Mechanically, the 1980 Corvette suffered some because of increasingly stringent emissions regulations. The base L48 engine, which had been rated at 195 horsepower in 1979, lost five bhp as a result of emissions tuning – taking it back to 190HP at 4,400rpm and 280lbs/ft. of torque at 2,400rpm. Worse was the impact that California emission standards had on the Corvette.
Read More: 1980 Chevrolet Corvette Research Center
1980 Corvette Specifications
1980 Corvette Main Specs
| MODEL: | 1980 Chevrolet Corvette |
| BODY STYLE: | Two-door coupe, front engine, rear wheel drive |
| MANUFACTURING LOCATION: | St. Louis, Missouri |
| CONSTRUCTION: | Uniconstruction: fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP or “fiberglass”) body backboned by a steel cage outlining the the passenger compartment. Principal members – steel front and plastic rear – underbody, front and rear end assemblies, dash panel and hinge pillars are bonded, riveted, and bolted together and to each other. Hood is plastic with bonded plastic reinforcement. Car includes two removable roof panels. Doors are plastic, double paneled, reinforced with steel at hinge and lock locations. Front hinged. |
| VEHICLE NUMBERS (VIN): |
1Z878AS400001 – 1Z878AS440614 (coupe)
|
| ENGINE SUFFIX: | ZAK: 350 CUBIC INCH, 190 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ZAM: 350 CUBIC INCH, 190 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION ZBC: 350 CUBIC INCH, 230 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ZBD: 350 CUBIC INCH, 230 HORSEPOWER, UNCERTAIN USAGE ZCA: 305 CUBIC INCH, 180 HORSEPOWER, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS |
| ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER: | 14010207: 350 CUBIC INCH, 190 HORSEPOWER, 230 HORSEPOWER, LATE PRODUCTION 3970010: 350 CUBIC INCH, 190 HORSEPOWER, 230 HORSEPOWER 4715111: 305 CUBIC INCH, 180 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, CALIF. EMISSIONS |
| HEAD NUMBER: | 462624: 350 CUBIC INCH, 190 HORSEPOWER, 230 HORSEPOWER 14014416: 305 CUBIC INCH, 180 HORSEPOWER |
| CARBURETOR NUMBERS: | ROCHESTER Q-jet #17080204: 350 C.I., 190HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ROCHESTER Q-jet #17080207: 350 C.I., 190HP, MANUAL TRANSMISSION ROCHESTER Q-jet #17080228: 350 C.I., 230HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ROCHESTER Q-jet #17080504, 17080517: 305 C.I., 180HP, AUTO. TRANS, CALIF. EMISSIONS |
| DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER: | 1103287: 350 CUBIC INCH, 190HP,MANUAL TRANSMISSION 1103352: 350 CUBIC INCH, 190HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 1103353: 350 CUBIC INCH, 190HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 1103368: 305 CUBIC INCH, 180HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS 1103435: 350 CUBIC INCH, 230 HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION |
| ALTERNATOR NUMBER: | 1101041, 1101075, 1101085, 1101088, 1103122 |
| AXLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER | OF: 3.07:1 RATIO OH: 3.07:1 RATIO |
| PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE: | SEP., 1979: 400011, OCT., 1979:404267, NOV., 1979: 408343, DEC., 1979: 411652, JAN., 1980: 416198, FEB., 1980: 420057, MAR., 1980: 424380, APR., 1980: 427800, MAY., 1980: 431152, JUNE, 1980: 434509, JULY, 1980: 438049, AUG., 1980: 440614 |
1980 Corvette Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | L48 | L82 | LG8 |
