Vehicle Class:
Sports Car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking in-depth technical information for maintenance, repair, and restoration of their 1982 Corvette.
Comparable Vehicles:
Porsche 944, Datsun 280ZX, BMW 6 Series.
Distinguishing Features:
Introduction of the 'Cross-Fire Injection' engine, a major technological advancement for Corvette; the final year for the C3 generation; design refinements contributing to aerodynamic efficiency.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides authoritative guidance for preserving and maintaining the value and performance of a classic American sports car.
Engine:
327 Cubic Inch V8 (L83 Cross-Fire Injection), including assembly, disassembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, and emission control systems.
Transmission:
4-speed manual (Muncie M20/M21 derivatives) and 4-speed automatic (THM-700R4), including clutch, driveline, differentials, and axle components.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension (independent front, transverse leaf spring rear), steering system (power steering), wheels, tires, and chassis lubrication.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes (vented), rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake, and power assist systems.
Electrical:
12-volt negative ground system, battery, alternator, starter, ignition system (electronic), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, gauges, power windows, power locks, and body control modules.
Body:
Body construction (fiberglass reinforced plastic), doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, and convertible top systems (if applicable).
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system operation, components, refrigerant handling, and climate control adjustments.
Fuel System:
Cross-Fire Fuel Injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic based), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, injectors, and pressure regulator.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspections, brake pad replacement, and tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
System diagnostics, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical wiring diagrams, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for the fuel injection and electrical systems.
Repair:
Component removal and installation procedures, engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, and body panel repair.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic charts, oscilloscope procedures for engine and ignition systems, fuel pressure testing, and electrical circuit testing.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Displacement:
350 Cubic Inches (5.7 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
4.00 in x 3.48 in (101.6 mm x 88.4 mm)
Horsepower:
200 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque:
285 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - 'Cross-Fire Injection'
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Pressure Specification:
30-45 PSI (207-310 kPa)
Oil Capacity:
5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (HEI distributor with electronic control module)
Cooling System Capacity:
20.7 Quarts (19.6 Liters)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (THM-700R4)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Typical: 2.87:1 (1st), 1.82:1 (2nd), 1.36:1 (3rd), 1.00:1 (4th)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
8.5 Quarts (8.0 Liters) for THM-700R4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Clutch Type:
Dry, Single Plate, Diaphragm Spring
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or as per manual recommendations for synthetic oil).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months for automatic; every 30,000 miles or 36 months for manual.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on type and condition).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SF/CD, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
Coolant Spec:
GM Type 1 Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4, check specific reservoir)
Common Problems:
Cross-Fire Injection system tuning (sensors, injectors), aging electrical components (wiring harnesses, switches), vacuum leaks, potential carburetor issues (if retrofitted), front fiberglass cracking, exhaust manifold leaks, differential pinion seal leaks.
Maintenance Tips:
Regular inspection of vacuum lines, thorough diagnostic of fuel injection system performance, proactive rust prevention on frame components, careful handling of fiberglass body panels.
Chevrolet Heritage:
Chevrolet has a long history of producing performance vehicles, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.
C3 Generation Details:
The 1982 model represents the final year of the third-generation (C3) Corvette, which spanned from 1968 to 1982. It featured significant aerodynamic refinements and styling updates over its predecessor.
Production Years:
1968-1982 (C3 Generation)
Production Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
1982 Production Numbers:
25,221 units produced globally.