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Details: 90,000 miles. Will go up slightly as I drive it quite often now.
Transmission: The previous Owner had changed the rear end gearing to 3.73. It was not ideal on the highway with the TH-350 3-speed transmission, so I changed the transmission to a 200r4. It was the same length and bolt pattern, but had overdrive. It was the best thing I did to the car. Now it’s got plenty of go from the traffic light and cruises at a comfortable rpm on the highway. The old transmission and cross member can go with the car.
Interior: I replaced the ugly, worn out burgundy carpet and door panels with new silver.
I replaced the original seats with black ones from a C6 Z06. I intended on making the controls on the seat work with the original wiring and also add a switch for the heating element, but ran out of time and energy. The 6-way controls from the factory still work, but the controls are not the prettiest. These seats are awesome…huge comfort upgrade. The old seats can go with the car. Lights, locks and windows work. New headlight switch. Gauges work. Clear glass T-Tops. New door and window weatherstripping.
Steering: New steering control valve and a rebuilt cylinder.
Brakes: Work well. No leaks. I have an extra set of calipers, hoses, and pads that can go with the car.
Paint: It was repainted before I got it. Looks great in my opinion.
Engine: Lots of people complain about this CCC (computer controlled carb) but it honestly has never let me down. I keep waiting for something to go wrong with the engine so I can put a fuel injection system on it. That day has not come yet, so I can include a complete EFI system I have with the car. It is a complete speed density TPI system including the high pressure fuel pump, sensors, intake, plenum, throttle body, filter, gaskets, harness, and a Holley Commander 950 computer/tuning system. This will pretty much bolt on for a really slick looking and running fueling system. The engine has recently got a new oil pan too. When doing that, I inspected the piston bottoms and cylinder walls and they were beautiful. The cross hatching looked super. Old oil pan will go with the car. New 3 row aluminum radiator.
Exhaust: True duel exhaust from long tube headers. Sounds good. It does hang a bit low and did scrape on a dip/hump one or 2 times. The original exhaust can go with the car.
Suspension: 4 new dampers. It seems a bit soft, but it rides like a cloud.
Misc: New wiper motor. Car cover included. Shop Manual included. New battery.
What doesn’t work: Air conditioning – It used to work, so I’m not sure if it just needs a recharge or what. I never looked into it and as far as I’m concerned the car should never have had AC. 1980’s AC is like a 100 pound husky breathing on your face. Cruise control – Does not work. I was going to get to that with the TPI intake, but I never got there. There are no emergency brakes. The backing plates were shot and they hold the E brake mounting hardware. To change them, the trailing arms need to be taken apart. I was waiting for a reason to do that but everything is fine back there.
Some items that are fine but maybe could use replacing. I consider these a personal preference: Tires and wheels: everybody’s got a different taste for wheels. I personally like 18s, but its up to you. Steering wheel: I like wood, but again, up to you, if you care.
In summary, it's a super nice car with really awesome upgrades. The seats and the transmission were game changers. It's a 42 year old car and there will always be things that aren't perfect, but I see this as a fun car to drive around in and make small changes as you want to. It's not going to win as a top-flight whatever, but it's really nice. Anybody that drives or rides is taken away from normal life, and placed into a time when cars had character.
$18,000. Located in Northeast Pennsylvania. Zip Code 18333.
Last edited by 81projectvette; 03-17-2024 at 03:40 PM.
Reason: add engine photo
Hi all. I had a couple issues uploading pics. It was showing up on my phone, but not on my computer. Can someone just let me know that the pic upload was successful? Also, feel free to add any thoughts on pictures, price, condition or additional info.
Hi all. I had a couple issues uploading pics. It was showing up on my phone, but not on my computer. Can someone just let me know that the pic upload was successful? Also, feel free to add any thoughts on pictures, price, condition or additional info.
I see the photos, but you can always add more, especially of the engine compartment, and the common rust areas.
08-19-2023, 10:00 AM
1981 Corvette, sensible upgrades, 90k miles, $19k
