'81 Corvette Garage Queen

My Sister has a 1981 Corvette that's been stored on blocks in her garage for the past 18 years. Other than the usual fluid changes, along with brake/fuel/coolant hose replacements I'm interested in knowing if there are any specifics or idiosyncrasies that apply to this model year. The car will be shipped from Oceanside, Ca. to Central FL. Does anyone here have firsthand knowledge or can suggest a good Corvette forum? My plan is to bring it back to a nice "driver" status and then return it to her when things settle a bit.

Thanks in advance.

 

Well those cars are bourdened by the horrible smog equipment that I'd say yank off. Even though they are a 350, they have no power what so ever, so don't go racing any Accord V6's. They have a nice shape, parts for late 70's early 80's Vette's are cheap too. Just get it and drive it, don't expect to make any $$$$ off a '81 Vette either. If you really like it, and want a fun driver do a LS1 swap. Besides changing/checking what you said, I'd check the leaf springs on the rear as well. Good luck!

 

I have a 1980 model with about 14,000 miles on it that has been "stored" since 1985. (don't ask;.....it's going downhill.)
Cars like this "go to seed" over time. The brakes are practically GUARANTEED to need work. 1965 thru 1982 Corvettes with disc brakes had a MAJOR design flaw: The brake caliper seals are on the PISTONS instead of being on the BORE where they should have been. This means that moisture and humidity from the air can cling onto the side of the exposed caliper bore and cause rust. Brake fluid will then leak past the seal and......no brakes on that cylinder. Also, since 1981 had a computer controlled carburetor,....I think that it also had an ELECTRIC fuel pump mounted in the gas tank. (Not quite sure about that, but 1982 DID have the electric fuel pump in the gas tank so I think that 1981 also did.) Those fuel pumps are prone to locking up,..i.e.,....not working. A friend has a 1982 in long term storage and I think that his pump has gone bad TWICE. On the plus side,....my 1980 has gone for years at a time without being started,....and after a few minutes tinkering, it fires right up. BUT,....a 1980 is carbureted and NO computer. Also be wary of rear wheel bearings that can get rusty. Just be ready for lots of little things to NOT work. Those vintage Corvettes were far into what I call the "plastic era" of modern automobiles and they just don't have the rugged feel of older cars. But they are also old enough now to be fading from the highways and becoming more "classic" themselves.

 

Overall agree,

There has been an 81 in my family since new. It has now since fallen into disrepair and basically worth more in parts than as a running example. For a while I thought the car was cool, probably put somewhere near 30K miles on it, yet the more I used it (an the older I got) the more it was simply a harsh ride in a rattle trap.

Car handled well, but has now power and was loud and harsh...

The brake issue can be solved mostly by switching to SS sleeved calipers and silicone fluid. Seals will can/still leak, but it's a nice upgrade.

It will be fun for a while, but it's very old technology.

www.corvetteforum.com
www.ecklers.com
www.mavette.com
www.corvettecentral.com

Pick up a hemmings or corvette trader mag and you'll find tons more supply houes for parts and support

 

Thanks for all of the great info. Sounds like I'll be able to deal with all of the issues myself although the electic carb, if installed, will need an update for sure. I've seen these cars with sagging rear leaf springs so that'll go while I redo the suspension bushing. The good thing is I just bought a house that's up the street from Eckler's.