1stCorvette2013

If one were to assume a comparable C3, 1978, what would a reasonable price difference be to pay for L82 engine vs. L48 engine, if other factors, such as condition and mileage, were approximately equal? I am trying to decide between 2 C-3's I like a lot. One has L48 and one has L82. Both are automatic trans, similar condition overall and close on mileage. The L82 is $2,000.00 more than the L48. Is the additional $ for the L82 worth it? Thank you for your thoughts!

overBlown

I think the only way to answer that is to find out what you want from the car. What are you going to do with it and what kind of performance do you need from it. The difference in performance isn't really tremendous between the two. It's nothing like the modern day difference between a standard vette and a Z06 for instance. Once you let us know the answers to the above, it will be easier to help steer you.

qwank

with both being automatics, whichever one is in better shape is the one I would buy. If the L-82 was a manual, it would be a no brainer

1stCorvette2013

Just planning weekend driving with whichever one I buy. Just like the idea of the bigger engine, but not sure if it is worth the $2K.

ptaleo

How are you going to drive the car? From what I have seen on some websites, most L-82s had the heavy duty suspension, (mine does). I think 3.55 gears were standard but mine has 3.70 gears, really sucks going down the highway, but is fun to drive in town!

overBlown

Well if that is really all you want from it then I recommend the L48. And just to clarify, the L82 isn't bigger, it just has a bit more horsepower. They are both small block 350's. If modifying the engine for more power isn't high on your priority list then I wouldn't worry about the factory horsepower difference. Neither one of them will blow your socks off. My full size SUV will outrun them.

So for just casual cruising, I'd save the cash and go with the L48. Then if you get hit with the horsepower bug, you'll be ahead of the game when it comes time to start buying parts or even a new crate engine.

F22

My 1974 Corvette came with an L48 and is a factory four speed car. With just headers and an older Edelbrock Performer manifold, was a totally exciting car to drive! Because it was a stickshift car, it apparently was flogged repeatedly through it's entire life and still drives like that! Good luck with your search!
PS: Hope you read the sticky on ten things you should know about buying a C3 Corvette...

REELAV8R

The L-82 has forged crank and pistons, aluminum intake and 4 bolt mains, so if you plan on rebuilding the engine it's a much better base for making HP than the L-48.
Rear end ratio might be 3.55 instead of 3.08, not sure on that though.

rcread

They are both the same size. If you can do your own work, you can pretty easily surpass the L82's horsepower for less than $2K by modifying the L48.

Easy Mike

Entirely your choice. Options are usually desirable. The L-82 was optional.

gerry72

Given the parameters you set (all other things being equal), you would have to ask yourself if faced with the same decision when these two cars were new on the dealer's lot; Would you pay extra for the engine option?

FireballXL5

I would say condition of the rest of the car overall should make your decision for you... Most importantly mechanical, but also body and paint... There are certain places to look at for rust, such as the frame, birdcage, body mounts etc... Detailed in the sticky...

Small problems can lead to big money on these cars... So it matters greatly what condition you find both in... Take a look at both, and post pics of what you find... The more investigative you get with your photos ... The better the fine people on this forum can be to help you. ;-)

I seriously lucked out with my purchase... Didn't read the forum sticky until AFTER I purchased mine... Best tip in there... Bring a buddy who already OWNS a vette to look at them both with you ! They'll be able to identify the big ticket issues quickly ... And have a unbiased opinion about which is the better value...

widowmaker221

Save your $$ and get the cheaper priced L-48.That car should have 3:55 gears standard and the motor differences are minor as they are both 4 bolt mains, the L-82 has I believe a different cam,heads and a forged crank but $2k saved will make that L-48 romp!

BKarol

Std rear for a L48 is 3.08 with an automatic in 1978

Std rear for a l82 is 3.55 with an automatic

If it is a Calif L48 you got the 3:55 but then the hp was 175 compared to a regular L48 at 185. L82 has 220hp.

You could get that 35hp back for less than $2k.

joewill

you spend 2K more and then get 2K more when you sell, that is about it. all else equal?.. then get the more horsepower engine, it will sell faster when it comes time to sell.

if you look at the torque curves of both engines, you will find that both are about the same. they just do it at different rpm ranges. both will pin you equally against your seat when you punch it.. it is just that the L82 will pin you longer.

1stCorvette2013

How do I get the 35HP back?

20mercury

agree with the above, and a thought for you, if you check the Hagerty and other value guides, I think the L82 option is generally an adder of about $1000 +/- to value.

So the market will pay you a little more for that option all other considerations equal, Your call on what is of value to you and how the other factors add up.

LS4 PILOT

Buy the one that doesn't use oil.

I had a 78 L48 auto 3:08 rear , grocery getter she was smoothest quietest , zero oil leaks or consumption ...one of the best corvettes I've owned . Nothin ever broke or went wrong,AC worked great.......but ....I like shifting gears ....so I traded it for. 79 L 82 4 spd ....also a good car .

For me reliability is important....if you can't depend on the car ...then the fun is reduced .

F22

Easy! Heads, manifold, rebuild the Q-jet or an aftermarket, vacuum secondary type spreadbore Carb like a Holley, a cam and then headers.

My L-48 had an old Edelbrock Performer manifold, like the one you can find here for $60 and in fact, it's the correct one for a Corvette, because the Q-jet is a spreadbore!

L98 Aluminum heads - $1K, 58cc combustion chambers that match up with the dished pistons on the L48.

Headers, find used, easy. I know, these are for a BB or big block. $60

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...470668772.html

Cam, $155


http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lu...make/chevrolet

And you're there. That's what's in my L48. The small combustion chambers on the heads raised the compression from 8.5 to 9.5 or more. it is good for abit over 300 hp, compared to the 185 hp, that it had.

F22

You get the 35 hp back and at least another 80 more!