Pitiful L82

[kridgley]

Hey guys ....
I've been thinking, trying to get a shopping list together for my L82.
First of all, its a little 205hp (stock hp) '75 L82 with 66K miles a Holly carb, Edlebrock performer intake, and 2.5'' dual exhaust
What do you all suggest I do, in order to the L82, to get more hp and torque out of her.

Also, a quick thought ... will a big block fit in place of a 75 small block?

Any help ... please!
Thanks, Kev.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Hi Kev,
A BB will fit, you will need to change the front springs for the heavier engine weight. There may be other changes needed, but I don't know what they'd be.

As for what to do for more torque/hp...I'd recommend a crate engine that has the hp you want and is ready to drop right in. I've just gone through a rebuild of my 1997, 30k miles GM crate engine (so it was pretty fresh, anyway) but for the cost of the new heads, cam, machine shop, misc internal engine parts and special tools...we could have bought two low-end crate motors, or one really kick-butt crate!
We had lots of fun tearing down and assembling the new engine together, but cost wise...we've had the fun experience and will just buy a complete engine next time.
GrumpyVette has posted some good reading reference material for the DIY engine builder, perhaps a search of his threads would be a good starting point?
Good luck with whatever you decide!
Heidi

 

[kridgley]

thanks for the start heidi
they make some good high hp 350's (well, a lot higher than the 75 L82) ... i think i'll start at a crate....

thanks, kev

 

[MoeJr]

Crate is the way to go. Put the stock L82 away nice and snug and slip in either a 350/330hp crate or the ZZ4.

 

[GTR1999]

There weren't a lot of 75 L-82 made especially if it came with a 4 speed. They are great foundations to build a nice street motor. 4 bolt block,steel cank,pink rods, windage tray. Build the bottom end and a set of nice heads and a good cam,intake and carb and you'll have 400 hp.

 

[tomtom72]

Hi, There were only 2372 L-82s made in 1975, don't know how many 4-spds, but it is not a large production run. I would think the value would be preserved if a crate motor was used for go and the original was stored for the doe later on. Think of how many might be left 10 years from now with #'s matching, or 20 yrs from now? Just a thought, tt72.

 

[BarryK]

hi

I agree with Moe and tomtom
if your L82 is the original numbers matching motor, pull it and store it away nice and safe for the future and stick in a nice crate motor to run the car with more power.

here is a link as a starting point for crate motors or just do a google search for crate motors.
http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=edepartment.asp&N=120+4294925232&x=12&y=13
as you can see, it's not that much more to buy a complete crate motor and save all the time and expense and hassle of trying to piece together something yourself - and if you haven't done it before you really aren't sure how well everything will work together. crate motors are known performers and are reliable. Just drop it in and go.

I'm seriously considering pulling the motor from my '65 numbers matching coupe in about 2 years just to preserve the motor and keep it safe and dropping in a crate motor. It will give me more power, it comes with a warranty (something my 39 year old motor doesn't have), and it will keep my original motor safe for the future value of my car.

BTW, it's nice to see someone else from DE on here. There aren't too many of us.

 

[waterboy1976]

Do I hear a 572 crate motor coming??????

 

[MMM]

I had a '75 convertible with an L-82 and M-20 (wide ratio) four speed and a 3.55 final drive ratio. At the same time I also had a '79 L-82 with an M-21 four speed (close ratio). For everyday use the M-20 always be my first choice. The lower first gear overcame any low end torque issues with the L-82. Beside that the '75 was 4 tenths quicker in the quarter. Car consistantly ran 14.1 to 14.3. Engine was stock EXCEPT for: cam (used the earlier 327/350, L-79 cam) and ported heads. I know some will think the cam used was a step backwards, but I really love the L-79 cam and have always felt it to be easier on the valve train then the later L-46/ L-82 cam. The car had a Holley spread-bore replacement carb on it when I got it. I replaced the Holley with the correct Q-jet but changed both the primary and seconday metering rods. Also gutted the AIR pump and installed a '74 L-82 exhaust system (eliminated the cat). Looked totally stock under the hood. It was a dog when I got it and since I did all of the mods at the same time I cannot point to one in particular that helped the most. Had to sell the car in 1990 to build a house. Really would like to know where it is today. That L-82 would scream.
Mike

 

[mike weyman]

the 75's seem to be the next best thing coming up, there's about 3 or 4 of us here rebuilding them now.as far as numbers matching, if one # doesn't match, the rest don't matter. i tried to keep my car like the ncrs type , but the color was just yucky,so rather than build a car that came like that. i am building what i like.rather than camel poop interior and dark gold, it's now electron blue with white and black interior c/w white leather bucket seats (much nicer).
i built my engine and would not do it again. the new crates cost about 100 dollars a h.p., if you hire a shop for the machine work,then pay someone to assemble , you won't be ahead , i know, i've been there.
big blocks come with about 100 more h.p. without turning a wrench but for used you do-not want a truck engine .the good casting #s for b.b.c's are as follows. ending in .......236-good but watch for small valves,241....came in 402 and 454 engines, small chambered good heads,049,781,236(large valved)and 820 are all 119 c.c. chambered good heads.
i never heard of using heavier springs, but you will need the cowell hood(l82)?i put one on mine just for the pretty, but if i go big block i won't need one.
hope i was of some help.mike

 

[Savior of the 75]

The best place for crate motors is definitely eBay, I've bought my last 4 from eBay and saved a bundle. Even with shipping it was cheaper than buying from anyone around locally. I've had 100% satisfaction on my 383 stroker, 440, 289, and the 3.0 Twin Turbo for my Mitsubishi 3000GT (Though the installation on that one was much less fun). I love eBay so much.

 

[GTR1999]

Savior, could you list the places you dealt with on ebay? I'm thinking of another motor for a Spring project. Thanks