Is it really an L82?

[frehan]

My 79 vette has the L82 badges on the hood but the VIN suggests a L48. The badges definitely look original. Anybody have any idea how I can tell if it's really an L82?

Freddy Im vette

 

[vettepacecar]

what color are the valve covers??

 

[frehan]

it has what appears to be aluminum valve covers stamped with corvette

 

[silver77vette]

In 79,the fifth character indicates what engine was installed originally. 8 indicates base engine and 4 indicates L82.

 

[corvgreg]

I'm sorry but badges are easy to add...you can't fake a vin code that indicates the engine option.


Greg

 

[crause]

well.........what was it?

 

[78SilvAnniv]

what was it?

That's what he wants to know!
frehan knows what his VIN says should have come with his Vette, what he wants to find out is, because of the L82 badging...how can he tell if the engine in his 79 is an L82 or not.

First, what are the visual differences between the L48 and L82? Second, what is internally different between the two engine options and third...couldn't frehan find the block casting number and determine what engine it is that way?
Heidi

 

[Bizzy77]

Several ways you can tell if you have an L-82 or not:
1. Check for hood ornaments; "L-82" on both sides.
2. L-82's have aluminum valve covers.
3. Emissions tuneup sticker above the brake booster should show an engine code
for L-82. (It won't say L-82!)
4. Speedometer redline is generally about 200-500 rpm higher than base engine;
it makes a difference whether or not you have an auto or manual.
5. VIN number, of course ! ! !
6. The engine block stamp will show an L-82-specific suffix after the number.
7. The cylinder heads on L-82's generally have larger valves than the base engine.
8. The camshaft is different. (Same as the LT-1 I think)
9. L-82 engines have a higher compression ratio than the base engines.
10. The Rochester carburetor part numbers are unique to L-82's; what you've got on the car dictates what the carburetor part number is.

Just my two cents worth...

 

[mike weyman]

regardless of badges or serial #, you need to check the block # to see if it is the original block.then go from there.

it should appear on the deck of the block on the front passenger side next to the end of the head.if this # DOESN'T match your serial # , find out what it's for. it may be better. but you have to know what you have first.
the heads for the l48 are 1.95/1.6 the l88 are 2.02/1.65 so they flow a bit better, but they're mostly 882 head castings in either case.mike

 

[JohnZ]

On the block stamp pad engine plant date code, '79 L-82's had a "ZBA" suffix for 4-speeds, and a "ZBB" suffix for automatics.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

On the block stamp pad engine plant date code, '79 L-82's had a "ZBA" suffix for 4-speeds, and a "ZBB" suffix for automatics.

Hey! What are you still doing here? Don't you have a convention to organize?

See you soon!

 

[frehan]

Tahnks everyone figured it out

Thanx for the help guys and gals. I figure the original engine was an L48 but someone down the line slapped an L82 in it. Figure this because mine has the dual snorker air cleaner of the L82's and not a single one. Whoever put the L82 in must of put the badges on two. I wish I could thank the owner who put the L82 in . Good thinkin

Fred

 

[mkapp7879]

Fred, don't go by the two snorkel air cleaner. This was standard starting in 79 for both the L48 and L82. Best to check the numbers on the block. Does it have the smog pump and plumbing? This only on L82 or high altitude and California L48's.
Mike

 

[frehan]

no way really? well how do I check the block plate without putting the car up on a jack? is it possible to see from above.

thanx for your help

Fred

 

[mkapp7879]

Fred, look for a flat spot on the top of the passenger side of the block at the very front, sticks out just past the head below the A/C compressor. If no smog pump should be easier to see. This is where the VIN is stamped. Start there. See if it matches the Vette's VIN. As said, the L82 badges could have been added at any time. A friend of mine even added aftermarket L48 emblems to his hood(?).
Mike

 

[mkapp7879]

Also, look at the drivers side of the carb body for a 170xxxxx number. If original carb this can also tell you the exact motor that came in the Vette. Post the number if you find it.
Mike

 

[frehan]

Hey Mike thanks for your help. I think I found what you were talking about. Just under the ac compressor there's a 3 and then a 8? and I can't make out the rest. This doesn't match the vin on the driverside post next to windshield. I didn't see a smog pump I don't think. I going to take some pics of the engine and post them maybe that will give some better ideas about it. Thanx again.

Fred

 

[frehan]

Ok Mike. I think the number on the carb is 17058206. Does this tell you anything. Thanx Fred.

 

[L82Dan]

NCRS judging manual says the following on L82 carb part numbers:

L82 w/auto no AC #17059210
L82 w/4-sp manual #17059211
L82 w/auto & AC # 17059228 (this is what my L82 has)

Also, look at intake manifold. For L82 application, part number should be either 458520 (early prod) or 14007378 (late prod). It should be painted a silver color and it is made of aluminum, not cast iron like on the L48.

The L82 value covers are black, silver finned in design and are aluminum too. There should be a cross flags emblem on the passenger side cover. It sounds like you have after market valve covers.

Just because your engine doesn't have the AIR system on it, doesn't mean it isn't an L82. Most owners removed them and plugged the holes in the exhaust manifolds. You really have to get a clean look at the engine stamp pad on the passenger side of the engine, forward of the cylinder head. It should look something like this: (as detailed in the NCRS judging manual)

V0302ZBB (automatic example only could be ZBA for 4-speed also)
19S4xxxxx (where the x's are the last 5 digits in your VIN)

Use some degreaseing agent to clean the pad, as it might make it easier to read.

Hope this is as clear as mud!

 

[BiggBrakefuelie]

I am not sure but I heard that besides the difference in the redline that there is a logo on the L82 speedo face that isn`t on the L48.:confused