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Hello everyone, I am new on C3 forum. I moved over from the C4 forum after a years absence.. I sold my 87 and am looking at this 78. It has factory side pipes with fiberglass shields according to the PO. Was this a factory option or a dealer add on then? The VIN calls for a L48 have not had a chance to verify if the engine is original. There is a amature video on youtube search 78 vette and look for william niven. Cant post pics yet being a new member.
There were no factory side pipes available in 1978. The only year C3 factory side pipes were available was in 1969. They were most likely added by a PO and not any dealer.
A 78 was delivered with a 2-1-2 exhaust. Two pipes merged into one, then a single CAT, then split back into two pipes and mufflers.
There were no factory side pipes available in 1978. The only year C3 factory side pipes were available was in 1969. They were most likely added by a PO and not any dealer.
A 78 was delivered with a 2-1-2 exhaust. Two pipes merged into one, then a single CAT, then split back into two pipes and mufflers.
Thanks for the heads up. Learned alot with the C4 now on to the C3.
Hello everyone, I am new on C3 forum. I moved over from the C4 forum after a years absence.. I sold my 87 and am looking at this 78. It has factory side pipes with fiberglass shields according to the PO. Was this a factory option or a dealer add on then? The VIN calls for a L48 have not had a chance to verify if the engine is original. There is a amature video on youtube search 78 vette and look for william niven. Cant post pics yet being a new member.
Thanks
The wheels are not correct for 78. They are most likely from a 80-82 reproduction wheel.
The center area for the lug nuts should be black (Black center). Also Matte Aluminum Finish vs the polished look for 80-82.
Not sure if there ever was a wood grain finish for the console, It looks like there has been console work done, in the video you can see big gaps / poor fit between the console and the carpet panels.
Engine bay is not factory.
This is my L48 Factory Engine.
The door Panel trim that has corvette displayed on it is also not factory.
Last edited by cagotzmann; Apr 21, 2015 at 12:39 AM.
As stated no side pipes, no wood grain. He has taken some liberties in the engine compartment also but it doesn't mean it is bad only that you need to like it. Sounds nice
The wheels are not correct for 78. They are most likely from a 80-82 reproduction wheel.
The center area for the lug nuts should be black (Black center). Also Matte Aluminum Finish vs the polished look for 80-82.
Not sure if there ever was a wood grain finish for the console, It looks like there has been console work done, in the video you can see big gaps / poor fit between the console and the carpet panels.
Engine bay is not factory.
This is my L48 Factory Engine.
The door Panel trim that has corvette displayed on it is also not factory.
Originally Posted by Rky Mtn C6
Rear spoiler is aftermarket and wasn't available in 78. Valve covers are for a L-82 engine and not an L-48.
Originally Posted by karol
If you want to learn about the numbers here are a couple of good links:
As stated no side pipes, no wood grain. He has taken some liberties in the engine compartment also but it doesn't mean it is bad only that you need to like it. Sounds nice
Thanks for all the replies, I am not concerned about the originality of the car as much as the mechanical and drivability.
The wheels look good for aftermarket. I cant stand the wood grain on the console and dash, it has to go. The VIN calls for a L48 but the PO said it had a L-82 installed which to me is a good thing. The spoiler looks good to be aftermarket. The 69 model side pipes I have not made up my mind yet. Would like to have some chrome Hookers on there.
To someone looking for an original car this is not the one I know and am still learning but this I for pleasure on the weekends when I am not in the 2010 Camaro SS LS3.
The PO has every receipt for the last 20 years for everything done to the car.
Will pick it up this Friday and report back.
Thanks again everyone.
When I bought my car, a PO had installed the wood on the console and gauges as well and I hated it. Most of that stuff is die cut with adhesive on the back. My wife is an RN. An afternoon with a syringe and a bottle of Goo Gone got it all off. It was like new underneath. Start at a corner and inject the Goo Gone underneath. Take your time, go slow, and give it time to release.
When I bought my car, a PO had installed the wood on the console and gauges as well and I hated it. Most of that stuff is die cut with adhesive on the back. My wife is an RN. An afternoon with a syringe and a bottle of Goo Gone got it all off. It was like new underneath. Start at a corner and inject the Goo Gone underneath. Take your time, go slow, and give it time to release.
Thanks I'll give that a try. If I mess it up then time to start looking for replacement.
First Post 78 Vette Question
