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Okay. So I'm going to take a look at this 1980 L82. I couldn't attach the ad here but the details are as such.
74k miles. Vin is 1Z876AS430390.
Tires good. Original motor and transmission. But from the pictures the valve covers don't look original. Has an oil leak. Asking 13k. Ok...please give me your opinion on the car.
Last edited by Azvette621; Mar 22, 2022 at 08:42 PM.
You sure that's the original engine? doesn't look like it.
And are you certain it's a L82? What gear box?
Too many questions and poor quality photos to give an answer on value. Frame condition? Bird cage condition?
Still has a smog pump, but possibly a NOM engine? That's interesting. Are those center-bolt valve covers, like you'd find on a ZZ4 or otherwise on Vortec heads?
Paint looks good, but has faded/discolored on the urethane bumpers.
If it had a 5 or 6 speed manual already swapped, it might be worth that much...
How close is it to you? If the top-end has been updated (Vortec heads, new cam, etc), it could be nice. Do you know where to look for undisclosed rust issues, and also where the engine stamp pad is to confirm that the engine is original? The suffix code should be "ZBC", and the partial VIN should match.
$13K is still too much to pay for an automatic, but it's not like GM is making any more of these cars.
If it's the original block. and a good rust free car. and the interior is super nice. It could very well bring 13K. These cars are not going down in value anymore.
But an Automatic? Why? I would walk.
Engine originality in late C3s means very little. The question is how well does the engine in the car run? Those valve covers indicate Vortec style, non original heads. But they are better than the originals.
How close is it to you? If the top-end has been updated (Vortec heads, new cam, etc), it could be nice. Do you know where to look for undisclosed rust issues, and also where the engine stamp pad is to confirm that the engine is original? The suffix code should be "ZBC", and the partial VIN should match.
$13K is still too much to pay for an automatic, but it's not like GM is making any more of these cars.
He is close by to me. Bought the car apparently from a service member who went overseas. Previous guy kept records on the car. The engine was rebuilt. Unfortunately it is an automatic. He started at 15k and within 5 days lowered it to 13k. But the seller has it listed as Grey. I don't think Chevy made gray . I think its steel blue.
How close is it to you? If the top-end has been updated (Vortec heads, new cam, etc), it could be nice. Do you know where to look for undisclosed rust issues, and also where the engine stamp pad is to confirm that the engine is original? The suffix code should be "ZBC", and the partial VIN should match.
$13K is still too much to pay for an automatic, but it's not like GM is making any more of these cars.
I don't know where to look on engine block for stamp
5th digit in vin (6) indicates it was an L82,
No Gray or Steel Blue in 80
Check the trim tag drivers side hing area for colors.
Block stamped on right side of block on the pad just ahead of the cylinder head should also have the vin# stamped on it.
1. Looks to be that you're on the right track.
2. '80's are desirable as they are the last 'analog' cars.
3. The engine has been 'highly' modified. The intake manifold looks to be changed as well as carb. covers (or lack thereof) alternator/ aircleaner gone WHICK WOULD HAVE BEEN THE TWIN SNORKEL +8 HP WELL ENGINEERED VERSION... versus...this hot air intake model that the PO so erroneously added...{goes into the dumpster on day one}
4. Get the engine stamping number.
5. measure the crankshaft damper diameter, this should be 8" dia. (L-82)
This is a good start...more forensics needed.
Target price =$11,000
1. Looks to be that you're on the right track.
2. '80's are desirable as they are the last 'analog' cars.
3. The engine has been 'highly' modified. The intake manifold looks to be changed as well as carb. covers (or lack thereof) alternator/ aircleaner gone WHICK WOULD HAVE BEEN THE TWIN SNORKEL +8 HP WELL ENGINEERED VERSION... versus...this hot air intake model that the PO so erroneously added...{goes into the dumpster on day one}
4. Get the engine stamping number.
5. measure the crankshaft damper diameter, this should be 8" dia. (L-82)
This is a good start...more forensics needed.
Target price =$11,000
If you really want an L-82, it needs to still be an L-82. I would say it is no longer an L-82, as the entire top end has been changed (at the minimum). Might not even be the original block. The L-82 "premium" is gone here.
The plus side is the car looks nice and if it is a solid car you like you should consider it. Seller seems motivated so price your offer accordingly.
Furthermore....don't let the slush box sway you...yeah Sure an L-82 4spd is more desirable and worth more, BUT! about 80% of 80's were automatics.
This is a very similar car to my 78SA...(even more so to the 78 than the 82CE,even tho the body is the same!) The TH350 CBC is a very nice, no drama transmission. The CBC has the hi-stall- speed torque converter (2400 rpm) and the low inertia converter (spins up faster)...bullet proof.
Next find out what the rear end is. I'm guessing 3,08. (reasonable all-around economy, but not max performance.) Bear in mind that the difference between a 3.55 and a 3.08 is 15%. There is a clearly visible stamping on the bottom of the aluminum pumpkin with a date code and TWO LETTERS this is the ratio code.
Furthermore....don't let the slush box sway you...yeah Sure an L-82 4spd is more desirable and worth more, BUT! about 80% of 80's were automatics.
This is a very similar car to my 78SA...(even more so to the 78 than the 82CE,even tho the body is the same!) The TH350 CBC is a very nice, no drama transmission. The CBC has the hi-stall- speed torque converter (2400 rpm) and the low inertia converter (spins up faster)...bullet proof.
Next find out what the rear end is. I'm guessing 3,08. (reasonable all-around economy, but not max performance.) Bear in mind that the difference between a 3.55 and a 3.08 is 15%. There is a clearly visible stamping on the bottom of the aluminum pumpkin with a date code and TWO LETTERS this is the ratio code.
I'm starting to like the potential of this car!.
Unk.
The fact that you think it has potential is driving me to take a look.
Would love to chew this seller down to under 10k but I'd have to nit pick the car. Lol
Need some good advice on 1980 L82