| RPO LG8 | RPO L48 | RPO L82 | RPO LG8 |
| Manufacturing Location | Flint, Michigan | Flint, Michigan | Flint, Michigan |
| Type | V-8 OHV | V-8 OHV | V-8 OHV |
| Piston Displacement (Litres): | 5.7 Litres | 5.7 Litres | 5.0 Litres |
| Cylinders | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Compression Ratio: | 8.2:1 | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Firing Order: | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 |
| Idling Speed | |||
| – Manual Trans. (In Neutral): | 700 RPM | — RPM | — RPM |
| – Automatic Trans (In Drive): | 500 RPM | — RPM | 650 RPM |
| (PSI) @ Cranking Speed, Engine Hot: | 150 PSI | 150 PSI | |
| Powerplant Mount Locations: | 2 front and 1 rear, compression type. | 2 front and 1 rear, compression type. | 2 front and 1 rear, compression type. |
| Carburetor: | 4-Barrel | 4-Barrel | 4-Barrel |
| Power & Torque | |||
| Net Brake Horsepower @ RPM: | 190 BHP @ 4000 RPM | 230 BHP @ 5200 RPM | 180 BHP @ 4200 RPM |
| Net Torque (lb/ft) @ RPM: | 280 lb/ft @ 2400 RPM | 275 lb/ft @ 3600 RPM | 255 lb/ft @ 2000 RPM |
| Cylinder Block | |||
| – Material | Light weight cast iron | Light weight cast iron | Light weight cast iron |
| – Bore | 3.9995 – 4.0025 | 3.9995 – 4.0025 | 3.7355-3.7385 |
| – Bore Spacing (Centerline to Centerline:) | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 |
| – Bearing Caps (Number & Material): | 5, Gray Iron; 2-bolts | 5, Gray Iron; 2-bolts | 5, Gray Iron; 2-bolts |
| – Water Jackets | Full length around each cylinder | Full length around each cylinder | Full length around each cylinder |
| Cylinder Head | |||
| – Material | Light weight cast iron | Light weight cast iron | Light weight cast iron |
| – Bolt Number | 34 | 34 | 34 |
| – Bolt Size | .4375 diameter; 14 threads/inch | .4375 diameter; 14 threads/inch | .4375 diameter; 14 threads/inch |
| Inlet Manifold | |||
| – Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| – Type | 8 port, double deck | 8 port, double deck | 8 port, double deck |
| Exhaust Manifold | |||
| – Material | Cast Alloy Iron | Cast Alloy Iron | Cast Alloy Iron |
| – Type | Rams Horn | Rams Horn | Stamped and tubular |
| – Outlet Diameter (Nominal): | 2.50 | 2.50 | 2.50 |
| Crankshaft | |||
| – Material: | Nodular Cast Iron | Forged Steel | Nodular Cast Iron |
| – End Play: | .002 – .007 | .002 – .007 | .002 – .007 |
| – Counter Weights: | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| – Crank Arm Length: | 1.74 | 1.74 | 1.74 |
| – Torsional Damper: | Sintered Iron | Sintered Iron | Sintered Iron |
| – Timing Gear: | Steel; sprocket and chain | Steel; sprocket and chain | Steel; sprocket and chain |
| – Pulley Pitch Diameter: | 7.58 | 6.64 | 7.58 |
| Main Bearings | |||
| – Material | Premium Aluminum | Premium Aluminum | Premium Aluminum |
| – Type | Precision Removable | Precision Removable | Precision Removable |
| Camshaft | |||
| – Material | Cast Alloy Iron | Cast Alloy Iron | Cast Alloy Iron |
| – Drive | Chain | Chain | Chain |
| – Gear | Nylon Teeth with Aluminum Hub | Nylon Teeth with Aluminum Hub | Nylon Teeth with Aluminum Hub |
| – Lobe Lift: | .2600 (Inlet), .2733 (Exhaust) | .3000 (Inlet), .3067 (Exhaust) | .2484 (Inlet), .2667 (Exhaust) |
| – Bearings: | 5; Steel Backed Babbitt | 5; Steel Backed Babbitt | 5; Steel Backed Babbitt |
| Pistons | |||
| – Material: | Cast Aluminum | Forged Aluminum | Cast Aluminum |
