500 HP Turbo: 1980 Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette was still looking fast on the outside in 1980, but engine choices were down to two by this time, or three if you count the mandatory California 305, and all were small blocks. The seller here tells us his Grandpa bought this one new, but at some point, it was decided the V8 needed some more pep, and that’s where things get interesting. In addition to being powerful, more good news is that this 1980 Chevrolet Corvette here on Craigslist has always been garaged, and it scores high marks in the appearance department as well. This cool C3 is Anaheim, California, with the asking price of $14,500 not sounding unreasonable here. We’d like to thank reader Tony Primo for the great tip!
This one is said to have started out with the base 350 of the L48 variety, which was churning out 190 horsepower in 1980. The seller says that’s still the factory engine under the hood, but it’s been treated to a hotter cam, upgraded bored and polished lifters, with the cherry on top being the turbocharger from RV. This one’s now stated to be making 500 HP, with the seller claiming the engine runs and sounds amazing plus has zero issues for the future owner to contend with. Shifting is provided by the original Muncie 4-speed manual component, assisted by a hydraulic clutch supplied by Stage 3.
Most of the pictures were taken near sunset, but the Polar White paint seems to still present beautifully. For the last few years of production, the C3 gained a fastback rear window, with this one also featuring glass T-Tops. The seller says this Corvette has only traveled a total of 55,000 miles, and with the fit-and-finish so nicely preserved, I’m guessing this two-seater was still driven respectfully even after the performance upgrades were added!
The red interior also appears to remain in good condition, with an unusual placement of the rear-view mirror, which is reminiscent of where it was located in the model’s early years. An aftermarket Pioneer Stereo is delivering the tunes while the A/C is still blowing ice-cold air, and this one really does look inviting to step into. I’m finding very little anywhere not to appreciate about this 1980 Chevrolet Corvette, and if I had the room this one just might have to go on my Christmas wish list. What are your thoughts here?
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Comments
rear end would grenade with 500 hp, and be doing a “one wheel peel”
Drag racing probably, but all C3s have posi.
Or maybe 1 of the 6 universal joints 1st. I would be concerned even more about the durability of all those CV joints on modern pony cars – espec Hellcats & similar.
Didn’t the manual transmission models get a Dana 60 that year?
Did I read the builder became bored while polishing the lifters, I’m surprised it wasn’t referred to as a 3/4 cam.
NHRA mandates a solid rear axle conversion for C3 Corvettes running 10.99 or faster, they have seen enough carnage over the years. The stock rear can hold up to the alleged 500 HP if you don’t dump the clutch all the time.
Good looking car and by appearance seems to have been well maintained. The elephant in the room would be 500 Hp, not saying it’s not possible but highly unlikely to be putting that number out of a turbo setup off an RV and plumbing it in the Corvette. Helping a friend with a small block Ford and using the 331 displacement 550 HP didn’t come without a controlled fuel and spark system. Bolting a big turbo and controlling destination and heat is definitely an issue. Won’t say it may not be fun to drive for a while.
Don’t most carbureted turbo systems, or at least the efficient ones use a blow through carb with some sort of sealed air box or hat?
Good luck getting a smog certificate so you can register the car in California.
As for horsepower, output claims often have little to do with reality. They are often based on what the owner thinks will impress random stranger within earshot.
Steve R
I presume that they have the printout from the dyno…
As to your smog comment, there are likely ways, some possibly illegal, that allow you to get a smog certificate for a modified vehicle that is subject to testing, but in my decades long experience dealing with the CA DMV, if all of the OEM emissions equipment isn’t present or has been modified, you are DOA on the visual inspection part of the test, and likely would not have passed the test anyway. I am a supporter of smog testing- I really got tired of breathing brown air all day.
The state often mandates test only smog stations on older cars or cars that tend to be modified. Those stations have little to no incentive to cheat.
You are right about missing emissions equipment but didn’t mention the requirement for aftermarket performance parts to have CARB certification. This car fails that at first glance.
Steve R
Luckily there are 49 other U.S. states, Canada and even Mexico where this car can be enjoyed.
Not necessarily true. There are 35 states that require emissions testing. I live in New Mexico. No smog testing where I live, but testing is required in Albuquerque, where likely the majority of cars in our state are located. They don’t like crappy air either. I guess that you could always register this in Florida. I understand that you can get a title for a flying saucer there.
I agree with Ron, these Corvettes have a very quirky rear end. with all those half shafts and u – joints.
I doubt that a chicken L48 with a turbo makes anywhere near 500 hp. It would need aluminum heads good cam, intake and headers to even come close.
Yes the malaise era vettes always looked good but they handled like horse drawn wagons and handling was poor so l wonder how would this Vette handle this kinda power increase. Curious?
I have a 79 and it handles pretty well. Every bit as good as a Trans Am or Z28 from the same time frame.
Even with all the comments from the.Doubting Thomas’s it’s still a cool looking car. Put it on my Christmas list too.
500 HP my butt. Rip that crap out and just go with a decent powered crate engine. Nice looker though.
To each their own, good looking car ,up here ,worth 10 -12 grand tops….
500?Let’s see the Dyno.