1980 L82
"Rodstoration &am p;quot; In Progres
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 1
From: Frisco TX
Originally Posted by PairOf80s
Can someone tell me, or direct me to literature, that explains the difference between the L48 and L82 motors in 1980?
Brian
Brian
L48 is a two bolt main while the L82 is a 4 bolt main
L82 has the aluminum intake and free-er flower exhaust (I believe)
L82 had the optional electric cooling fan while the L48 did not
4 speed manual was only available in 80 with the L48 (which drove my decision)
I believe the L82 was listed with 230 hp while the L48 was listed with 196hp (I think)... driven primarily by compression ratio and better intake/exhaust flow.
We built our L48 up extensively and it now dyno's at 406hp at the rear wheels with 486 ft/lb troq. Very solid engine and we are very pleased.
I'll post the source and additional info if I can find it.
Ed
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1,485
From: Little Rock AR
The L-82 used the same intake manifold as the L-48 in '80. The heads used the same casting but were fitted with bigger valves, pushrod guideplates and screw-in studs for the L-82. The block was 4 bolt main with a windage tray vs the 2 bolt main L-48. The pistons and crank were forged for the L-82 where the L-48 used cast pieces there. The cam was bigger in the L-82. Compression was higher for the L-82 as well. The L-82 used a high pressure oil pump vs standard pressure in the L-48.
Some other calibration changes too but those parts differences are the highlights.
-Mark.
Some other calibration changes too but those parts differences are the highlights.
-Mark.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info, all. 
A couple of the things that I've noticed are:
1. Along with the electrical auxiliary cooling fan. It also has only five blades on the belt driven fan.
2. Along with the L82 badges on the fenders, the tach also says "L82" and has a 6000 RPM redline.
3. The L82 was 230 HP, the L48 was 190. According to the service manual the compression is higher, 9.0 vs. 8.5. The cam has higher lift. The Black Book says the Quadrajet is a different part number. It probably has different metering rods and/or hanger? The distributor is a different part number too. Maybe different counterweight springs?
I found a Car and Driver article online which blasts the new 1980 Corvette. They tested an L48 four speed. The top speeds per gear surprised me
Final-drive ratio 3.07:1
Gear Ratio Mph/1000 rpm Max. test speed
I 2.88 8.5 44 mph (5200 rpm)
II 1.91 12.9 67 mph (5200 rpm)
III 1.33 18.5 92 mph (5000 rpm)
IV 1.00 24.6 123 mph (5000 rpm)
123 mph for the L48??? I wonder what the L82 is capable of?
A couple of the things that I've noticed are:
1. Along with the electrical auxiliary cooling fan. It also has only five blades on the belt driven fan.
2. Along with the L82 badges on the fenders, the tach also says "L82" and has a 6000 RPM redline.
3. The L82 was 230 HP, the L48 was 190. According to the service manual the compression is higher, 9.0 vs. 8.5. The cam has higher lift. The Black Book says the Quadrajet is a different part number. It probably has different metering rods and/or hanger? The distributor is a different part number too. Maybe different counterweight springs?
I found a Car and Driver article online which blasts the new 1980 Corvette. They tested an L48 four speed. The top speeds per gear surprised me
Final-drive ratio 3.07:1
Gear Ratio Mph/1000 rpm Max. test speed
I 2.88 8.5 44 mph (5200 rpm)
II 1.91 12.9 67 mph (5200 rpm)
III 1.33 18.5 92 mph (5000 rpm)
IV 1.00 24.6 123 mph (5000 rpm)
123 mph for the L48??? I wonder what the L82 is capable of?