| – Head Type: | Sump | Flat, notched | Sump |
| – Skirt Type: | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| – Top Land Clearance: | .0235 – .0325 | .0305 – .0395 | .0245 – .0335 |
| – Skirt Clearance: | .0007 – .0017 | .0046 – .0056 | .0008 – .0042 |
| – Piston Pin Material: | Chromium Steel | Chromium Steel | Chromium Steel |
| – Pin Mounting: | Locked in rod by shrink fit | Locked in rod by shrink fit | Locked in rod by shrink fit |
| Valve Timing (Crankshaft/Deg.) | |||
| – Inlet Valve | |||
| — Opens – BTC: | 28 degrees | 52 degrees | 28 degrees |
| — Closes – ABC: | 72 degrees | 114 degrees | 64 degrees |
| — Duration: | 280 degrees | 346 degrees | 272 degrees |
| – Exhaust Valve | |||
| — Opens – BTC: | 78 degrees | 98 degrees | 78 degrees |
| — Closes – ABC: | 30 degrees | 62 degrees | 30 degrees |
| — Duration: | 288 degrees | 340 degrees | 288 degrees |
1980 Corvette Manual Transmission/Gear Ratios
Manual Transmission
| Transmission Type: |
4-Speed (L48)
|
| Order Code: |
RPO M18
|
| Case Material: | Aluminum |
| Lubricant | |
| – Type | 80W or 80W90 Gear Lubricant |
| – Capacity | 3.4 pints |
| Gears | |
| – Type: | Helical |
| – Material: | Forged Steel, Hardened |
| – Synchronization: | All Forward Gears |
| – Constant Mesh Gear: | All Forward Gears |
| – Sliding Gears: | Reverse |
| Gear Ratios | |
|
– 1st Gear:
|
2.88:1
|
|
– 2nd Gear:
|
1.91:1
|
|
– 3rd Gear:
|
1.33:1
|
|
– 4th Gear:
|
1.00:1
|
|
– Reverse:
|
2.78:1
|
Clutch
| Clutch | Stats |
| Type | Single Dry Disk Centrifugal |
| Spring Pressure (lbs) | 2,100 – 2,300 (for L48) / 2,450-2,750 (for L82) |
| Lining area (sq. in.) | 101.6 (for L48) / 123.7 (for L82) |
Automatic Transmission
| Transmission Type: |
3 Speed Automatic Transmission L48 & L82
|
| Order Code: |
MX1
|
| Type: | Automatic hydraulic torque converter with compound planetary gear system – three forward speeds and reverse. |
| Case Material: | Aluminum |
| Parking Lock Type: | Locking Pawl / P (Park)-R (Reverse)-N (Neutral)-D (Drive)-L2 (Low 2)-L1 (Low 1) |
| Selector Lever Location: | Center Floor Console |
| Lubricant | |
| – Type | Dexron II (at time of release. Dexron III may also be used.) |
| – Capacity | 20 Pints (Dry) / 8 Pints (Refill) |
| Clutches | |
| – Type: | Four, multiple disk |
| – Material: | Steel with bonded organic facings (Drive Plates) / Flat Steel (Driven Plates) |
| – Forward Clutch: | 5 each – Drive and Driven Plates |
| – Direct Clutch: | 4 each – Drive and Driven Plates |
| – Intermediate Clutch: | 3 each – Drive and Driven Plates |
| – Low & Reverse Clutch: | 5 each – Drive and Driven Plates |
| – Release Spring | Radial row steel coil |
| Planetary Gear Set | |
|
– Reaction Carrier Assembly:
|
4 Steel Pinion: gears
|
|
– Output Carrier Assembly::
|
4 Steel Pinion: gears
|
|
– Intermediate Band:
|
Circular Steel with Organic Lining
|
|
Range / Gear Ratios:
|
|
|
– D (Drive)
|
2.52:1 (first gear) – 1.52:1 (second gear) – 1.00:1 (third gear) |
| – L2 (Low Two): | 2.52:1 (first gear) – 1.52:1 (second gear) |
| – L1 (Low One): | 2.52:1 (first gear) |
|
– R (Reverse):
|
1.93:1
|
1980 Corvette Wheels, Suspension & Brakes
Frame & Front Suspension
All welded, full length, ladder constructed frame with five (5) cross-members. Side rails and intermediate cross-members box section; front crossmember box girder section. Eight (8) body mounting points.
