Sea5
CCCUK regional rep
Description: The time has come to offer for sale this unique corvette which was up-graded by a talented self-taught engineer in 2001/2. I have owned the car since he sadly passed away in 2016.
What’s so special about this C3? It’s about all the parts you can’t see. The engine has been highly modified; Powermax 2040 camshaft, CompCams roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer 2101 intake manifold, Cloyes ‘True’ timing chain set, Stainless Steel exhaust manifold leading to a hand crafted 2 1/2” SS straight-thru dual exhaust system. It also features a DUI Performance Distributor, Mickey Thomson rocker covers and many other upgrades. Interestingly, all the modifications have been cleverly married to the original Rochester 4 barrel carb and ECU. The 1981 year corvette was equipped with the L81 engine which was the first corvette to use an ECU (mounted in the locker behind the passenger seat). The ECU took readings from 2 sensors in the carburettor and 1 oxygen sensor on the LHS manifold. Owing to emissions regulations, the L81 engine was a little under-powered at 190bhp so most owners sought ways to boost the output. This ‘project’ was guided by an owner in the USA (a Texas Ranger) who had successfully completed a similar upgrade – I know, because I have all the e-mail correspondence!
Another major upgrade was the addition of a 200-4R level 2 Bowtie 4-speed automatic gearbox with 2200 stall torque converter. The power is then delivered through 2.87:1 rear diff. The result is greatly improved fuel economy but power and speed if you want it. I have got close to the top speed on the speedometer but lost my nerve!
If you are looking for a quiet C3 with a radio and aircon – then I suggest this is not the car for you.
If you are looking for a well-engineered, reliable car that performs and makes a unique sound, then maybe this one will tick the box.
I have owned this corvette since 2016 and averaged only 600 miles pa. Current mileage is 83810. The servicing and repair costs are less than £300 in total. I have a full history file complete with all invoices. I also have most of the original engine parts and a host of spares including the original exhaust.
Since 2021 it has been registered as Road Tax & MoT Exempt.
A bit of history.
In 1981 Corvettes were built at the St Louis plant and the newly opened Bowling Green plant in Kentucky up until the end of August. This 1981 model was one of the last to come off the production line at BG being #7838 of 8995 built.
The most substantial improvement to the 1981 Corvette over earlier models was the introduction of Computer Command Control (CCC). Though not unique only to the 1981 Corvette, Computer Command Control used electronics to integrate the emissions and fuel systems in order to reduce smog and fuel consumption. Similarly, CCC was tied into the automatic transmission’s new lockup torque-converter clutch. This provided a direct mechanical linkage between the flywheel and the propshaft in second and third gears at steady-state speed, thus eliminating gas-eating frictional losses through the converter. A “computer command control” which in 1980 had been part of California bound Corvettes was installed in all Corvettes. The system controlled ignition timing and air-fuel mixture, a necessity for tailpipe emissions compliance. The 350 cu. in. 190 hp L81 was, along with both the automatic and four speed manual transmissions, legal in all 50 states. The 1981 corvette was fitted with a mono-leaf fiberglass rear spring. Added to automatic-transmission Corvettes with standard suspensions, this plastic spring weighed only 8 pounds, compared to the 44-pound steel leaf springs used in 1980. A new six-way power driver’s seat was also introduced (one which finally reclined (a notable shortcoming of the seats in earlier third-generation Corvettes).
There are many other great features, like the hand-made LED rear lights, the highly polished wheels, the front engine brace and so on.
Pricewise, I’m looking for offers close to £20k. Call me for further details.
Note: The car may be advertised elsewhere after offering it to CCCUK members on this website first.
Gary White
07973 330046
What’s so special about this C3? It’s about all the parts you can’t see. The engine has been highly modified; Powermax 2040 camshaft, CompCams roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer 2101 intake manifold, Cloyes ‘True’ timing chain set, Stainless Steel exhaust manifold leading to a hand crafted 2 1/2” SS straight-thru dual exhaust system. It also features a DUI Performance Distributor, Mickey Thomson rocker covers and many other upgrades. Interestingly, all the modifications have been cleverly married to the original Rochester 4 barrel carb and ECU. The 1981 year corvette was equipped with the L81 engine which was the first corvette to use an ECU (mounted in the locker behind the passenger seat). The ECU took readings from 2 sensors in the carburettor and 1 oxygen sensor on the LHS manifold. Owing to emissions regulations, the L81 engine was a little under-powered at 190bhp so most owners sought ways to boost the output. This ‘project’ was guided by an owner in the USA (a Texas Ranger) who had successfully completed a similar upgrade – I know, because I have all the e-mail correspondence!
Another major upgrade was the addition of a 200-4R level 2 Bowtie 4-speed automatic gearbox with 2200 stall torque converter. The power is then delivered through 2.87:1 rear diff. The result is greatly improved fuel economy but power and speed if you want it. I have got close to the top speed on the speedometer but lost my nerve!
If you are looking for a quiet C3 with a radio and aircon – then I suggest this is not the car for you.
If you are looking for a well-engineered, reliable car that performs and makes a unique sound, then maybe this one will tick the box.
I have owned this corvette since 2016 and averaged only 600 miles pa. Current mileage is 83810. The servicing and repair costs are less than £300 in total. I have a full history file complete with all invoices. I also have most of the original engine parts and a host of spares including the original exhaust.
Since 2021 it has been registered as Road Tax & MoT Exempt.
A bit of history.
In 1981 Corvettes were built at the St Louis plant and the newly opened Bowling Green plant in Kentucky up until the end of August. This 1981 model was one of the last to come off the production line at BG being #7838 of 8995 built.
The most substantial improvement to the 1981 Corvette over earlier models was the introduction of Computer Command Control (CCC). Though not unique only to the 1981 Corvette, Computer Command Control used electronics to integrate the emissions and fuel systems in order to reduce smog and fuel consumption. Similarly, CCC was tied into the automatic transmission’s new lockup torque-converter clutch. This provided a direct mechanical linkage between the flywheel and the propshaft in second and third gears at steady-state speed, thus eliminating gas-eating frictional losses through the converter. A “computer command control” which in 1980 had been part of California bound Corvettes was installed in all Corvettes. The system controlled ignition timing and air-fuel mixture, a necessity for tailpipe emissions compliance. The 350 cu. in. 190 hp L81 was, along with both the automatic and four speed manual transmissions, legal in all 50 states. The 1981 corvette was fitted with a mono-leaf fiberglass rear spring. Added to automatic-transmission Corvettes with standard suspensions, this plastic spring weighed only 8 pounds, compared to the 44-pound steel leaf springs used in 1980. A new six-way power driver’s seat was also introduced (one which finally reclined (a notable shortcoming of the seats in earlier third-generation Corvettes).
There are many other great features, like the hand-made LED rear lights, the highly polished wheels, the front engine brace and so on.
Pricewise, I’m looking for offers close to £20k. Call me for further details.
Note: The car may be advertised elsewhere after offering it to CCCUK members on this website first.
Gary White
07973 330046
