3380 lbs with 20 gallons
07-01-2010, 08:10 AM
#41
Le Mans Master
I am curious what you think about the braking effectiveness versus the OEM brakes, better, same, and I am certain not worse? Also, your opinions about the drilled rotors and their effect? You can PM if you want since I don't want to hijack the thread!
07-01-2010, 08:30 AM
#42
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Future weight reductions:
Late model plastic master cylinder
Lightweight hood
aluminum radiator
aluminum rear end with aluminum driveshaft
Plexiglass rear window
remove the gaurd beams from my heavy *** doors
Aluminum upper and lower A arms
OK, here is the big dream, aluminum Gen I 396 or 427 small block
Late model plastic master cylinder
Lightweight hood
aluminum radiator
aluminum rear end with aluminum driveshaft
Plexiglass rear window
remove the gaurd beams from my heavy *** doors
Aluminum upper and lower A arms
OK, here is the big dream, aluminum Gen I 396 or 427 small block
It was mentioned earlier (post #27) that the later t-tops are lighter (than the early ones I have). Any chance I could talk you into weighing one of your tops for comparison to mine?
thanks,
Mike
07-01-2010, 09:43 AM
#43
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, have the same size pistons as stock. I did the hydroboost mod at the same time. The calipers come loaded with high performance pads. All of this with 275 tires up front, I now have brakes equal to my brakes on my Porsche.Bee Jay
Last edited by Bee Jay; 07-01-2010 at 10:25 AM.
07-01-2010, 09:44 AM
#44
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Bee Jay
07-01-2010, 11:10 AM
#45
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I have the Dec 1978 Car And Driver magazine write up on the 79 L-82 Corvette and they list the weight as 3,480 Lbs with the L-82, 4 speed, gymkhana suspension, 255/60/15 tires and rims, HD battery, AM?FM radio with CB, tilt and telescope steering wheel, rear defogger, Convience group and sport mirrors.
I also have the 1978 Road and Track Summary tests for all the cars they tested in 1978 and a 78 Corvette L-82 4 speed does 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds (not bad in 78) and stopped from 80 MPH - 0 in 244 feet.
In the same magazine, the Datsun 280 Z does 0-60 MPH in 9.4 seconds and stops from 80 MPH in 221 feet.
Same Road and Track Summary, a 1978 Porsche 911SC does 0-60 MPH in 6.3 secs and stops from 80 MPH in 248 Feet.
The only cars faster than a 78 corvette 0-60 in 1978 was the Porsche Turbo (5.0) and a Ferrari 512 Boxer (5.5). Lamborghini Countach is 6.8.
From these figures, I would surmise that the corvettes weight is closer to 3,500 lbs especially when you look at the Porsche figures since the 911SC is about 2,900-3,000 Lbs with less horsepower.
I also have the 1978 Road and Track Summary tests for all the cars they tested in 1978 and a 78 Corvette L-82 4 speed does 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds (not bad in 78) and stopped from 80 MPH - 0 in 244 feet.
In the same magazine, the Datsun 280 Z does 0-60 MPH in 9.4 seconds and stops from 80 MPH in 221 feet.
Same Road and Track Summary, a 1978 Porsche 911SC does 0-60 MPH in 6.3 secs and stops from 80 MPH in 248 Feet.
The only cars faster than a 78 corvette 0-60 in 1978 was the Porsche Turbo (5.0) and a Ferrari 512 Boxer (5.5). Lamborghini Countach is 6.8.
From these figures, I would surmise that the corvettes weight is closer to 3,500 lbs especially when you look at the Porsche figures since the 911SC is about 2,900-3,000 Lbs with less horsepower.
I'm just telling you what the documentation from GM said - my 79 includes air conditioning, power windows and power locks and it is about 3700 lbs. I was referring to my 280ZX, not to a 280Z - they're two different cars and the performance is similar to my Corvette.
Last edited by Priya; 07-01-2010 at 11:15 AM.
