Corvette Action Center | Model Center | C3 | 1981 Corvette Center

1981 Corvette Specifications & Performance Review

Dimensions

Wheelbase (in.)

98.0

Track Frt/Rear (in)

58.7 / 59.5

Length (in.)

185.3

Width (in.)

69.0

Height (in.)

48.1

Frontal Area (in)

Ground Clearance (in.) (minimum)

3.9

Curb Weight (lbs)

3282

Weight-to-power ratio (lbs:hp)

18.1

Coefficient of Drag

Weight Dist. F/R (%)

48 / 52

Coolant Capacity (qt.)

21 qts. (approx.) (+1 qt for A/C and Automatic Transmission)

Fuel Capacity (gal.)

23.7 (approx.)

Oil Capacity

4 qts., 5 qts with filter change

Engine Specifications

Base - L81

Type

Overhead valve, 350 ci, pushrod V8, 2 valves/cylinder

4.00 in.

3.48 in.

350 ci.

8.2:1

190 bhp @ 4200 rpm

280 lb-ft.

Redline (RPM)

5,100

Induction System

1 x 4 bbl Rochester

Valvetrain

Hydraulic Lifters

Firing Order

1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Filter/Sensor Recommendations

Air Cleaner Element:

AC Type A348C

Carb. Fuel Filter:

AC Type GF471

Crankcase Ventilation Filter:

AC Type FB59

Oil Filter:

AC Type PF25

Oxygen Sensor:

AC Type AFS5P

Radiator Cap:

AC Type RC36

PCV Valve:

AC Type CV774C

Spark Plugs:

AC Type R-45TS

Miscellaneous

Brakes

Type

Size

Front Rotors (diam x thickness)(mm)

11.75 in. ventilated discs

Rear Rotors (diam x thickness)(mm)

11.75 in. ventilated discs

Steering

Gear Ratio:

16.1:1

Overall Ratio:

17.6:1

Tires

Standard:

P225/70R15

Optional:

P225/60R15 & P255/60R15

Wheels

Material:

Standard - cast alloy, 15 x 8
Optional - Aluminum

Alignment Specs:

(at curb weight, full oil, water, fuel and recommended tire pressure)

Front:
Caster* +2 1/4 + 1/2 (degrees)
Camber* +3/4 + 1/2 (degrees)
Toe In (Total) 3/16” to 5/16”

Rear:
Camber 0 + ½ (degrees)
Toe In (Per Wheel) .06 + .06 (degrees)

* Each wheel must be adjusted independently. (Must be with 1/2 degree of opposite side)

Torque Specs:

Standard - 110 N-m (80 lb-ft)
Aluminum - 122 N-m (90 lb-ft)

Transmission

Automatic

Manual

Type

4-Speed Automatic

4-Speed Manual

Gear Ratios

1st

2.52 (L2)

2.88

2nd

1.52 (L3)

1.91

3rd

1.00 (Drive)

1.33

4th

1.00

Reverse

1.93

2.78

Axle Ratio

2.87:1 (2.72:1 in CA)

2.72:1 (2.88:1 - Low)

Final Drive Ratio

3.07:1

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