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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.
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
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.
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
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---??
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---??
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.