L48? L82?
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 295
Likes: 2
From: Columbus OH
The fifth digit of the vin will indicate the engine type:
8=L48 6 = L82
L48 was 190hp stock, the L82 was 230hp stock
The last three char on the front engine pad should be ZBC for L82
I would not trust the valve covers or the hood emblems, easily applied and changed!
HTH
8=L48 6 = L82
L48 was 190hp stock, the L82 was 230hp stock
The last three char on the front engine pad should be ZBC for L82
I would not trust the valve covers or the hood emblems, easily applied and changed!
HTH
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City OK
The fifth digit of the vin will indicate the engine type:
8=L48 6 = L82
L48 was 190hp stock, the L82 was 230hp stock
The last three char on the front engine pad should be ZBC for L82
I would not trust the valve covers or the hood emblems, easily applied and changed!
HTH
8=L48 6 = L82
L48 was 190hp stock, the L82 was 230hp stock
The last three char on the front engine pad should be ZBC for L82
I would not trust the valve covers or the hood emblems, easily applied and changed!
HTH
Last edited by okgsds; Aug 11, 2009 at 02:40 PM. Reason: wrong URL
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 305
Likes: 50
1. If you have a 4-speed, it's an L-48, because you couldn't get a manual with an L-82.
2. On 1980s, the L-48 had a black air filter cover, while the L-82's had a chrome stock cover. (at least I'm pretty sure - someone correct me if I'm wrong)
The VIN will be the best way to tell, though, as mentioned above.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Caledon Ont
Thanks I will check the vin, the block is blue with smooth v.c's the the only other thing I gotta figure out is this number matching thing...when I bought the car the guy told me the number matched. I took his word for it... but didn't realy care at the time cause I would have bought it anyway.
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City OK
That is a good idea, how does one check this?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Caledon Ont
Thanks I will check the vin, the block is blue with smooth v.c's the the only other thing I gotta figure out is this number matching thing...when I bought the car the guy told me the number matched. I took his word for it... but didn't realy care at the time cause I would have bought it anyway.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 305
Likes: 50
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Should have checked this out before you bought. Probably could have saved some bucks!
No matter what year, everyone seems to have an L-82 rather than an L-48, when selling.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,445
Likes: 971
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
By the way, an L-82 makes 230 HP, not 210, and MUCH more with headers, true duals, and free flowing mufflers. It is actually a very good motor and can easily make 270-275 HP net with external modifications only. For those with true 1980 L-82's, things to consider before tearing the motor apart (I would pull it and save it, if you want more power) is
the 80 L-82 is the last year of the L-82, makes the most stock horsepower except the 73/74 (250 net HP), is very rare for that year (about 5,000 L-82's and 45,000 L-48's), and is the motor that made the most horsepower for the 80-82 body style. It is the last of that generation of decent engines.
I have been pleasantly surprised at the power of my L-82 with an unrestricted total exhaust, no pollution control at all, much lower operating temperature of 175-180 degrees, roller rockers, K & N airfilter on top of a holley 4175, etc. If you are looking for decent power, it is basically there, not a 400 HP crate motor, but not bad.
Last edited by jb78L-82; Aug 13, 2009 at 08:30 AM.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 295
Likes: 2
From: Columbus OH
In front of the passenger side cylinder head, just below it there is a pad (on an 80 it should be relatively square) flat surface. It may be covered by paint or dirt.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
From: Atlas is shrugging KC, MO area
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA