C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

78 4 speed

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 5, 2015 | 02:51 PM
  #1  
aiming's Avatar
aiming
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
Default 78 4 speed

Hey all,
going to look @ my first C3. New to Corvettes. Any help with what I should looking for, good or bad?
Thanks
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2015 | 03:24 PM
  #2  
MelWff's Avatar
MelWff
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,689
Likes: 2,572
Default

would be easier if you posted pictures of the car here covering engine, underside of the car, etc. Otherwise you have to determine things like how much is original to the car, original engine, transmission etc and be able to confirm that they are. Check for frame rust and damage. Does everything work, climate control, headlights, radio, etc. Body damage was there an accident in the cars history and how well was it repaired. You should try and find a local Corvette club who has someone willing to go with you.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2015 | 03:37 PM
  #3  
Revi's Avatar
Revi
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 150
From: Forth Worth TX
Default

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html

Take pictures of or document what is on the Trim Tag, VIN, and Engine Stamp Pad.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2015 | 03:48 PM
  #4  
aiming's Avatar
aiming
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
Default

Originally Posted by MelWff
would be easier if you posted pictures of the car here covering engine, underside of the car, etc. Otherwise you have to determine things like how much is original to the car, original engine, transmission etc and be able to confirm that they are. Check for frame rust and damage. Does everything work, climate control, headlights, radio, etc. Body damage was there an accident in the cars history and how well was it repaired. You should try and find a local Corvette club who has someone willing to go with you.
Good advice, Thanks
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2015 | 03:48 PM
  #5  
aiming's Avatar
aiming
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
Default

Originally Posted by Revi
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html

Take pictures of or document what is on the Trim Tag, VIN, and Engine Stamp Pad.
Thanks
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2015 | 04:54 PM
  #6  
BKarol's Avatar
BKarol
Melting Slicks
Veteran: Army
20 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,223
Likes: 666
From: Northeast
Default

If you are looking for some info/numbers:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...1978/78id.html

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...78/78prod.html

They produced about 8000 4spd of which 3385 were close ratio.

good luck.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2015 | 06:18 PM
  #7  
aiming's Avatar
aiming
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
Default Thanks

Originally Posted by karol
If you are looking for some info/numbers:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...1978/78id.html

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...78/78prod.html
Thank you
They produced about 8000 4spd of which 3385 were close ratio.

good luck.
That's big help!
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2015 | 04:11 AM
  #8  
hunt4cleanair's Avatar
hunt4cleanair
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Default

Originally Posted by aiming
Hey all,
going to look @ my first C3. New to Corvettes. Any help with what I should looking for, good or bad?
Thanks
Your title suggests you will be looking at a 78 four-speed. Know that the L48 motor was equipped in 1978 with a cast iron Muncie four-speed while the L82 was equipped with the Borg Warner alumnimum box four-speed.

The difference: Parts!
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-6

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 6, 2015 | 07:31 AM
  #9  
78L82's Avatar
78L82
Advanced
Supporting Member
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 56
Likes: 3
Default

I have a '78 L82 with a close ratio super T10 4 spd. Very fun car. It was running and driving when I bought it for $8,000. I put 3,000 mi. on it last summer and had a ball. I have since repaired the frame, rebuilt the suspension and rear end, replaced the brake system, and multiple other projects. I'm currently finishing stripping all the paint off and will be pulling the motor to be rebuilt to 400hp/400 ft.lbs. when it goes to get painted later this month. I currently have $27K in it (not counting my labor) and will have about $35,000 when finished. I'm guessing resale value would be about $15,000 so it's NOT an investment. However, I've totally enjoyed the process and it should be stone cold reliable when I'm finished. I plan to drive it until I'm too old to use the clutch and then give it to one of the grand kids who seems interested. The '78 is a really fine choice--easily "rodded" to get better than earlier shark performance w/out the initial purchase cost. The fastback styling allows enough luggage room for my wife and I to take week long trips. I will warn you though, you will get LOTS of people wanting to stop and talk to you about your car
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2015 | 10:08 AM
  #10  
aiming's Avatar
aiming
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
Default L48

Originally Posted by hunt4cleanair
Your title suggests you will be looking at a 78 four-speed. Know that the L48 motor was equipped in 1978 with a cast iron Muncie four-speed while the L82 was equipped with the Borg Warner alumnimum box four-speed.

The difference: Parts!
it is L48. Has repaint ,correct color. Not a bad repaint. Solid frame/cage. Interior needs minor work. Weak HP, 85k untouched motor. See how owner feels in week or so if not sold. Thanks for all's help.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2015 | 10:17 AM
  #11  
aiming's Avatar
aiming
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
Default nice

Originally Posted by 78L82
I have a '78 L82 with a close ratio super T10 4 spd. Very fun car. It was running and driving when I bought it for $8,000. I put 3,000 mi. on it last summer and had a ball. I have since repaired the frame, rebuilt the suspension and rear end, replaced the brake system, and multiple other projects. I'm currently finishing stripping all the paint off and will be pulling the motor to be rebuilt to 400hp/400 ft.lbs. when it goes to get painted later this month. I currently have $27K in it (not counting my labor) and will have about $35,000 when finished. I'm guessing resale value would be about $15,000 so it's NOT an investment. However, I've totally enjoyed the process and it should be stone cold reliable when I'm finished. I plan to drive it until I'm too old to use the clutch and then give it to one of the grand kids who seems interested. The '78 is a really fine choice--easily "rodded" to get better than earlier shark performance w/out the initial purchase cost. The fastback styling allows enough luggage room for my wife and I to take week long trips. I will warn you though, you will get LOTS of people wanting to stop and talk to you about your car
whatever I purchase, will not be a garage queen.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 78 4 speed





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:23 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-1
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE