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Old Feb 26, 2005 | 11:48 PM
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Default Newbee with stupid question

I just bought a 79 about a month ago and am loving it, but I don't know much about corvettes. So please bear with me, I'm trying to learn. The car is in great shape and I'm just wondering how I can tell whether it has the L-48 or the L-82? Also wondering how easy it is to replace the power window gear? Sorry for the stupid question, but got to start from the beginning.
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Old Feb 27, 2005 | 04:24 AM
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Originally Posted by herron1345
I just bought a 79 about a month ago and am loving it, but I don't know much about corvettes. So please bear with me, I'm trying to learn. The car is in great shape and I'm just wondering how I can tell whether it has the L-48 or the L-82? Also wondering how easy it is to replace the power window gear? Sorry for the stupid question, but got to start from the beginning.
Take it out to the interstate and wind it real tight. If it blows before 6,000 rpm...its an L48. If it blows after 6k...its an L82!

Or, if you prefer not to blow the engine...a hood emblem will indicate if its an L82. No emblem=L48
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Old Feb 27, 2005 | 04:37 AM
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Several ways to check - all requiring you to examine some numbers. I am referencing my "Corvette Restoration Guide" by Richard Prince:

Intake manifold: If cast iron and part #14007376 or 1404414433 you have the stock intake for an L48. If aluminum and part #458420 or 14007378, you have the stock intake for an L82.

Engine: Check the pad on the front right deck (just where the right - passenger side - cylinder head ends and some flat block surface remains with numbers stamped on it). If you see a sequence of three letters that starts "ZA*" with the "*" replaced by a third letter being an "A" through "D", "F", "H", or "J", that indicates an L48 block. L82's have "ZBA" for 4-spds and "ZBB" for TH350 automatics. This three-letter suffix should also be part of the VIN number for your car. Check your title, registration, and dash at driver's side of windshield to be sure the numbers are the same!

What did you come up with?

Oh - power window gear? My car needed repairs to the driver's door regulator - a PITA to get out! You need to read up on your system before trying to fix an inop window. Get the GM service manual for your car and the Assembly Manual with Index from a vendor here...

Last edited by djcwardog; Feb 27, 2005 at 04:40 AM.
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Old Feb 27, 2005 | 06:05 AM
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According to the Corvette Black book the vin code should tell you
If the 5th digit is
8= 195 hp (L48)
4= 225 hp (L82)
By the way Congrats on your purchase and Welcome to the forum
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Old Feb 27, 2005 | 06:41 AM
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Originally Posted by guppie
According to the Corvette Black book the vin code should tell you
If the 5th digit is
8= 195 hp (L48)
4= 225 hp (L82)
By the way Congrats on your purchase and Welcome to the forum
so by what your saying,,,,here's my vin 1z37j3s4xxxxxxxx what would this be??-5 digit is a ''j'' or do you mean 5th number in that case it would be a ''4'' and a L-82---??

Last edited by carl a; Feb 27, 2005 at 07:05 AM.
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Old Feb 27, 2005 | 06:51 AM
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Originally Posted by carl a
so by what your saying,,,,here's my vin 1z37j3s432389 what would this be??-5 digit is a ''j'' or do you mean 5th number in that case it would be a ''4'' and a L-82---??

1z37j3s4xxxxx means 1973 coupe l48
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Old Feb 27, 2005 | 06:55 AM
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sorry but still dont see how you arrine at that. can you be more spacific?
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Old Feb 27, 2005 | 07:54 AM
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Originally Posted by carl a
sorry but still dont see how you arrine at that. can you be more spacific?

For 73’s, it was different…Fifth Digit Code: J=350ci 190hp, T=350ci 250hp, Z=454ci 275hp

Here's a link...
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Old Feb 27, 2005 | 07:55 AM
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http://www.autoinsurancetips.com/vin_number.htm
check this site out it might help you understand
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Old Feb 27, 2005 | 08:04 AM
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Originally Posted by stewyj
http://www.autoinsurancetips.com/vin_number.htm
check this site out it might help you understand
That a little bit of help - up to 64..Here's the link for Corvette VIN stuff...

click here...
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Old Feb 27, 2005 | 08:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Avette4me
For 73’s, it was different…Fifth Digit Code: J=350ci 190hp, T=350ci 250hp, Z=454ci 275hp

Here's a link...
i thought something wasnt right! very clear now! thanks
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Old Feb 27, 2005 | 08:46 AM
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Old Feb 27, 2005 | 11:02 AM
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The guy I bought it from was a pretty big corvette enthusiast and had totally rebuilt the engine and tranny. It's got stainless steal headers, custon flowmaster exhaust, chrome Edlebrock valve covers, Edlebrock carb, Edlebrock intake manifold, a/c conversion, performance spark plugs and wires, distributor, etc. etc.. Any way it looks pretty damn nice. He said he had about 6K miles on it since the rebuild. He said he had put about 14K into the car. All GM parts on the inside. He had to sell it to help pay for his new Z-06, darn, must be nice.
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