Independent, SLA type, coil springs with center mounted shock absorbers, spherical joint steering knuckle pivots.
| Front Suspension | |
| Wheel Travel (Design): | |
| – Total: | 7.70 |
| – Jounce: | 4.76 |
| – Rebound: | 2.94 |
| Wheel to spring, travel ratio: | 1.92:1 |
| Control Arms | Reinforced steel stamping with pre-loaded steel encased rubber bushings at pivot |
| Shock Absorbers | |
| – Type: | Direct, double acting, hydraulic |
| – Piston Diameter: | 1.00 |
| Stabilizer Bar | |
| – Type: | Link |
| – Material: | HR Steel |
| – Diameter: | 0.875 |
| – Bushing Material: | Rubber |
| Front Wheel Alignment (Curb) | |
| – Camber (degrees): | P0.709 +/- 1/2 |
| – Caster (degrees): | P2.405 +/- 1/2 |
| – Toe-in (total): | 0 +/- 1.32 |
| – Steering Axis Inclination (degrees): | 7.683 @ 5° camber |
Rear Axle & Rear Suspension
Fixed differential housing hypoid ring and pinion gear set, tubular articulating inner axle shafts and short solid outer shafts with integral drive flange, independently sprung rear wheels.
Full independent with frame-anchored differential. Position of each wheel established by 3 links; tubular axle drive shafts, transverse strut rods,and torque control arms. Vertical suspension loads taken by transverse leaf spring. Built-in camber adjustment at strut rod inner ends.
| Rear Suspension | |
| Shock Absorbers | |
| – Type: | Direct, double-acting, hydraulic |
| – Piston Diameter: | 1.00 |
| Wheel Travel | |
| – Total | 6.50 inches |
| – Jounce | 3.70 inches |
| – Rebound | 2.80 inches |
| Rear Spring | |
| – Type: | Variable rate, 10-leaf |
| – Material: | Chrome carbon steel, heat treated |
| – Length (between eye centers): | 48.60 inches |
| – Width: | 2.50 inches |
| – Design Load (lbs @ camber): | [email protected] |
| Rear Wheel Alignment (Curb) | |
| – Camber (degrees): | N7/8 +/- 1/4 |
| – Toe-in (total): | 0 +/- 1/32 |
Brakes
| Brake Specs | |
| Brake Type: | Disc Front and Rear; Power Assist Std. |
| System: | 4-wheel caliper disc brake dual hydraulic system with pressure differential and warning light. |
| Front Brakes: | |
| -Type: | Double faced disc spaced by integrally cast radial cooling passages. |
| – Material: | Cast Iron |
| – Diameter and Width: | 11.75 in. x 1.25 in. |
| – Lining Material: | Molded asbestos (NOTE: Factory specified material.) |
| – Method of Attachment: | Riveted. |
| Rear Brake | |
| -Type: | Double faced disc spaced by integrally cast radial cooling passages. |
| – Material: | Cast Iron |
| – Diameter and Width: | 11.75 in. x 1.25 in. |
| – Lining Material: | Molded asbestos (NOTE: Factory specified material.) |
| – Method of Attachment: | Riveted. |
| Parking Brake | |
| – Type: | Drums; inboard of disc rotors on axle shafts. Internal expanding shoes, mechanically actuated. |
| – Control: | Lever; floor mounted between bucket seats. |
Steering
| Steering Specs | |
| Steering Wheel | |
| – Wheel Type: | 4-Spoke with center horn button. |
| – Diameter: | 14.75 in. x 14.25 in. |
| Steering Gear | |
| – Type: | Integral, recirculating ball nut with hydraulic pressure provided from a vane type pump. |
| – Ratio: | 16.1:1 |
| – Overall Ratio: | 17.6:1 |
