Total 1982 Corvettes Built- 25,407 – 18,648 Coupes, 6,759 Collector Coupes
If you’re of a certain frame of reference, shall we say, you probably remember the way it was way back there in the mists of antiquity, twenty-nine years ago. There was this American 2-seater. It had a top that folded away clear out of sight, wire mesh headlight covers and a drive train featuring an overhead valve straight six, three 1-bbl. Carbs and an automatic transmission. It came in white, mostly, with red interior, and the Corvette engineering team deiced to label it a sports car. It sure didn’t look like one of those things from Europe, though. The buff book critics felt that maybe it was just too darn comfortable. They compared it with cars costing thousands more and assumed that it really didn’t stand much od a chance in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A year later, Chevy hired a Belgian engineer who shoehorned a small block V8 into the existing body and frame and then backed that with a 4-speed transmission. You could have a lot of dun with one of those Corvettes, especially if the guy next to you was driving a Jaguar XK120 Roadster or a 190SL Mercedes. And those cars, by golly, they looked European. A few years later, along came a sleek apparition called a Stingray. A whole lot of amenities were provided. Windows winding up and down electrically, conditioned air, pop-off hardtop. There was even a coup eversion. And if that wasn’t enough to cause quite a stir at the time, folks really took notice when a 427-cubic-inch engine was introduced for the Stingray along with a stiff suspension, a larger fuel tank and a few other tidbits. Terrific, satisfying years. Those Corvettes didn’t look European at all and neither does the current model. It’s an exciting kind of ‘Vette that’s coming on now. And sure, the buffs still compare it with cars costing two to three times as much, only now European cars look like it. Almost.
This is an enthusiast’s kind of Corvette, a most civilized one. Still it’s a ‘Vette with the sassy-souled gusto of its predecessors. This is still the road-wise sports car that’s always been capable of inhaling great chunks of 2-lane tarmac and leaving you exhilarated even after a long ride. It’s still the time and space machine enthusiasts aspire to. There’s a new civility now, however – predicated in large part on two engineering advances: Cross-Fire Injection and a 4-Speed automatic transmission with overdrive fourth gear. There’s also a space age standard of fit and finish that is rigidly imposed and then carefully checked by inspectors at a new 1-million-square-foot plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. That’s the beauty of Corvette ownership. Satisfying in creature comfort, yet precision-built to flatten the straightaways and glue down the corners. Model depicted has optional leather-faced bucket seats. Two-tone paint with pin striping is optional, as are Goodyear Eagle GT tires, aluminum wheels, and removable glass roof panels.
The “Collector Edition,” an added diligence of design and additional tire technology. Unique silver-beige metallic paint, pin stripes and fading shadow treatment on the hood, fenders and doors distinguish the 1982 Collector Edition Corvette Hatchback Coupe. From its distinctive cloisonné emblems to its specific wheels and hubs and on through its special Vehicle Identification Numbers (to help prevent someone from building a standard model into a Collector Edition), this is the Corvette to covet. The Corvette engineering team established tough standards for the P255/60R-15 SBR tires, in terms of performance characteristics, and Goodyear responded with a set of raised, white-lettered Eagle GT tires, standard only on the Collector Edition. As another plus, removable glass roof panels with special bronze color and solar screening allow you to take full enjoyment from a sunny driving situation. Rear window defogger and power antenna are standard. The Collector Edition is a brilliant blend of sophisticated design and advanced engineering, a combination that promises the kind of road ability you’ve come to expect of Corvette and an unexcelled sense of style.
A disciplined, ergonomic environment, but there’s a tangible luxury and a hatch that lifts to the aroma of fine leather. The Collector Edition interior – a driving environment that offers practical flourishes and considerate touches not always found in a 2-seater that is -frankly – still a rather spiffy hunk of road machinery. And, now in the Collector Edition, a Corvette is available for the first time with a newly designed, fully lifting, frameless glass hatchback with remote release. Inside? Matching silver-beige metallic interior with multi-tone leather seats and door trim. Standard, too, on the 1982 Collector Edition are the upgraded carpeting throughout and the theme-color, hand-sewn, leather-wrapped steering wheel that surrounds the leather-covered horn button which is surmounted by a cloisonné emblem. All this is framed by the deeply muted, dark beige console and instrument cluster trim plates. That’s what the 1982 Corvette Collector Edition is all about: an added dimension of interior and exterior refinements without sacrificing the more enjoyable reassuring aspects of driving one of the finest all-around 2-seaters in the world.
