improvements in vette like performance !

gman