1981 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 1981 Monte Carlo featured a completely restyled body, including vertical taillights which hearkened back to the 1970-77 models. This body style would persist until 1988, and was similar to the other GM mid-size coupes, including the Pontiac Grand Prix.
Despite changes to its body, the engine of the 1981 Monte Carlo remained the same. The base engine was a 229-ci V6 rated at 110 horsepower. Two V6 engines were optional, including a 231-ci rated at 110, and a turbo-charged Buick 231-ci rated at 170 horsepower. For those wanting the feel of 8 cylinders, a 267-ci V8 rated at 115 horsepower and a 305-ci rated at 150 horsepower were available.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1981 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
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by Rob P
Mar 11, 2024
The car only has 6 cylinders for the motor. I am looking for a v8 and posi rear end. I liked the car but the price was not flexible. Mar 11, 2024
by Ken G
Oct 23, 2011
Great car fast and fun to drive very rare turbo car. Attracts lots of spectators at cruise nights and shows. People don't believe it is what it is. Lots of looks when i'm out driving some good and some bad for how I drive.Oct 23, 2011
by Anonymous
Feb 14, 2011
Its got a 406 small block chevy,along with a 700R4 trans, aluminum driveshaft,stock postraction 373 rearend,electric sunroof, power windows, locks, and seats. Black pearl paint, original red interior. im just trying to find out how rare this car is.Feb 14, 2011
User rating:
by Rob P
Mar 11, 2024
The car only has 6 cylinders for the motor. I am looking for a v8 and posi rear end. I liked the car but the price was not flexible. Mar 11, 2024
by Ken G
Oct 23, 2011
Great car fast and fun to drive very rare turbo car. Attracts lots of spectators at cruise nights and shows. People don't believe it is what it is. Lots of looks when i'm out driving some good and some bad for how I drive.Oct 23, 2011
by Anonymous
Feb 14, 2011
Its got a 406 small block chevy,along with a 700R4 trans, aluminum driveshaft,stock postraction 373 rearend,electric sunroof, power windows, locks, and seats. Black pearl paint, original red interior. im just trying to find out how rare this car is.Feb 14, 2011
by Shane M
Jul 01, 2010
My future race car. Right now its in storage.
389ci SBC 4 blt main
3.75" stroke
4.060" bore
Mechanical Roller Tappet, Advertised Duration 300/310, Dur.@ .050 264/274,Lift .635/.645, 112 LSA
AFR 220CC Competition Alum Heads
Edelbrock Super Victor, single plane
850 Holley Dbl Pmpr, Down Leg, Mech Secondaries
3800Stall, 700R4, 4.10's, 31 spline Moser, GM 12bolt, 28x10.5 Street SlickJul 01, 2010
by Cody R
Oct 16, 2009
Acceleration i Ok.
New master brake cyllinder so braking is exellent.
Handling is a bit loose.
Drove it from BC to Alberta to BC to Alberta with no problems except gas.
Few rattles in the door from the stereo other than that pretty smooth ride.
Exterior is Sexy, mettalic blue Sparkling paint and Nice chrome.
Interior could use some plush! few dash cracks.
Payed $2500.
This car is Amazing to drive, So beautiful, definatly a head turner.
Oct 16, 2009
by Anonymous
Sep 18, 2009
She was my first car, she cost 200 bucks. She was white and she was rusty, but I loved her all the same! She sucked in the snow, and flew when it was sunny. I met my husband in this car.Sep 18, 2009
by Anonymous
Jan 30, 2009
This was my second car it was a dark green "almost" racing green, well I like to think so anyway. Great times in that car. It fit a ton of people and it was great for all sorts of urban games......Jan 30, 2009
by Anonymous
Jan 22, 2009
I've been driving a 1981 Monte Carlo for just over two years. It never lets me down, but the gas mileage always gets me. The driving is excellent, and it has little to no problems.
Couldn't ask for a more sturdy car. If you are looking for a car that gets from point a to point b, this works great. Don't exxpect much on the racy side though. It's acceleration is poor, but that is to be expected from the tall gears.Jan 22, 2009
by Joshua B
Aug 14, 2008
I would like to have 500 horsepower and 500 torque minimums. I redid the whole interior and front clip. I added a spoiler and cd player. Gas mileage is crap, about 12 to 14 miles per gallon. It is fixer upper and thats what i wanted. I get a blast out of driving my car through town and cruising.Aug 14, 2008
by Shane C
Jun 22, 2008
its jet black hundred spoke daytons. black and white custom leather interior Jun 22, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 07, 2008
good as it getsApr 07, 2008
by Adam C
Mar 12, 2008
Did every thing to the car, Body, Motor, Tranny, Rearend, fuelcell, ect....Mar 12, 2008
by Scott V
Jan 28, 2008
my favorite car i have ever ownedJan 28, 2008
by Sid K
Jan 20, 2008
Was a cool car, fun to own, wish it had the v-8Jan 20, 2008
by Kenny L
Jan 01, 2008
This car is not much to look at, but it will always hold a special place in my heart. This car started with a weak 229 cid engine. The old 229 was replaced with a 305cid high output motor from a 85' Pontiac Trans Am. Since then, I added: dual 2.25" exhaust, chrome wheels, Edelbrock intake manifold, Holly 600cfm carburator, Hooker headers, Accel ignition system and a high-flow catalytic converter.
With this car is the start of my love for American V8s & muscle cars.
Jan 01, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 31, 2007
Great car for the times.Dec 31, 2007
by Anonymous
Oct 14, 2007
I'd like it better if I could find information on the 1981 MONTE CARLO LANDAU TURBO not just the standard production model. Information is so hard to find, if I didn't own one I would think someone just made it up!Oct 14, 2007
What users have asked
How many 81 Monte Carlo V-6 turbos were built. Just got 1,needs restored, want 2 know how rare it is
I just aquired an 81 Monte Carlo T-Top that was a turbo. The car is loaded with pwr steering, brakes, windows, seats, and locks. It has tilt wheel, cruise, and auto rear view mirror. The car has badging that indicates it was a 3.8 turbo. The turbo badges are on the dash above the glove box, on the trunk lid, and on the fake hood scoop. The hood scoop apears to be the same as what I have seen on Buick Regal turbos. I got the car from my son in law and got it sight unseen. The car is rough, but the frame has no rust and most of the rust is contained to the fenders, hood, doors, and some along the dash under the windshield and in the door jam near the windshield post. This is a Florida car that I think spent some time on the coast as the rust is on the lower side of the hood and around the scoop, the bottoms of the doors, and lower front corner of the fenders around the cornering lights. The motor is also apart, no heads, no turbo. When my son in law told me he had an old 81 Monte Carlo T-Top he was going to get rid of, I wanted it to build a Super Sport clone but I think this car is too rare to do that to. I am just trying to confirm that. As indicated from my user name I'm a Mopar guy,that aquired an interesting Chevy. Thanks for the input.
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the heater fan just quit
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1981 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Pricing
Original MSRP
$8,064 to $8,807Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Roof
Convertible roof: vinyl
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth