Vehicle Market Segment:
Sports Car / Personal Luxury Coupe
Key Competitors 1980:
Porsche 911, Jaguar XJ-S, Datsun 280ZX, BMW 6 Series
Vehicle Defining Features:
Iconic design, performance-oriented V8 engines, rear-wheel drive, removable roof panels (T-tops)
Manual Benefit For Owner:
Empowers owners for DIY maintenance and repairs, reducing dealership costs and increasing vehicle longevity.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, starting and charging
Transmission Systems:
Automatic and Manual Transmission overhaul, diagnostics, and repair
Drivetrain Systems:
Driveshaft, U-joints, rear axle assembly (corvette specific)
Suspension Steering:
Front and Rear Suspension, Steering gear, power steering system
Brake Systems:
Front and Rear Brakes (disc), parking brake, hydraulic system
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, gauges, switches, power windows, power locks, HVAC controls, audio system
Body Chassis:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, doors, hood, T-tops (if applicable), frame
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, belt and hose inspection/replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon problems
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, component testing, specification data
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Specification Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, electrical values, fluid capacities, pressure readings
Searchability:
Text-searchable for quick information retrieval
Print Quality Consideration:
Optimized for clear printing of diagrams and text
Binding Type Implication:
Digital format allows for bookmarking and easy navigation, replicating a workshop manual's usability
Paper Type Implication:
Digital format, no physical paper type
Engine Displacement 305:
5.0 Liters (305 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration 305:
V8
Horsepower 305:
Approx. 190 hp @ 4200 rpm (Varying slightly by specific variant)
Torque 305:
Approx. 250 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (Varying slightly by specific variant)
Fuel System 305:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor
Emissions Control 305:
Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), Air Injection Reactor (AIR)
Engine Displacement 327:
5.4 Liters (327 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration 327:
V8
Horsepower 327:
Approx. 205-230 hp (depending on specific L48/L82 variants for the 1980 model year, though 327 was less common in '80, often referencing a 350ci engine with similar performance profiles for this era, the manual covers the specified engines precisely).
Torque 327:
Approx. 275-300 lb-ft (depending on specific L48/L82 variants)
Fuel System 327:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor
Emissions Control 327:
Catalytic converter, EGR, AIR
Ignition System Type:
Electronic Spark Control (ESC) with distributor and HEI (High Energy Ignition) coil
Standard Transmission:
4-Speed Manual (Muncie SM465 or similar, though less common in 1980 Corvette than automatic)
Optional Transmission:
Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 (THM350) 3-speed Automatic
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 10.5 US quarts (9.9 Liters)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., 80W-90)
Wheelbase:
98.0 inches (2489 mm)
Overall Length:
185.4 inches (4710 mm)
Overall Width:
70.8 inches (1798 mm)
Overall Height:
47.4 inches (1204 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,400 - 3,600 lbs (1542 - 1633 kg) depending on options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,200 lbs (1905 kg)
NHTSA Ratings 1980:
Not directly comparable to modern standards; focus on structural integrity and specific safety features of the era.
Braking System Type:
Power-assisted front and rear disc brakes
Parking Brake Mechanism:
Mechanical, operating on rear wheels
Seat Belts:
Three-point retractable front seat belts
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column
Fuel System Safety:
In-tank fuel pump, sealed fuel system for emissions
Audio System:
AM/FM Radio, often with an 8-track player or cassette tape option
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel level, and voltmeter.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by era; primarily power steering, power brakes.
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense; primarily mechanical and electrical systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (recommended)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 24,000 miles
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on ambient temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Common Wear Items:
U-joints, suspension bushings, exhaust system, carburetor adjustment, electrical contacts
Corrosion Prone Areas:
Frame rails, wheel wells, rear differential area (due to design)
Engine Specific Considerations:
Valve stem seals, potential for oil leaks from front/rear main seals, carburetor tuning for optimal performance and emissions.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Long history of producing iconic American automobiles, particularly performance vehicles.
Corvette C3 Era:
The C3 generation saw significant design changes from its introduction in 1968, evolving through the muscle car era into the more emissions-conscious and fuel-efficient (relative to previous years) models of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
1980 Corvette Significance:
The 1980 model year marked a refinement in aerodynamics, weight reduction efforts, and continued adaptation to stricter emissions standards, moving away from the high-horsepower, low-efficiency models of the early 70s.
Production Plant:
Bowling Green, Kentucky (though early C3s were also produced in St. Louis, MO)
Production Volume 1980:
Approx. 40,667 units
Automotive Awards Heritage:
The Corvette line has historically received numerous awards for performance and design, though specific awards for the 1980 model year might be less publicized than contemporary vehicles.
Consumer Reports Historical Performance:
Consumer Reports ratings for this era often highlighted performance and handling but noted typical issues with American-made vehicles of the time regarding build quality and reliability compared to some imports.
