Is a 1981 Corvette a good car?

The car while a VERY thirsty beast is very reliable. The engine if you change the oil regularly and do all the other normal maintenance will run forever. Chevy small block 350’s are that good. The Transmissions on the Vettes of this era(say 78-81) are also durable and reliable.

What year Corvette is the most reliable?

The Most Reliable Classic Corvettes

• 1953 Corvette.
• 1956 Corvette.
• 1960 Corvette.
• 1969 Corvette.
• 1971 Corvette.
• 1977 Corvette.
• 1988 Corvette.

Are old Corvettes expensive to maintain?

Maintenance Costs. Although Corvettes are still far more affordable than most European sports cars, it is important to remember that the Corvette is a performance automobile. As such, it has more expensive hardware under the hood. Other maintenance items on Corvettes tend to be more expensive as well.

What engine came in a 1981 Corvette?

In 1981, there was only one powerplant available, a 350 cu in (5.7 L) engine that, like the L-48 base engine the previous year, produced the 190 hp (142 kW), but was now designated the L81. The motor was certified in all states and available with manual or automatic transmissions.

What engine is in a 1981 Corvette?

Engine: 5.7 Liter (350 CID) 4-Bbl….Total 1981 Corvettes Built- 40,606, All Coupes.

Long Recommended Service Intervals
Engine Oil	12 Months or 7,500 miles
Chassis Lubrication	12 Months or 7,500 miles

Is a 1980 Corvette a good car?

As far as the generation of the Chevrolet Corvette C3, the 1980 model definitely wasn’t one of their better ones. It was a weird time for the economy and a weird time for car development. It’s still a classic Corvette, though, so you can’t hate on it too much.

How much horsepower does a 1980 Corvette have?

Engine Specs
Type::	V8
Disc:	Vented
Horsepower
Standard Engine (350 cubic inch):	190 hp @ 4,400 RPM; Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 2,400 RPM California LG4 (305 cubic inch) 180 hp @ 4,200 RPM; Torque: 255 lb-ft @ 2,000 RPM

How many miles does a Corvette last?

150,000 to 200,000 miles
The lifespan expectations for Chevy Corvettes According to Motor and Wheels, owners can expect their new Corvette to last for 150,000 to 200,000 miles. For most drivers, that’s probably about 10 to 13 years minimum. In the past, sports cars were usually known for being unreliable and expensive to maintain.

What causes a misfiring engine on a corvette?

That’s because a misfiring engine can be caused by many mechanical problems. One way to detect a misfiring engine is by sensing the Corvette’s engine stumbling momentarily before regaining power. The engine can jerk or run rough as a result. This happens because the engine has skipped a process in the combustion cycle.

What causes ignition coils to go bad on a corvette?

Ignition coils are prone to damage from voltage overload, caused by faulty spark plugs. You can detect damaged coils if the Corvette’s engine runs rough. When replacing ignition coils, motoring experts advise for the cleaning of connectors and checking for corrosion or looseness on them. This ensures electrical transmission is not hampered.

Why did Chevy cut the corners off the ’53 Corvette?

Consistency, after all, is the hobgoblin of little minds. Corners were cut to get the ’53 Corvette into production. While the frame was new and positioned the engine low and rearward, the suspension was made up of modified parts from Chevy’s super-dowdy sedan and never worked right.

What happened to the chrome on the 1959 corvettes?

And three chrome spears in the cove along the car’s flanks. This thing was almost as much chrome as it was fiberglass. Earl retired from GM in 1958 to be replaced by Bill Mitchell, who immediately started pulling chrome and louvers off the 1959 Corvette.