'78 Pace Car, how do you tell if it is 4 speed original?

[firstgear]

I am looking at a 4 speed '78 Pace Car and want to make sure that it indeed is an original 4 speed car and not one that was converted.....how do you tell?

thanks

 

[mkapp7879]

A Pace Car with no documentation? Are you suspicious about the 4speed? If you can get it on a lift, check the vin on the trans. On the pass. side up high on the main body of the trans. Also, while up in the air, check the code for the rear axle. On the bottom of the diff. housing by the seam of the housing and rear cover. OK-3.08, OM-3.36, OH-3.55, OJ-3.70. 4speed would be either 3.70 or 3.36, most likely 3.70. Main thing tho, now that I think of it, trans. crossmember is WELDED in on a 4 speed, bolted on automatic. Check there first!
Mike

 

[firstgear]

A Pace Car with no documentation? Are you suspicious about the 4speed? If you can get it on a lift, check the vin on the trans. On the pass. side up high on the main body of the trans. Also, while up in the air, check the code for the rear axle. On the bottom of the diff. housing by the seam of the housing and rear cover. OK-3.08, OM-3.36, OH-3.55, OJ-3.70. 4speed would be either 3.70 or 3.36, most likely 3.70. Main thing tho, now that I think of it, trans. crossmember is WELDED in on a 4 speed, bolted on automatic. Check there first!
Mike

I haven't gone to see it as of yet, only talked with the guy on the phone once, it is about a 2 hour drive for me so before I go I want to be able to know what to look for. I know that the number of L82's and 4 speed was limited, and that it commands bigger dollars than the L48 Auto version.

On one of the indypace car sites, I saw mention of the motor code, I believe it was CMC, or something like that, where would I find that located? How do I make sure that the motor really is a L82?

I don't know the person I am talking to about the car, other than on the phone. And while he might be the most honest person in the world, I don't want to take any chances. He told me that he is at least the 4th or 5th owner of the car and that he has had it for just over a year or two....so, buyer beware.....if anyone has pictures that shows me where to look, that would be really helpful....

regards, Herb

 

[jdp6000]

Information at this link....its actually this site will help you identify what you have

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c3/1978/78id.html

Jim

 

[ChuckG]

I'm no Pace Car expert, but here goes:

The VIN range for Pace Cars is ONLY XXXX900001-906502

The full VIN's are 1Z87L8S900001----and up TO 6502.

The FIFTH digit...if it's an "L", it's an L48, if it's a "4", it's an L82 originally.

The engine codes are stamped on the "stamp pad" ahead of the passengers side cylinder head, ON the engine block

If it's CHW, it's an L48 4 speed. It it's CMR, it's a L82 4 speed.

Automatic trans codes are CLM, CLR, CLS, CMS, CUT. Chuck

 

[srs244]

as the owner of an original 78 L-48 automatic pace car, i agree that all the information chuck provided above is absolutely accurate. the pace car vin number was unique to the series and started with 90001. the cross member "trick" is a real good indicator of atleast the original use of the frame (assuming it to be original). the engine number is stamped on a flat spot on the front passenger side of the engine. remember it is pretty easy to make an L48 look like and L82. all it takes is a changeout of the valve covers (cast aluminum instead of blue painted steel) and a dual snorkel air cleaner and appropriate passenger fender radiator duct. a check of the trim plate inside the driver's door frame (upper front under the windshield piller area). that will tell you the paint code which was unique to the pace car being a two tone). i'm at work right now and don't have the exact codes, someone perhaps can provide that before i get home this evening. if i remember correctly, however, one of the codes was 152 for the unique silver interior. also while it is an easy change out, the seats should NOT be 1978 style seats. the pace car used 1979 and later seats. they way to tell is there is not seat release button on the seat back, and the bottom portion of the seat comes part of the way up the back to meet the seat back instead of being a flat seat bottom.

 

[firstgear]

thanks to everyone that provided comments on this topic...most helpful!!!


thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BarryK]

here is another link that give most of the info you need although I believe Chuck is right on with his info (as usual)

http://100megsfree4.com/corvette/1970/vet78.htm

 

[firstgear]

thanks Barry...made for good reading....