The Crossfire test mule?
First, thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Back in 1983, my dad bought a 78 Silver Anniversary from a Chevrolet dealer near Zanesville, OH. The car was all 78 on the outside, and also had the pace car front and rear spoilers. However, everything else about the car was all 1982. It literally looked like a 78 body was dropped on an 82. The car was very well put together, and functioned great.
Unfortunately, in 1998, my dad was forced to sell the car. Luckilly, after a 10 year search, I was able to buy it back in late 2013. If you want to see the story on my crazy search, here's a link to the YouTube video.
When I got the car back, sadly, someone had ripped out almost all of the 82 parts, including the engine and 700r4 transmission. I am slowly putting the car back to the way it was, minus the engine, as I don't know where it is.
This all being said, I want to see if anyone knows of an experimental car used by GM to test the 82 technology. I remember seeing a wagon that GM slipped the L98 into, to test it in secrecy, so I can see this being a possibility. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Josh
The major differences between a 78 and an 82 are going to be the trans, intake/throttle bodies/ecm/exhaust manifolds and an aluminum diff in the back.
BTW, that doesn't look like a ZZ4 to me. Perimeter bolt heads (L98 heads, which are used on the ZZ4, are center bolt) and an edelbrock intake (not as much of a clue, because people love throwing Edelbrocks on things *****-nilly).
Either way, congrats on getting your car back. I look my old ones up from time to time. Found one for sale and went to go look at it - the one or two owners between me and then had trashed it decently. (my avatar photo - the first car I bought for myself. Was quite a change to go to a 2002 after having driven the 78 as my only car for years and years)











