Don't Want to feel Stupid anymore

[Annivette]

What are the major differences between the L48 and the L88 engines? Is there any noticible differences or just hp?

 

[78SilvAnniv]

For 1978

The engine choices were:
L48 180hp (depending on CA emissions)
L82 220hp

I think the difference of hp was negligible, however our L48s had more torque than the L82s. I think the major difference between the two engines was in the heads, but I'm not sure.

If your vette needs work, here is what we do to prioritize projects.
Safety first.
Reliability second.
Cosmetic last.

With that in mind, I'd say do the bushings & bearings (anything suspension), and follow closely with the springs, shocks and check the brakes.
After this you can work on reliability issues and do cosmetics as you go along.
Heidi

 

[Erik S. Klein]

What are the major differences between the L48 and the L88 engines? Is there any noticible differences or just hp?

I am going to have to guess that the question SHOULD read:

What are the major differences between the L48 and L82 engines?

The L88 was a big-block racing behemoth that GM put in the Vette between 1967 and 1969. They produced a little over 200 of them and nobody is every going to confuse one of those 500+ HP 427s with an L48.

The L82 was the performance option small block offered after the LT-1 was discontinued in 1972.

From the tech center on this site (I used the 1975 specifications) the L-82:

Includes larger ports, longer duration & higher lift cam, larger intake & exhaust (2.02"/1.60") valves with higher lift, pushrod guideplates, pushrods with steel inserts on rocker arm ends aluminum impact extruded pistons (flat/notched), moly rings, forged steel crankshaft & 4-bolt main bearing caps, higher capacity starter, and finned aluminum rocker covers.

Basically, it is a hydraulic lifter LT-1. It's got a higher compression ratio, a higher redline and a bumpier cam then the base motor.

The L-82 cars have more torque and more horsepower (both at higher revs) so you'll notice both a faster acceleration and a higher top speed, all other things being held equal.

 

[Rob]

You can find out more about the L88 Engines here:

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/l88/index.html

 

[Rich80]

Annivette ASK AWAY!
Wanna here something stupid? It took me a year to finally realize where my spare tire jack was! Here I went to the junk yard,picked up a scissors jack and put it right in the compartment above the Jack! Im tellin Ya!

 

[81kix]

I real dumb because where is mine 81 vette i'm clueless

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Welcome 81kix!

What are you cluless about, we'd love to help...

Introduce yourself to us in the Introductions Forums! We'd love to hear about you and your vette.
Heidi

 

[Scooter76]

The L82 was a "spin-off" from the LT-1 engines. Had some of the good parts that were used on the LT-1. The L82 has a camshaft with more lift & duration than the L48. & the compression ratio was I believe 9.0-1 vs. 8.5-1 for the L48. Someone correct me if I am in error.

 

[81kix]

Re: Welcome 81kix!

What are you cluless about, we'd love to help...


Heidi

Good news I got help from CAC friends. I now know where my Jack & spare tire are.
Hate to say this but really never thought of either one when buying the car. I thought since the car is small inside no room.