L81 is the notation for the engine block used in 1981 Corvettes. The L81 was the only engine optional available in 1981 Corvettes. L81 Corvettes may not be the most valuable Corvettes on the road these days, but several factors (including the L81 engine), make it somewhat unique.

Another important fact about L81 Corvettes was that this model was made at two different plants - St. Louis, Missouri and Bowling Green, Kentucky. Following 1981, all Corvettes would be assembled in Bowling Green. When viewing our database, you will see the St. Louis built 1981's build numbers that begin with '4', where the Bowling Green built 1981's begin with '5'.