L82 Indentification

[bankboy]

I'm out shopping for my first Corvette, and I need to know how you can identify an L82 versus an L48.
I know this may seem very basic to most of the members of this Forum, but I have no experience with G.M. engines, all my other "Collector" cars being Fords.
I'm coming across ads for L82's in the years I'm looking at, ( '78 and '79 ), but I have no idea how to tell one from the other.
Also, any tips or advice on what to look for , as well as what to watch out for, would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Tom73]

The engine type is coded into the VIN, If the 5th digit is a "4" then, for 78/79, it came from the factory with the L82. But what is in the engine compartment now, who knows. You would need to check the engine numbers to confirm that. The casting # and the stamp pad numbers. Then compare them the a source like the Corvette Black Book or the NCRS Judging Guide to confirm.

tom...

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Of course I'm partial...

...to the 1978 vettes because that is what I have. I think they may hold value better just because of their 25th Anninversary of the Corvette status. However, any vette that has not been taken care of will have a low value.

Basically, the 1978 and 1979 vettes are exactly the same. (with the exception of badging)

Click on the Blue Tab at the top of this page marked: Learning Center and then click on the heading: Buying a Corvette.
The buy-list seems like overkill, but if you have it with you while you shop you won't forget areas to check or to ask important questions.

Happy hunting!
Heidi

 

[Bob_K]

The '79 L-48's are slightly better than the '78's due to a slightly larger exhaust and the dual snorkle air intake. Also all '79's got the 78 pace car style seats shaving some weight. '79 also had the option of '78 pace car style spoilers, which according to GM reduces drag by 10% or 15% (I don't remember which) and in theory add about 1 mpg. If you get an L-82 there's no exhaust difference between the two years (that I know of).

 

[76L82]

How to tell an L-48 from the L-82...."press right foot hard on accelerator"...you'll figure it out:L:L

 

[L82Dan]

The Corvette Black Book is an excellent source for engine codes and such to help with your identification. In addition to the VIN code '4', there is an engine code that is stamped on the engine block the tells that it is an L82. Without the book in front of me, I can't say for sure what that code is. It's something like ZBB or ZZB. Your best bet is to get the lastest copy of the book and go from there. There is an for it in the Learning Center on this website. Hope this helps.

 

[LIRacer]

One more way to tell.....the L-82 had cross flags on the speedo and tach.

 

[Tom Bryant]

L82 engine codes

Check the 3 letter suffix in the stamping on the pad at the front of the right (passenger side) cylinder head.

'78 engine codes:

L82 with 4 speed CMR

L82 with automatic CMS

L48 codes are CHW, CLM, CLR, CLS, or CUT depending on trans and if Federal or Calif. emissions.

'79 engine codes:

L82 with 4 speed ZBA

L82 with automatic ZBB

L48 codes are ZAA, ZAB, ZAC, ZAD, ZAF, ZAH, or ZAJ with the same depends as above plus a high altitude model (ZAD).

Tom

 

[Johan]

If you just look at a photo in an ad: The L-82 had aluminium valve covers with "flanges" or fins on top, L-48 had stamped steel valve covers.
(I know, they can be changed, but still)

 

[cscarlson]

How do you tell on a 1980 corvette?

 

[Stallion]

How to tell an L-48 from the L-82...."press right foot hard on accelerator"...you'll figure it out:L:L

Hey man, HP numbers...yes. But the L48 has a whopping 20 more lbs/ft than the L82.

 

[MaineShark]

I'd give the '79 a slight nod for the better seats, but that's about it.

Joe

 

[76L82]

Stallion - Good point...why is that anyway?? Duration of the cam?