82info

1982 was the last year for the "Shark" bodystyle that
debuted in 1968. Based on the concept Mako Shark show
car, the sharp edged styling was an instant hit and the
C3 or 3rd generation Corvette is arguably the most
beautiful bodystyle of all Corvettes ever built.

1982 also saw some changes that hadn't happened in a
very long time with the Corvette nameplate. For the first
time since 1957 there was no 4-speed manual
transmission available.

1982 also became the first year that a 4-speed
automatic, the 700R4, was used in a Corvette and was
the only transmission available for the 1982 model year.

1982 also ushered in a return to fuel injection. The first
fuel injected Corvette since 1965. Dubbed L-83, the 350
c.i. small block used twin throttle bodies on a crossflow
manifold with dual air cleaners. Chevy named it Crossfire
Injection and it was managed by an onboard computer
that Chevy named Computer Command Control. CCC had
first been used on the 1981 Corvette but for 1982 was
capable of monitoring 80 functions per second compared
to 10 in 1981.

Due to Government regulations on pollution and a
general downturn in corporate policy regarding
horsepower the 1982 Corvette 350 was rated at a
dissapointing 200 hp but still managed a respectable 265
lb. ft. of torque. These numbers seem tame today but in
1982 the Corvette was the most powerful car GM sold.

By way of comparison my 2002 Corvette is rated at 350
hp with 365 lb. ft. torque from its LS-1 350 and 4-speed
automatic transmission.

Chevy also offered up a special Collectors Edition
Corvette for 1982. It was offered with special paint,
striping and graphics as well as a multi tone leather
interior and unique wheels. It was also the only C3 to
have an opening rear window. The engine and
transmission were the same as all of the other Corvettes
for 1982. The Collectors Edition also had the distinction
of being the first Corvette to cost over $20,000.