Positioning:
The 1982 Corvette represented a significant transitional year for the C3 generation, offering a blend of classic Corvette styling with emerging automotive technologies. It was positioned as a premier American sports car, competing with domestic performance vehicles and select European grand tourers.
Competitors:
Primary competitors included the Ford Mustang GT, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, and to a lesser extent, models from Datsun (Nissan) Z-series and Porsche.
Distinguishing Features:
Introduction of the 'Collector's Edition' package, T-tops as standard, revised interior, and the groundbreaking Cross-Fire Fuel Injection system on the base 305 engine.
Manual Value:
This manual provides essential technical data and procedures for owners and technicians to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1982 Corvette, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for this classic vehicle.
Regions Covered:
North America (USA, Canada)
Models Covered:
All Corvette 1982 models
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels
Transmission Types Covered:
All transmission types (e.g., Automatic, Manual)
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine:
Complete diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and specifications for the 305 CID V8 (LG4) engine, including fuel injection (Cross-Fire Injection), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, and emissions control.
Transmission:
Service and repair for automatic (THM-200-4R) and manual transmissions, including clutch, driveshaft, and rear axle assembly.
Brakes:
Diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of front and rear disc brakes, parking brake system, and hydraulic system.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (independent front, transverse leaf spring rear), steering gear, power steering system, and wheel alignment procedures.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, troubleshooting for all electrical systems including lighting, instruments, power windows, power locks, HVAC controls, and audio systems.
Body Chassis:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, glass replacement, doors, hood, and chassis frame repair and maintenance.
HVAC:
Air conditioning and heating system diagnosis, repair, and refrigerant handling.
Fuel System:
Detailed information on the Cross-Fire Injection system, fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel tank.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, lubrication, filter changes, fluid replacements, and inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable).
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components and systems.
Overhaul Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential overhaul.
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic techniques, electrical testing, and component testing.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed color-coded wiring schematics for all vehicle circuits.
Depth:
Comprehensive Professional Level: Covers everything from basic maintenance and tune-ups to complex troubleshooting, diagnostics, component replacement, and full engine/transmission rebuilds.
Displacement:
305 cubic inches (5.0 Liters)
Fuel Delivery:
Cross-Fire Fuel Injection (CFI)
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 4200 RPM (approx.)
Torque:
245 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Pressure:
9-13 PSI (specified by manual)
Type:
Electronic Spark Control (ESC) and Electronic Spark Timing (EST) with distributor.
Capacity:
Approximately 15 quarts (with heater).
Oil Capacity:
5 Quarts (with filter, approximately).
Recommended Spark Plug:
AC Delco FR3LS or equivalent (specified by manual).
Type:
Automatic Transmission (THM-200-4R)
Type:
4-Speed Manual Transmission (Muncie SM465 variant, less common for 1982)
Automatic Overdrive:
Yes (THM-200-4R includes overdrive gear)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron II or Dexron III automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 9-10 quarts (dry fill).
Type:
Independent Rear Suspension with Transverse Leaf Spring.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,300 - 3,500 lbs (depending on options).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approximately 4,200 lbs (specified in manual).
Cargo Volume:
Limited, primarily rear storage compartment behind seats.
NHTSA Ratings:
N/A (NHTSA crash testing protocols were less standardized for this era).
Brakes:
Power-assisted front and rear disc brakes.
Steering:
Power steering with recirculating ball mechanism.
Seat Belts:
Three-point retractable front seat belts.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced windshield frame and door beams.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamps, integral fog lamps (optional/package dependent).
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo radio, cassette player (optional), with amplifier (optional).
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter, and fuel level. Often featured digital clock.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option.
Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB). Primarily analog systems.
Fuel Injection System:
Cross-Fire Fuel Injection (CFI) - a two-throttle body system designed to improve fuel economy and emissions.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (as per manual recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (as per manual recommendations).
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 24 months or 30,000 miles (as per manual recommendations).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 30,000 miles (as per manual).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for ambient temperature ranges).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Dexron II or equivalent power steering fluid.
Rear Axle Fluid Specification:
GL-5 80W-90 hypoid gear lubricant.
Common Problems:
Wear in suspension bushings, aging electrical components (e.g., wiring harness degradation), Cross-Fire Injection system calibration issues, potential carburetor issues on non-CFI models (though CFI was standard for '82 305), aging climate control actuators.
Air Filter Part Number:
e.g., Fram CA3475 or equivalent (verify with specific VIN in manual).
Oil Filter Part Number:
e.g., AC Delco PF2 or equivalent (verify with specific VIN in manual).
Chevrolet Heritage:
Chevrolet, established in 1911, has a long-standing reputation for producing a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to performance icons. The Corvette, introduced in 1953, is its flagship sports car and a symbol of American automotive engineering and performance.
Corvette C3 Evolution:
The 1982 model year marked the final year of the C3 generation (1968-1982). It received styling updates and technological advancements over its lifespan, culminating in features like the Cross-Fire Injection and the Collector's Edition, which celebrated the end of an era before the C4 generation arrived in 1984.
Production Years:
1968-1982 (C3 Generation)
Production Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
1982 Production Numbers:
Approximately 25,400 units.
Collector Edition:
The 1982 Collector's Edition was a special commemorative model, marking the final year of the C3 generation, and is highly sought after by collectors.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
EPA estimates varied, but generally in the range of 16-18 MPG city and 20-24 MPG highway, depending on transmission and final drive ratios (refer to specific manual section for detailed figures).