🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1980

Engine Options:

350 ci (5.7L) V8, 396 ci (6.5L) V8 (if applicable to 1980 model year - verify specific production)

Body Styles:

Coupé (with removable T-tops)

Engine Code 350:

L48 (Standard), ZQ3 (Optional L82 variant if applicable)

Engine Code 396:

Note: The 396ci engine was generally not offered in the 1980 Corvette. It's possible this is a reference to an earlier model or a misstatement in the product title. The primary engines for 1980 were the 350ci L48 and the optional L82 350ci. If a 396 is indeed listed, its specific application needs verification.

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Sports Car, Personal Luxury Sports Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners seeking detailed maintenance and repair information for their classic Corvette.

Contemporaries:

Porsche 928, Jaguar XJ-S, Datsun 280ZX, BMW 6 Series.

Design Era:

Third Generation (C3) Corvette, reflecting late 1970s automotive design trends with aerodynamic styling and a focus on driver comfort.

Powertrain Options:

Availability of powerful V8 engines, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions for a classic sports car driving experience.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

Comprehensive service, maintenance, and troubleshooting for all 1980 Chevrolet Corvette models, engines, trims, and transmissions.

Estimated Page Count:

Variable, typically 800-1200+ pages for a complete factory-level workshop manual.

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Mechanical (350ci L48/L82), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Automatic).

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Disc), Wheels & Tires.

Electrical:

Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments, Gauges, Wiper/Washer System, HVAC Blower, Power Windows/Locks (if equipped), Radio/Audio System.

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Bumpers, Doors, Hood, T-tops, Interior Trim, Seats, Body Sealing, Chassis Lubrication.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, spark plug replacement, tune-up procedures.

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine rebuild specifications, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component repair, steering system overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common symptoms, electrical circuit tracing, mechanical component failure analysis.

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for various systems, including engine performance, electrical faults, and drivability issues.

Depth:

Factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes specifications, torque values, clearance measurements, and schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text. Printable pages.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement 1:

350 cubic inches (5.7 Liters)

Engine Type 1:

OHV V8

Fuel Delivery 1:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (L48 Standard)

Compression Ratio 1:

8.2:1 (L48)

Horsepower 1:

190 hp @ 4000 rpm (L48)

Torque 1:

280 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (L48)

Engine Displacement 2:

350 cubic inches (5.7 Liters) - L82 Option

Fuel Delivery 2:

Holley 4-barrel carburetor (L82)

Compression Ratio 2:

8.9:1 (L82)

Horsepower 2:

230 hp @ 5600 rpm (L82 - Estimated, actual varied)

Torque 2:

285 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (L82 - Estimated, actual varied)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Pump Type:

Mechanical (engine-driven)

🔧 Transmission

Type Standard:

3-speed Turbo Hydramatic 350 Automatic Transmission

Type Optional:

4-speed Manual Transmission (Muncie SM465 or similar)

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:

Approximately 10-11 pints (for TC and transmission)

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.5 inches

Width:

69.0 inches

Height:

47.5 inches

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches

Front Track:

59.0 inches

Rear Track:

60.0 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,400 - 3,600 lbs (depending on options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approximately 4,200 lbs

Cargo Volume:

Limited, primarily rear storage compartment behind seats and small front compartment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

NHTSA data from the era is limited; focus is on passive safety features of the time.

Brakes:

Power-assisted front disc and rear disc brakes.

Steering:

Power steering.

Seat Belts:

Three-point shoulder and lap belts.

Body Structure:

Integral body-frame construction, designed for rigidity and driver protection.

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, optional 8-track player or premium sound system, basic speaker setup.

Instrumentation:

Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, oil pressure, water temperature, and voltmeter. Warning lights for brake system, oil pressure, etc.

Features:

No modern driver-assistance systems. Focus on driver control and mechanical feedback.

Features:

N/A. Vehicles of this era lacked digital connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specifics).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:

Every 50,000 - 75,000 miles or 4-5 years.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type - consult manual).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5 quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap or manual)

Common Wear Items:

Carburetor adjustment and tuning, aging rubber hoses and seals, suspension bushings, exhaust system corrosion, electrical switchgear reliability.

Engine Specific:

Potential for valve seal wear, occasional carburetor flooding or vacuum leaks, starter motor issues.

Transmission Specific:

Automatic transmission fluid leaks, manual clutch wear, synchronizer issues in manual transmissions.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

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

C3 Generation:

The 1980 model year falls within the C3 generation (1968-1982), characterized by its distinctive 'shark' styling, T-tops, and long hood.

1980 Updates:

For 1980, significant design changes included a more integrated front and rear spoiler, revised interior, and weight reduction measures. The 305ci engine (L48) was introduced in some models, though 350ci remained standard/optional for Corvette. The 1980 model year saw a peak in weight savings and aerodynamic improvements for the C3.

Production Location:

Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA

Production Volume 1980:

Approximately 40,614 units

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

The C3 Corvette, including the 1980 model, is a classic American sports car celebrated for its iconic styling and V8 performance heritage.

Consumer Ratings:

While specific awards for the 1980 model are scarce, it represents a significant step in the C3's evolution towards improved efficiency and refinement, often appreciated by classic car collectors and enthusiasts.

Manual Certification:

Factory-level technical documentation, considered the authoritative source for repair and maintenance.