79 L 82 block #
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From: Winnipeg Manitoba
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GM used CE blocks for engines replaced under warranty. These could also be purchased from Chevrolet Parts Departments. Your car could otherwise be fine, but the engine has been replaced at some point in the past.
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Thanks Mike.So I am assuming they would have used a L82 block?
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Technically, there is no L82 block. All L82s were 350CID Chevy small blocks which GM used in literally dozens of GM applications and configurations. The casting number is 3970010. The 010 blocks are very common.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jul 25, 2016 at 10:22 AM.
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From: Winnipeg Manitoba
Thanks for the info.Guess I am wondering if it would be a 4 bolt main block.
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You have to understand that generally speaking the '79 hasn't yet become a particularly collectible Corvette. More Corvettes were produced in 1979 than had ever been produced in one year. In other words a lot of them were sold so they aren't particularly rare. On the other hand if it were an L82 (or even an L48) with 4-speed and gymkhana suspension loaded with options and in great condition, it would make a great car to own.
The big difference between the L82 and the L48 was the L82 came with a different cam, 4 bolt mains and a forged crank. Cylinder heads had 2.02 intake valves. It makes a great 350 to modify for performance. Many times when engines were changed under warranty, it was just the short block that was changed. The heads, intake and carb were just swapped over.
My point is that if the car is otherwise a car you would like to own, don't dismiss it just because the engine may not be original. At least until you know more about the engine and why it may have been changed. I would pass on a '79 with a rusty frame and or rust in the birdcage but with an original L82 engine, before I would dismiss the car you have so far described.
Good luck... GUSTO
.
The big difference between the L82 and the L48 was the L82 came with a different cam, 4 bolt mains and a forged crank. Cylinder heads had 2.02 intake valves. It makes a great 350 to modify for performance. Many times when engines were changed under warranty, it was just the short block that was changed. The heads, intake and carb were just swapped over.
My point is that if the car is otherwise a car you would like to own, don't dismiss it just because the engine may not be original. At least until you know more about the engine and why it may have been changed. I would pass on a '79 with a rusty frame and or rust in the birdcage but with an original L82 engine, before I would dismiss the car you have so far described.
Good luck... GUSTO
.