Engine Codes Covered:
LG4 (305 CI), L82 (350 CI - High Performance), L48 (350 CI - Standard), L47 (454 CI - Rare Export), LS4 (454 CI - Export), ZQ3 (350 CI - Federal), ZQ3 (350 CI - California), L81 (350 CI - Federal/California - Note: 1980 did not feature a 327 or 396; these are likely listed erroneously in product title and refer to earlier generations for context.)
Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, restoration specialists, DIY mechanics, and service professionals seeking detailed information for the 1980 Corvette.
Competitors 1980:
Porsche 911 SC, Jaguar XJ-S, BMW 6 Series (E24), Datsun 280ZX
Vehicle Appeal:
Iconic American sports car design, powerful V8 engine options, rear-wheel drive, removable T-tops, comfortable grand touring capabilities.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs, saving money and maintaining vehicle originality and performance.
Restoration Guide:
Essential resource for authentic restorations, providing correct procedures, specifications, and diagrams for period-correct work.
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, cooling system, ignition system, lubrication system, exhaust system, clutch, transmission (manual and automatic), driveshaft, differential, suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic and parking), wheels and tires, frame, body, interior, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), electrical system (wiring diagrams, components, troubleshooting), diagnostic procedures, emissions control systems.
Page Count:
Approximately 900-1200 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era, exact count may vary slightly based on printing)
Manual Type:
Factory Authorized Workshop Repair Service Manual
Powertrain:
Detailed coverage of all listed engine displacements (305, 350, 454), including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of internal components. Comprehensive coverage of manual (Muncie SM465, Saginaw M20/M21 for earlier models, Doug Nash 5-speed for later C3s) and automatic (Turbo Hydramatic 350, Turbo Hydramatic 400) transmissions. Includes driveline, rear axle, and U-joints.
Chassis And Body:
In-depth information on suspension geometry, steering system components, brake system hydraulics, power brake assist, frame integrity, body panel repair, interior trim, and HVAC system servicing. Includes chassis lubrication and alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Extensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits, including lighting, ignition, starting, charging, instruments, accessories, power windows, and power locks. Troubleshooting guides for common electrical faults.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, and lubrication points with recommended intervals and fluid types.
Diagnostics:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, drivability complaints, electrical faults, and HVAC system malfunctions. Includes troubleshooting flowcharts and symptom-based diagnosis.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation. Covers engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper servicing, and bodywork repairs.
Diagnostic Tools:
References to specialized tools and equipment required for accurate diagnostics and repairs, including timing lights, vacuum gauges, compression testers, multimeters, and torque wrenches.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Detailed technical specifications, clearances, torque values, and tolerances for all major components, ensuring factory-correct assembly and performance.
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including parts identification, machining recommendations, and assembly sequences.
File Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Searchable text, allowing users to quickly find specific information via keywords.
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and photographs.
Diagram Clarity:
Clear, legible schematics, exploded views, and wiring diagrams essential for accurate repair.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Standard Engine 1980:
305 Cubic Inch (5.0L) V8 (LG4)
Optional Engine 1980:
350 Cubic Inch (5.7L) V8 (L82 - High Performance)
Special Engine Options:
350 Cubic Inch (5.7L) V8 (L81 - Federal/California), 454 Cubic Inch (7.4L) V8 (LS4/L47 - Primarily Export Models)
305 Ci Hp:
Approx. 180-185 hp (SAE Net)
350 Ci L82 Hp:
Approx. 230 hp (SAE Net)
350 Ci L81 Hp:
Approx. 190 hp (SAE Net)
Torque Specifications:
Torque figures vary by engine; manual provides detailed torque specifications for head bolts, main bearing caps, connecting rod bolts, etc.
Carburetion:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (305, 350 L81), Holley 4-barrel or Rochester Quadrajet on L82 (varied by VIN and build date).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular/Premium gasoline (depending on octane rating and engine performance) per manual recommendations.
Block Material:
Cast Iron (all engines)
Cylinder Head Material:
Cast Iron (all engines)
Standard Transmission:
3-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic (THM350 or THM400 depending on engine)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Manual (Muncie SM465 or Saginaw, or optional Doug Nash 5-speed for performance models, though 4-speed manual was more common for 1980)
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter (on some THM models for improved fuel economy).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90)
Wheelbase:
98.0 inches (2489 mm)
Overall Length:
175.4 inches (4455 mm)
Overall Width:
70.8 inches (1798 mm)
Overall Height:
48.8 inches (1240 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg), depending on engine and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Provided in manual, typically around 4,200 lbs.
Cargo Volume:
Rear compartment storage, capacity varies, not a primary cargo vehicle.
Crash Test Data:
NHTSA and IIHS data for this era is limited; manual focuses on structural integrity and component safety features.
Braking System:
Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear disc brakes. Power steering.
Tire Specifications:
Typical tire sizes include P225/70R15, P255/60R15. Manual specifies recommended types and pressures.
Seatbelts:
Three-point retractable front seatbelts.
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll bar structure behind seats, reinforced windshield frame.
Audio System:
AM/FM radio, often with cassette player option. Manual details removal and installation of radio components.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter, and fuel level. Warning lights for various systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system, detailed troubleshooting in the manual.
Diagnostic Ports:
Early diagnostic systems, typically involving checking specific sensor outputs or using analog testers, detailed in the manual.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or as per manual recommendation based on driving conditions).
Tune Up Interval:
Typically every 12,000-15,000 miles for spark plugs, distributor cap/rotor, and ignition wires.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 24,000-30,000 miles or 24 months.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature range). API Service SG or higher.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water) for long-life protection.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Automatic transmission fluid (Dexron II) or specific power steering fluid as recommended.
Common Problems Engine:
Carburetor adjustments, timing chain wear (especially on higher mileage engines), exhaust manifold leaks, potential valve guide wear.
Common Problems Chassis:
Vacuum hose deterioration leading to drivability issues, suspension bushing wear, differential seal leaks, aging electrical connectors.
Common Problems Body:
Fiberglass crazing or stress cracks, door hinge wear, weatherstripping degradation, interior trim fatigue.
Chevrolet History:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing accessible and performance-oriented vehicles, including iconic sports cars.
C3 Corvette Generation:
The 1980 model is part of the third generation (C3) Corvette, produced from 1968 to 1982. This specific year saw styling updates and engine refinements in response to fuel economy standards and emissions regulations.
1980 Updates:
Introduction of the 305ci engine, removal of large chrome bumpers for integrated urethane ones, aerodynamic enhancements, and focus on interior comfort and features.
Production Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
Production Volume 1980:
Approx. 40,667 units.
Automotive Press Reviews:
Corvette consistently received praise for its performance and styling, though critics noted the compromises made for fuel economy and emissions in this era.
Collector Status:
The 1980 Corvette is a popular model for collectors and enthusiasts, particularly those seeking a representative example of the C3 generation's later years.