Cross-fire injection adds to the Corvette performance equation. There’s something new under the hood and it’s called Cross-Fire Injection with dual throttle-body fuel injectors. It’s not like any carburetor you know, and it’s not like most fuel-injection systems around. What it is, is one of the most modern fuel-injection systems to date. As part of the entire Corvette drive train, Cross-Fire Injection adds to overall improved acceleration for 1982. And Corvette’s compression ratio is an impression 9.0 to 1. How it works: Cross-Fire Injection is a completely electronic system which constantly monitors and adjusts the engine air/fuel ratio to ambient driving demands. A pressurized fuel supply system incorporates an in-tank electric fuel pump with high-flow capacity and an 11-psi fuel pressure regulator integral with one of the throttle-body fuel injectors. Fuel is sprayed in timed, precise amounts in a finely dispersed cone shape above the throttle blade in each of the dual-throttle bodies, resulting in improved mixture preparation. The amount of fuel required is calculated by the on-board electronic control module, based on engine sensor inputs of coolant temperature, manifold absolute pressure, engine speed and throttle blade positions, among others. Simplified hardware eliminated mechanical choke, fuel metering components and idle speed controls and their attendant adjustments. And electrical circuits are self-diagnostic for easy service. Cross-Fire Injection is part of an interfacing component design, working with a low-back-pressure dual exhaust system, free-flowing monolith catalytic converter. In addition to the conventional snorkel, a new hood ducts outside air directly into the air cleaners during wide-open throttle operation through a solenoid-controlled door which opens on signal.
| Corvette Power Team | |||||
| Engine | Ordering Code | Displacement (cubic inches) |
Engine Availability | Automatic Transmission | Axle Ratios |
| 5.7 Liter Cross-Fire Injection V8 (A) | L83 | 350 | Std. | Std. | With Standard Wheels 2.72
With Aluminum Wheels 2.87 |
Std. Standard (A) Produced by GM – Chevrolet Motor Division
The world’s first and only sophisticated filament-wound fiberglass-reinforced composite automotive spring now features new drive-shaft U-joint seals and splash shield for increased bearing life. U-joints are also larger and more durable. And this is still the lightest possible leaf spring application to be found in any automotive suspension. There is no interleaf friction. The spring supports the weight of the car that rests on the rear wheels and provides suspension compliance. Wheel position is controlled by a system of links and pivots.
Lateral Acceleration*: Maximum lateral acceleration was measured on a 108-ft.-radius circle with car equipped with standard suspension, standard Goodyear P225/70R-15 tires and 2.72 rear axle with the following results.
| Max. Lateral Acceleration – G. | ||
| Left Turn | Right Turn | Average |
| .771 | .739 | .755 |
Car equipped with FE7 suspension, optimal Goodyear P255/60R-15 tires and 2.87 rear axle was measured on the 108-ft.-radius circle at the following levels:
| Max. Lateral Acceleration – G. | ||
| Left Turn | Right Turn | Average |
| .810 | .769 | .790 |
*Based on acceleration tests at GM Proving Grounds
The new Bowling Green plant is the newest sports car production facility in the world. The result is a combination of modern technology and quality workmanship. Product pride. That’s the operating philosophy of the new-million-square-foot assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. And it shows in the new Corvettes now rolling off the lines. They represent the culmination of what we’ve learned about building America’s favorite 2-seater over the years – as well as a state-of-the-art manufacturing science of the new plant. Attention to detail assures smoot operation of the plant. The dispatch room contains electronic sensors that measure operation of most of the systems. Inspection centers are built into the assembly flow throughout the plant – so the product is a Corvette we can be proud of. New technology is put to the test here. One dream that has become reality is a paint system that applies a clear coat over a larger-flake metallic base. Paint technicians are specially clothed, working in a sealed environment, to help guard against airborne particulates. The resultant paint finish usually scores a dazzling 96% on the “glossmeter.” Not bad, considering a mirror registers 100%. Pride is everywhere. The plant. The people. The product. A “quality first” philosophy means a first-quality Corvette for you.
Standard Equipment. Engine: Cross-Fire Injection 5.7 Liter (350 CID), front-mounted 90° V8 engine. Low-back-pressure dual exhaust system. Magnesium valve rocker covers. Tubular stainless-steel exhaust manifolds and free-flow mufflers. Computer Command Control. Hydraulic valve lifters and exhaust valve rotators. Individual (dual) air cleaner elements and covers. Sealed side terminal second-generation Delco Freedom II battery. Low-drag engine primary cooling fan. Auxiliary electric engine coolant fan. Electric in-tank twin turbine fuel pump. Delcotron 70-amp generator with built-in-solid-state regulator. High energy ignition system. Black crinkle-finish air cleaner with dual snorkel-duct air inlet.
Drive Train: 4-Speed automatic transmission with converter clutch feature in second, third and overdrive fourth gears. Console-mounted shift lever with leather boot. Limited-slip rear axle with aluminum differential housing and support.
Electrical: Power windows with console-mounted controls. AM/FM push-button radio with dual front speakers and fixed mast antenna (may be deleted for credit). Air conditioning, heater and defroster with 3-speed blower. Full instrumentation – speedometer with trip odometer, 7,000-RPM tachometer, voltmeter, oil pressure, fuel and water temperature gages. Quartz analog clock. Warning lights for low fuel, brakes, electric choke, seat belts and generator. Headlamp-on reminder. Illuminated visor mirror for passenger. Courtesy and dome lights with time delay. Ashtray and cigarette lighter in center console. Dual-unit retractable headlamps with halogen inner high beams. Automatic cornering lights. Dual horns. Under hood light.
Body Exterior: Removable roof panels, with stowage bags and tie-down. Tinted glass for all windows. Acrylic enamel or base coat/clear coat application for metallic colors. Dual body color sport mirrors with remote controls.
