🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1980

Engine Variant Mentioned:

396

Vin Prefix:

1G1ZT

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

American luxury sports car. In 1980, the Corvette represented the pinnacle of American automotive performance and design for Chevrolet.

Competitors:

Primarily competed with European sports cars like the Porsche 911 and various Italian exotics, as well as domestic muscle cars and luxury coupes.

Defining Attributes:

Iconic styling, powerful V8 engines (though detuned for emissions in this era), fiberglass body construction, independent rear suspension, removable T-tops or convertible option.

Manual Value Proposition:

Essential resource for owners and technicians to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1980 Corvette, preserving its classic status and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

All 1980 Corvette models, all engines, all trim levels, all transmission types.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era).

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (L48 350ci, L82 350ci, L81 350ci - Note: 396 engine was not offered in 1980 Corvettes, manual likely covers available V8s and may have historical/erroneous mention of 396), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (Muncie SM465, Borg-Warner T-10), automatic transmission (Turbo-Hydramatic 350C, THM 400), clutch system, driveshaft, rear axle and suspension.

Chassis:

Frame and body, front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, brake system (front disc, rear disc).

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuse box, relays.

Body:

Interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, convertible top (if applicable), glass, bumpers, hood, trunk.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication), fluid checks and changes, belt and hose inspections.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair, interior component repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, transmission, electrical, and braking systems.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, timing specifications, electrical system parameters, fluid capacities and types.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering detailed disassembly, assembly, adjustment, and diagnostic procedures for all major vehicle systems. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

Likely high-resolution scans or digital creation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Searchable text functionality is highly desirable.

Printability:

Designed for printing. Pages should be formatted for standard paper sizes (e.g., Letter, A4) and organized logically for ease of use when printed.

Binding:

N/A (PDF Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

L81 350 cu in (5.7L) V8 (standard, 190 hp @ 4000 rpm, 280 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm); L48 350 cu in (5.7L) V8 (optional, 230 hp @ 4600 rpm, 285 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm); L82 350 cu in (5.7L) V8 (optional, 230 hp @ 4600 rpm, 285 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm). Note: The '396' in the product name likely refers to a popular aftermarket engine swap or a misprint, as no 396ci engine was factory-offered for the 1980 Corvette.

Compression Ratio:

L81: 8.2:1, L48/L82: 9.0:1

Bore X Stroke:

4.00 in x 3.48 in (101.6 mm x 88.4 mm)

Carburetion:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (all engines).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline.

Type:

High-energy electronic ignition (HEI).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Optional automatic transmission, manual transmission was phased out for the base model.

Types:

Turbo-Hydramatic 350C (3-speed automatic with lockup converter), Turbo-Hydramatic 400 (3-speed automatic, less common for 1980 base models), Borg-Warner T-10 (4-speed manual, typically optional on higher-performance models like L82).

Torque Converter Lockup:

Available on THM 350C for improved fuel economy at highway speeds.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GM Synchromesh or equivalent SAE 80W-90 GL-4 gear oil.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

176.5 inches (4483 mm)

Width:

70.8 inches (1798 mm)

Height:

47.8 inches (1214 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (2489 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3,474 lbs (1576 kg) to 3,590 lbs (1628 kg) depending on options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 4200 lbs (1905 kg).

Trunk Capacity Cu Ft:

Approx. 15.2 cu ft (430 L).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

Specific NHTSA ratings for 1980 models are not readily available in a standardized format. Vehicles of this era generally did not undergo the same rigorous testing as modern cars.

Braking System:

Power assisted front and rear disc brakes.

Steering:

Power steering standard.

Seat Belts:

Three-point shoulder and lap belts.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced windshield frame for T-tops, no specific roll bar mentioned as standard.

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, turn signals, brake lights.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, optional power speakers.

Instrumentation:

Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, ammeter, and fuel level. Odometer and trip meter.

Cruise Control:

Optional feature.

Air Conditioning:

Optional feature, often dealer-installed or an option from the factory.

Connectivity Features:

None (no provisions for external device connectivity or Bluetooth).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (recommended based on period practices).

Tune Up Interval:

Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (spark plugs, ignition wires, distributor cap and rotor).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (automatic), consult manual for manual transmission.

Engine Oil Type:

API SF, SE. Viscosity: 10W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on ambient temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol antifreeze solution, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 20-22 US quarts (18.9-20.8 liters) including heater core and lines.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 heavy-duty hydraulic brake fluid.

Common Problems:

Carburetor adjustment and tuning, aging vacuum hoses affecting emissions and idle, potential for fiberglass body crazing or delamination, electrical connector corrosion, steering system wear (e.g., idler arm), U-joint wear in driveshaft, rear main seal leaks. Emissions system components can be sensitive.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly inspect and replace vacuum lines, ensure proper timing and carb mixture, keep electrical connections clean, check suspension and steering components for play.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet has a long history of performance vehicles, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.

C3 Generation Overview:

The 1980 model year falls within the third generation (C3) of the Corvette, which ran from 1968 to 1982. This iteration saw significant styling updates and a shift towards meeting stricter emissions and fuel economy regulations.

1980 Updates:

Aerodynamic front and rear spoilers, flush hood design, lighter weight construction (fiberglass body panels), introduction of metric fasteners in some areas, increased emphasis on fuel efficiency.

Production Years:

1968-1982 (C3 generation).

1980 Production Volume:

Approximately 40,666 units produced for the 1980 model year.

Manufacturing Location:

Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

While specific awards are not commonly cited for the 1980 model year itself, the C3 Corvette generation received numerous accolades for its styling and performance in its earlier years. The 1980 model was noted for its improved aerodynamics and weight reduction.

Klay Club Rating:

Not applicable.

Epa Fuel Economy Mpg Approx:

City: 14-16 MPG, Highway: 18-22 MPG (highly dependent on engine, transmission, and driving conditions).