L82 vs L48 1979-1981
11-05-2009, 10:09 AM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
L82 vs L48 1979-1981
This has got to be some common info out there but I can't find it 
... I just found the info below on google, so figured I'd ask here 
My question applies to 1979 - 1981, L48 vs L82
Hp / torque difference?
I think 1980 was the last year for L82?
...Horsepower ratings of the two engines varied from year to year as Chevrolet attempted to meet changing emissions and fuel economy requirements. The L-82 horsepower ratings ranged from a high of 250 in 19'73-19'74 to a low of 205 in 19'75. In 1980, it's last year of production, the L-82 was rated at 230 horsepower. During the same time period, L-48 horsepower ranged from a low of 165 in 1975 to a high of 195 in 1974 and 1979.
... I just found the info below on google, so figured I'd ask here My question applies to 1979 - 1981, L48 vs L82
Hp / torque difference?
I think 1980 was the last year for L82?
...Horsepower ratings of the two engines varied from year to year as Chevrolet attempted to meet changing emissions and fuel economy requirements. The L-82 horsepower ratings ranged from a high of 250 in 19'73-19'74 to a low of 205 in 19'75. In 1980, it's last year of production, the L-82 was rated at 230 horsepower. During the same time period, L-48 horsepower ranged from a low of 165 in 1975 to a high of 195 in 1974 and 1979.
11-05-2009, 10:20 AM
#2
Team Owner
1979 Base = 195 Hp L-82 = 225 Hp
1980 Base = 190 Hp L-82 = 230 Hp
No L-82 in 1981, only the 190 Hp base engine
I don't know the torque ratings.
1980 Base = 190 Hp L-82 = 230 Hp
No L-82 in 1981, only the 190 Hp base engine
I don't know the torque ratings.
11-05-2009, 11:00 AM
#3
Drifting
for the record!!! 81 did not offer L48 engine. the only available option was the L81 for all 50 states.
for 79 L48 with 185 HP @ 4000 rpm and 270lb-ft torque @2400 RPM and L82 with 220 Hp @5200 RPM Torque 260 @ 3600 RPM
for 80 there were three engine options the 305 for california the L48 and the L82
the 305 numbers 180 HP @4200 torque 255@2000 the L48 185 HP@ 4000 RPM and Torque 270 @ 2400 RPM the L82 220 HP @ 5200 torque 260 @ 3600 RPM
the 81 vette had the L81
190 HP @4200 and torque 280 @ 1600 rpm
and since we are on a roll here is the data for the 82 vette
L83 (crossfire) 200 HP @ 4200 and torque 283@2800 rpm
hope this helps
for 79 L48 with 185 HP @ 4000 rpm and 270lb-ft torque @2400 RPM and L82 with 220 Hp @5200 RPM Torque 260 @ 3600 RPM
for 80 there were three engine options the 305 for california the L48 and the L82
the 305 numbers 180 HP @4200 torque 255@2000 the L48 185 HP@ 4000 RPM and Torque 270 @ 2400 RPM the L82 220 HP @ 5200 torque 260 @ 3600 RPM
the 81 vette had the L81
190 HP @4200 and torque 280 @ 1600 rpm
and since we are on a roll here is the data for the 82 vette
L83 (crossfire) 200 HP @ 4200 and torque 283@2800 rpm
hope this helps
11-05-2009, 02:02 PM
#4
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11-05-2009, 07:11 PM
#5
Melting Slicks
for the record!!! 81 did not offer L48 engine. the only available option was the L81 for all 50 states.
for 79 L48 with 185 HP @ 4000 rpm and 270lb-ft torque @2400 RPM and L82 with 220 Hp @5200 RPM Torque 260 @ 3600 RPM
for 80 there were three engine options the 305 for california the L48 and the L82
the 305 numbers 180 HP @4200 torque 255@2000 the L48 185 HP@ 4000 RPM and Torque 270 @ 2400 RPM the L82 220 HP @ 5200 torque 260 @ 3600 RPM
the 81 vette had the L81
190 HP @4200 and torque 280 @ 1600 rpm
and since we are on a roll here is the data for the 82 vette
L83 (crossfire) 200 HP @ 4200 and torque 283@2800 rpm
hope this helps
for 79 L48 with 185 HP @ 4000 rpm and 270lb-ft torque @2400 RPM and L82 with 220 Hp @5200 RPM Torque 260 @ 3600 RPM
for 80 there were three engine options the 305 for california the L48 and the L82
the 305 numbers 180 HP @4200 torque 255@2000 the L48 185 HP@ 4000 RPM and Torque 270 @ 2400 RPM the L82 220 HP @ 5200 torque 260 @ 3600 RPM
the 81 vette had the L81
190 HP @4200 and torque 280 @ 1600 rpm
and since we are on a roll here is the data for the 82 vette
L83 (crossfire) 200 HP @ 4200 and torque 283@2800 rpm
hope this helps
06-22-2016, 03:20 AM
#6
Those of you who've driven 1979-80 L48 & L82...
For 1979-80, is the power & driving experience of the L48 vs L82, night vs day? Is it a subtle or dramatic difference?
Thank you.
Thank you.
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pdx-vette (06-22-2016)
06-22-2016, 05:55 PM
#8
Anyone else willing to share their experience(s)?