Body Interior: Molded shell seats with foam pads and high pivot folding backs that fold flat (passenger only). Padded vinyl and carpeted floors with map pockets. Leather-faced with vinyl bolsters of full cloth seat trim. Molded cut-pile carpeting with carpeted floor mats. Glove box lock and light. Dual padded sunshades (driver’s shade extends). Rear underfloor storage compartment with lock. Tilt-Telescopic steering wheel with leather-wrapped rim. Center console with coin tray, shifter, window, and air conditioning controls. Carpeted luggage area with concealment shade. Day/night rearview mirror.
Chassis: Rear-wheel drive. Power steering with ball-race gear. Power four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. P225/70R – 15 steel-belted radial ply black wall tires. 15” x 8” steel wheels. Rally wheels, and bright trim rings and center caps (4). Lightweight bias ply fully inflated spare tire and wheel. Independent front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar. Independent rear suspension with filament-wound fiberglass-reinforced composite single leaf spring. New larger drive shaft universal joints. Integrated energy-absorbing front and rear bumpers. Acoustical insulation package. Side-lift jack.
Corrosion Resistance: Steel-reinforced fiberglass body. Galvanized steel body floor. Hot-melt-wax frame coating. Zincroterne coating for power steering, fuel and brake lines.
Safety Features. Occupant Protection: Manual lap/shoulder belts with push-button buckles for driver and right front passenger (driver’s side included visual and audible warning system). Energy-absorbing steering column. Passenger guard door locks. Safety door latches and stamped steel hinges. Energy-absorbing instrument panel and front seat back tops. Laminated windshield/tempered side and rear glass. Safety armrests. Identification symbols for controls and displays.
Anti-theft: Audible anti-theft ignition key reminder. Anti-theft steering column lock. Inside hood release. Audio alarm system with starter interrupt feature.
Accident avoidance: Side marker lights and reflectors. Parking lamps that illuminate with headlamps. Four-way hazard warning flasher. Backup lights. Lane-change feature in direction signal control. Windshield defrosters, washer and dual-speed wipers. Vinyl-edged inside mirror. Dual master cylinder brake system with warning light. Starter safety switch.
Collector Edition Standard Equipment (in addition to or replacing Corvette standard equipment). Silver-beige metallic exterior with fading shadow treatment on the hood, fenders and doors; pin striping: and cloisonné emblems. Frameless glass hatchback with remote release. Collector Edition interior includes leather bucket seats in multi-tone silver-beige, leather door trim, upgraded carpet, leather-wrapped dark beige steering wheel and horn button cloisonné emblem, dark beige trim plates for console and instrument cluster. Finned, cast-aluminum wheels with distinctive center ornament. Tempered glass roof panels with special bronze color and solar screening. Rear window defogger. Power antenna. P255/60R – 15 SBR white-letter Goodyear Eagle GT tires.
Optional equipment: Delco radios. Choose a Delco Am/FM stereo radio or select from available Delco ETR AM/FM stereo radio models with 8-track tape player, with cassette tape player, with CB and cassette tape player. These ETR (Electronically Tuned Receiver) AM/FM stereo models feature LED readout, AM noise reduction, electronic station memory, front/rear balance controls, automatic loudness control and more. Citizens Band ETR radio includes power tri-band antenna. Power antenna optional with other radios. All ETR radios included a digital clock (standard clock replaced by oil temperature gage when ETR radio is ordered). Dual rear speakers, with extended frequency range, included with all stereo radios for dynamic sound reproduction. Electric twin remote-control sport mirrors. Twin sport mirrors are electrically controlled by two switches on the center console. Automatic speed control with resume speed feature. Designed to operate above speeds of approximately 30 MPH (50 km/h). The speed you preset remains constant until braking or turning the system off. Six-way power driver’s seat. Six-way control provided good seat position for comfort, visibility and operating control access. Electric rear window defogger. Aluminum wheels. Removable glass roof panels with solar screening to help keep vehicle interior cooler. Goodyear white-lettered, steel-belted radial tires. P225/70R – 15, P255/60R – 15 – Eagle GT. Roof panel carrier (rear deck). Gymkhana suspension includes rear stabilizer bar, higher rate rear steel spring and special tuned front and rear shock absorbers. Power door lock system. Custom two-tone paint with pin striping. Heavy-duty cooling.
| Color Choices | |
| Solid Exterior | White, Red, Black, Charcoal Metallic, Silver Metallic, Silver Blue Metallic, Silver Green Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Bright Blue Metallic, Gold Metallic, Dark Claret Metallic |
| Two-Tone Exterior (Upper/Lower) (Optional at Extra Cost) |
Silver Metallic/Dark Claret Metallic, Silver Blue Metallic/Dark Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic/ Charcoal Metallic, White/Silver Metallic |
| Interior | |
| Cloth Bucket Seats | Silver Gray, Dark Red, Camel, Dark Blue |
| Leather-Faced Bucket Seats | Silver Gray, Charcoal, Dark Red, Camel, Dark Blue, Silver Green |