| – Wheel Turns, Lock to Lock: | 2.92 |
| Turning Diameters | |
| – Outside Front, Wall to Wall: | 38.6 |
| – Outside Front, Curb to Curb: | 37.0 |
| – Inside Rear, Wall to Wall: | 11.4 |
| – Inside Rear, Curb to Curb: | 10.5 |
| – Manual | 3.4 |
| – Power | 2.92 |
| Turning Diameter | 37 ft. (outside front), 38.6 ft. (outside front) |
Wheels & Tires
| Wheels & Tires Specs | |
| Wheels | |
| – Type: | Short spoke spider, welded steel |
| – Attachment to Hub: | 5 hex nuts, 7/16-20 UNF 2-B, arranged on a 4.75 dia. bolt circle. |
| – Offset: | N-0.50 |
| – Rim Size: | 15 x 8.00 |
| – Spare: | 15 x 5.00 |
| Tires (Standard) | |
| – Construction: | Steel belted radial |
| – Size and Ply Rating: | P225/70R15 |
| – Sidewall (Base): | Blackwall |
| – Sidewall (Optional): | White Letter |
| Tires (Optional) | |
| – Construction: | Aramid fabric belted radial |
| – Size: | P255/60R15 |
| – Sidewall: | White Letter |
1980 Corvette Exterior Dimensions
Coupe Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Coupe) | Interior Dimensions (Coupe) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 98.0 Inches | Headroom: | 36.2 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 185.2 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 47.5 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 69.0 Inches | Hip Room: | 49.9 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 48.0 Inches | Leg Room: | 42.1 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 58.7 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 59.5 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 4.3 Inches | ||
Capacities
| Capacities | |
| Passenger Capacity | 2 – Driver & Passenger |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,519 |
| Interior Passenger Volume (cu. ft) | 8.4 |
| Interior Trunk Volume (cu. ft) | 24 (approximately) |
| Fuel Capacity (gallons): | 23.7 |
| Coolant capacity without heater (qts.) | 21.6 (automatic transmission) 20.7 (manual transmission) |
| Battery: | 12 Volt, 3,500 Watts (Standard) 12 Volt, 4,000 Watts (Heavy Duty) |
| Generator Output: | 42 Amps |
1980 Corvette Performance Results
|
4-Speed Transmission
|
L48 | L82 |
|
Performance weight (lbs.)
|
3801 | 3808 |
|
Pounds/net horsepower
|
19.49 | 16.92 |
|
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement
|
10.86 | 10.88 |
|
Net horsepower/cu.in. displacement
|
.557 | .643 |
|
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile)
|
258.6 | 284.8 |
|
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile)
|
136.1 | 149.6 |
|
0 – 60 mph (seconds)
|
— | — |
|
Top Speed (mph)
|
— | — |
|
Quarter Mile (secs @ mph)
|
—
|
— |
|
3-Speed Transmission
|
L48 | L82 |
|
Performance weight (lbs.)
|
3818 | 3825 |
|
Pounds/net horsepower
|
19.58 | 17.00 |
|
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement
|
10.91 | 10.93 |
|
Net horsepower/cu.in. displacement
|
.557 | .643 |
|
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile)
|
273.2 | 273.2 |
|
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile)
|
143.1 | 142.9 |
|
0 – 60 mph (seconds)
|
— | 7.3 |
|
Top Speed (mph)
|
— | 132 |
|
Quarter Mile (secs @ mph)
|
—
|
15.6 @ 91 |
