🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1981

Engine:

454 CID V8 (LS3/L82 variants as applicable)

Chassis Code:

C3

Vin Code Engine:

Z (for 454 CID)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Flagship performance vehicle of its era, targeting enthusiasts and sports car buyers.

Competitors:

Porsche 911, Ferrari 308 GTB, Jaguar XJ-S

Performance Focus:

Emphasis on powerful V8 engines and sporty handling characteristics.

Design Era:

Continuation of the iconic C3 'Shark' body style.

Manual Utility:

Essential for owners seeking to maintain, repair, or restore the vehicle to original specifications.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Coverage Scope:

All Models, Engines, Trim, Transmission Types

Document Quality:

Professional Technical Manual

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, diagnosis, specifications, timing, cooling, lubrication

Fuel System:

Carburetor (Quadrajet), fuel pump, lines, diagnosis, adjustment

Ignition System:

Distributor, coil, spark plugs, timing, electronic control module (ECM) on applicable models

Transmission Manual:

4-speed Muncie (SM465 or M21/M22 variants), clutch, linkage, overhaul, adjustment

Transmission Automatic:

THM-700R4 (if applicable for 1981 454, though less common than manual), fluid, seals, diagnosis

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle (Positraction/open differential), bearings, seals

Suspension:

Independent front suspension (short/long arm), rear transverse leaf spring, shocks, bushings, alignment

Steering:

Power steering pump, gearbox, linkages, column, tilt mechanism

Brakes:

Disc brakes (front and rear), power brake booster, master cylinder, calipers, lines, parking brake

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, gauges, fuses, relays, ECM diagnostics

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (compressor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant, controls)

Body And Frame:

Chassis construction, body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumper assembly, glass replacement

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, lubrication, tune-up, fluid checks, belt inspection

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based guides, electrical system fault finding

Repair:

Component replacement, overhaul procedures, calibration, assembly/disassembly

Diagnostics:

Engine performance issues, electrical shorts/opens, transmission slippage, brake system faults

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance through complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics

Precision:

Detailed torque specifications, clearance measurements, timing settings

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if professionally digitized

Printability:

Printable

Resolution:

Dependent on source scan quality; assumed high for professional product

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Displacement:

454 cubic inches (7.4 Liters)

Configuration:

V8

Horsepower Est:

~255 hp (SAE Net for 1981 models)

Torque Est:

~350 lb-ft (SAE Net for 1981 models)

Carburetor:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel (Model 17059213 or similar)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum)

Radiator Capacity Qt:

Approximately 16 quarts

Oil Capacity Qt:

6 Quarts (with filter)

Oil Specification:

API Service SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific climate recommendations)

Timing Spec Base Deg Btdc:

Variable, typically 4-6 degrees BTDC at idle (check manual for specific base timing)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Manual (Muncie SM465 or similar performance variant)

Type:

3-Speed Automatic (THM-700R4 less likely for 454 in '81, more common was THM-400)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate

Fluid Type:

GL-4 or GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 80W-90

Fluid Type:

Dexron-III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length In:

177.4

Width In:

69.1

Height In:

47.9

Wheelbase In:

98.0

Curb Weight Lbs:

~3500-3700 lbs (depending on options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:

Approximately 4500 lbs

Payload Capacity Lbs:

Approximately 800-1000 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

Not rated under current NHTSA standards for this era

Brakes Type:

Power assisted 4-wheel disc

Steering Assist:

Power steering

Seatbelts:

3-point retractable lap and shoulder belts

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, optional CB radio, optional 8-track player.

Gauges:

Analog tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature, oil pressure, voltage. Warning lights for brakes, oil, etc.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control with A/C option.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Oil Filter Change:

With every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 30,000 miles. Automatic: Every 24,000 miles or 2 years.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent Dexron-III ATF)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Engine:

Potential for oil leaks from valve covers and oil pan gaskets, carburetor tuning difficulties, exhaust manifold gasket leaks.

Transmission:

Manual transmission synchro wear, clutch wear, automatic transmission seal leaks.

Electrical:

Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring harnesses, vacuum operated headlight door actuators.

Suspension:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings leading to alignment issues and poor handling.

Oil Filter Example:

AC-Delco PF2 (or equivalent from Fram, Wix, etc.)

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Corvette is Chevrolet's premier sports car, established in 1953.

C3 Era:

The C3 generation (1968-1982) is known for its distinctive 'Shark' styling.

1981 Updates:

Refinements to aerodynamics, improved interior ergonomics, introduction of a new front crossmember for weight savings, and emissions control upgrades. The 454 was largely phased out due to emissions regulations, making the 1981 454 a relatively rare and desirable variant.

Production Years:

1968-1982 (C3 Generation)

Production Location:

Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA (moved from St. Louis, Missouri in 1981)

Units Produced 1981:

~40,600 total Corvettes

454 Units 1981:

The 454 was a very limited option in 1981, often part of the Z51 or Z51 Performance Package, with very few units produced, making precise numbers hard to find without specific order data.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Car Awards:

Corvette has historically been recognized as a benchmark American sports car, often appearing in 'best of' lists for its class.

Consumer Reports Index:

Consumer Reports ratings for this era often noted performance but flagged reliability concerns on specific components. Specific ratings vary by year and features.

Emissions Compliance:

Compliant with 1981 US Federal Emissions Standards.