06-22-2016, 07:34 PM
#9
Realistically.either engine will get ya out and down the road nicely..Other than dyno measurement..doubt very many drivers of comparable year cars in comparable good running condition could discern the difference with the hood shut..I run a stock L48 in my '78..exception being performance headers and true dual exhaust w/no cat converter..and new wires, etc..&upgraded float on the Rochester quadrajet..I also use only ethanol free 92 octane gas..JIM
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pdx-vette (08-21-2016)
06-23-2016, 10:42 PM
#10
Instructor
jim, I'm going to have to disagree. A 35 hp difference is definitely noticeable to most people. If you regularly see 4500 plus rpm like I do it would become very obvious due to the powerband differences of the two cams.
Now if a guy envisions a rebuild or upgrades in the future the L48 is probably the better choice to start with.
Now if a guy envisions a rebuild or upgrades in the future the L48 is probably the better choice to start with.
06-24-2016, 12:29 PM
#11
jim, I'm going to have to disagree. A 35 hp difference is definitely noticeable to most people. If you regularly see 4500 plus rpm like I do it would become very obvious due to the powerband differences of the two cams.
Now if a guy envisions a rebuild or upgrades in the future the L48 is probably the better choice to start with.
Now if a guy envisions a rebuild or upgrades in the future the L48 is probably the better choice to start with.
08-21-2016, 05:02 AM
#12
The difference between the L48 & L82 is 30 HP in 1979 & 40 HP in 1980. I think there was about a 1.2 second difference in 0-60 times.
Last edited by pdx-vette; 08-21-2016 at 05:03 AM.
08-21-2016, 09:06 AM
#13
I owned 78 L48 and 79 L82 , practically new back then. Both were fine for the day. L48 was super smooth nice grocery getter with auto , AC and 3:08 .
I traded it for the nearly new 79 L82 M21 3:70 axle car.with special suspension, alloy wheels , fat Eagle GT tires.
The personality were entirely different .
Dumping the cat., installing 74 style big exhaust , remove smog pump. Retuned . I was happy ....unless I bought a mega dollar Ferrari , nothing was as fast dollar for dollar in 1980.
This car ran as strong as the L82 74 cam corvette I had before both
I'll take the L82
I traded it for the nearly new 79 L82 M21 3:70 axle car.with special suspension, alloy wheels , fat Eagle GT tires.
The personality were entirely different .
Dumping the cat., installing 74 style big exhaust , remove smog pump. Retuned . I was happy ....unless I bought a mega dollar Ferrari , nothing was as fast dollar for dollar in 1980.
This car ran as strong as the L82 74 cam corvette I had before both
I'll take the L82
Last edited by LS4 PILOT; 08-21-2016 at 09:07 AM.
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pdx-vette (08-21-2016)
09-07-2016, 02:00 AM
#15
Hopefully I'll come across a sweet L82 at a good price, otherwise a pristine L48 still makes an excellent Sunday cruiser - either way it'll be a 4-speed.
Last edited by pdx-vette; 09-07-2016 at 02:01 AM.
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pdx-vette (09-07-2016)
09-09-2016, 07:46 AM
#17
Racer
vtwindog@gmail.com
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pdx-vette (09-10-2016)
09-09-2016, 03:43 PM
#18
for the record!!! 81 did not offer L48 engine. the only available option was the L81 for all 50 states.
for 79 L48 with 185 HP @ 4000 rpm and 270lb-ft torque @2400 RPM and L82 with 220 Hp @5200 RPM Torque 260 @ 3600 RPM
for 80 there were three engine options the 305 for california the L48 and the L82
the 305 numbers 180 HP @4200 torque 255@2000 the L48 185 HP@ 4000 RPM and Torque 270 @ 2400 RPM the L82 220 HP @ 5200 torque 260 @ 3600 RPM
the 81 vette had the L81
190 HP @4200 and torque 280 @ 1600 rpm
and since we are on a roll here is the data for the 82 vette
L83 (crossfire) 200 HP @ 4200 and torque 283@2800 rpm
hope this helps
for 79 L48 with 185 HP @ 4000 rpm and 270lb-ft torque @2400 RPM and L82 with 220 Hp @5200 RPM Torque 260 @ 3600 RPM
for 80 there were three engine options the 305 for california the L48 and the L82
the 305 numbers 180 HP @4200 torque 255@2000 the L48 185 HP@ 4000 RPM and Torque 270 @ 2400 RPM the L82 220 HP @ 5200 torque 260 @ 3600 RPM
the 81 vette had the L81
190 HP @4200 and torque 280 @ 1600 rpm
and since we are on a roll here is the data for the 82 vette
L83 (crossfire) 200 HP @ 4200 and torque 283@2800 rpm
hope this helps
09-10-2016, 06:24 PM
#19
I have an 81. Lets just say that my 2016 Tacoma gives it a run for its money. Its great to cruise around in but the TH350 sucks and 190 ponies gets old. I recently installed an iron rear end on my bat wing with 3.55s and put a TKO-600 in. I'll let you know how the car runs with the LS3 in about a month.
-Michael
09-12-2016, 07:13 PM
#20
Drifting
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I have an 81. Lets just say that my 2016 Tacoma gives it a run for its money. Its great to cruise around in but the TH350 sucks and 190 ponies gets old. I recently installed an iron rear end on my bat wing with 3.55s and put a TKO-600 in. I'll let you know how the car runs with the LS3 in about a month.
-Michael
-Michael
Last edited by Metalhead140; 09-12-2016 at 07:14 PM.
