1982 Corvette C3 Engine:
Cross-Fire Injection Debuts

The 1982 Corvette engine bay offered a glimpse into the future. A new fuel delivery system called "Cross-Fire Injection" made it's debut. Sometimes called "Throttle Body Injection", it can be thought of as a combination of a carburetor and fuel injection. The new system enabled the engine to be rated at 200 hp and still satisfied the increasingly stringent anti-smog regulations. A new electrical fuel pump integral to the gas tank was part of the system.

"Cross-Fire Injection" emblem as featured on the front fender of 1982 Corvettes.

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Drivetrain choices unfortunately hit a new low in 1982. Basically there were no choices. Only one engine was possible: 350 cu. in., 200 hp. Mated to it was a four speed automatic transmission new that year to Corvettes. It featured a new fuel saving torque convertor clutch in gears two, three and four. A manual transmission was not available. California Corvettes were the same as those sold elsewhere. Other years in which the Corvette was similarly restricted include 1953, 1954 and 2020 thru 2022.

First available in 1981 automatic transmission Corvettes, a new weight saving and performance enhancing fiberglass leaf spring was part of the rear suspension in all 1982 Corvettes.

1982 Corvette: The Last of a Generation

The C3 Corvette, which started in 1968, would end in 1982. That's 15 model years, a long time by any measure and the most for any Corvette generation. The C4 (1983 thru 1996) would come close, with 14 model years.

The C3 reign had some notable achievements. For one it established the styling for the Corvette thru the C7 generation which ended in 2019. For another, it saw the Corvette through a tumultuous time during which significant challenges such as tailpipe emission standards and safety requirements had to be dealt with. The Corvette, in a tribute to its engineering staff, would survive the era with flying colors.

Ahead: exciting times for Corvette lovers.