07-01-2010, 11:34 AM
#46
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JB, here it is direct from the GM specifications manual:
Base weight for a 79 L48 Corvette with no options and 3 gallons of gas 3503
Power windows 4
glass roof panels 14
rear defogger 1
air conditioning with L82 engine 58
Gymkhana suspension 5
tilt steering 7
heavy duty battery 5
AM/FM radio with tape player 13
power antenna 4
operating convenience package 9
convenience package 7
L82 engine 24
----
Total 3654
Edit: I got it wrong above. I used the figure for a full tank of gas, not 3 gallons, that added 129 lb too much, added 17lb too much for L82 and didn't subtract 14 lb for close ration 4 speed the numbers should have been:
Base weight for a 79 L48 Corvette with no options 3 gallons of gas 3374
Options add lbs as follows:
Power windows 4
Power door locks 6
glass roof panels 14
rear defogger 1
air conditioning with L82 engine 58
Gymkhana suspension 5
tilt steering 7
heavy duty battery 5
AM/FM radio with tape player 13
power antenna 4
operating convenience package 9
convenience package 7
L82 engine +7
Close ratio 4 speed manual -14
----
Total 3497
Base weight for a 79 L48 Corvette with no options and 3 gallons of gas 3503
Power windows 4
glass roof panels 14
rear defogger 1
air conditioning with L82 engine 58
Gymkhana suspension 5
tilt steering 7
heavy duty battery 5
AM/FM radio with tape player 13
power antenna 4
operating convenience package 9
convenience package 7
L82 engine 24
----
Total 3654
Edit: I got it wrong above. I used the figure for a full tank of gas, not 3 gallons, that added 129 lb too much, added 17lb too much for L82 and didn't subtract 14 lb for close ration 4 speed the numbers should have been:
Base weight for a 79 L48 Corvette with no options 3 gallons of gas 3374
Options add lbs as follows:
Power windows 4
Power door locks 6
glass roof panels 14
rear defogger 1
air conditioning with L82 engine 58
Gymkhana suspension 5
tilt steering 7
heavy duty battery 5
AM/FM radio with tape player 13
power antenna 4
operating convenience package 9
convenience package 7
L82 engine +7
Close ratio 4 speed manual -14
----
Total 3497
Last edited by Priya; 02-12-2013 at 01:51 PM. Reason: error in previous calculations
07-01-2010, 12:36 PM
#47
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JB, here it is direct from the GM specifications manual:
Base weight for a 79 L48 Corvette with no options and 3 gallons of gas 3503
Power windows 4
glass roof panels 14
rear defogger 1
air conditioning with L82 engine 58
Gymkhana suspension 5
tilt steering 7
heavy duty battery 5
AM/FM radio with tape player 13
power antenna 4
operating convenience package 9
convenience package 7
L82 engine 24
----
Total 3654
Base weight for a 79 L48 Corvette with no options and 3 gallons of gas 3503
Power windows 4
glass roof panels 14
rear defogger 1
air conditioning with L82 engine 58
Gymkhana suspension 5
tilt steering 7
heavy duty battery 5
AM/FM radio with tape player 13
power antenna 4
operating convenience package 9
convenience package 7
L82 engine 24
----
Total 3654
Bee Jay
Bee Jay
07-01-2010, 12:45 PM
#48
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I have the Dec 1978 Car And Driver magazine write up on the 79 L-82 Corvette and they list the weight as 3,480 Lbs with the L-82, 4 speed, gymkhana suspension, 255/60/15 tires and rims, HD battery, AM?FM radio with CB, tilt and telescope steering wheel, rear defogger, Convience group and sport mirrors.
I also have the 1978 Road and Track Summary tests for all the cars they tested in 1978 and a 78 Corvette L-82 4 speed does 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds (not bad in 78) and stopped from 80 MPH - 0 in 244 feet.
In the same magazine, the Datsun 280 Z does 0-60 MPH in 9.4 seconds and stops from 80 MPH in 221 feet.
Same Road and Track Summary, a 1978 Porsche 911SC does 0-60 MPH in 6.3 secs and stops from 80 MPH in 248 Feet.
The only cars faster than a 78 corvette 0-60 in 1978 was the Porsche Turbo (5.0) and a Ferrari 512 Boxer (5.5). Lamborghini Countach is 6.8.
From these figures, I would surmise that the corvettes weight is closer to 3,500 lbs especially when you look at the Porsche figures since the 911SC is about 2,900-3,000 Lbs with less horsepower.
I also have the 1978 Road and Track Summary tests for all the cars they tested in 1978 and a 78 Corvette L-82 4 speed does 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds (not bad in 78) and stopped from 80 MPH - 0 in 244 feet.
In the same magazine, the Datsun 280 Z does 0-60 MPH in 9.4 seconds and stops from 80 MPH in 221 feet.
Same Road and Track Summary, a 1978 Porsche 911SC does 0-60 MPH in 6.3 secs and stops from 80 MPH in 248 Feet.
The only cars faster than a 78 corvette 0-60 in 1978 was the Porsche Turbo (5.0) and a Ferrari 512 Boxer (5.5). Lamborghini Countach is 6.8.
From these figures, I would surmise that the corvettes weight is closer to 3,500 lbs especially when you look at the Porsche figures since the 911SC is about 2,900-3,000 Lbs with less horsepower.
Bee Jay
07-01-2010, 03:36 PM
#49
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thanks,
Mike
07-01-2010, 04:40 PM
#50
Race Director
Thread Starter
The documentation I got from GM gave a base weight and then added weights for each option. I don't recall the exact numbers but my loaded 4 speed 79 came out around 3700 lb. I expect this must be correct because the 225 hp L82 car performs about the same as my 135 hp 280ZX which was around 3000 lb.
I have the Dec 1978 Car And Driver magazine write up on the 79 L-82 Corvette and they list the weight as 3,480 Lbs with the L-82, 4 speed, gymkhana suspension, 255/60/15 tires and rims, HD battery, AM?FM radio with CB, tilt and telescope steering wheel, rear defogger, Convience group and sport mirrors.
I also have the 1978 Road and Track Summary tests for all the cars they tested in 1978 and a 78 Corvette L-82 4 speed does 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds (not bad in 78) and stopped from 80 MPH - 0 in 244 feet.
In the same magazine, the Datsun 280 Z does 0-60 MPH in 9.4 seconds and stops from 80 MPH in 221 feet.
Same Road and Track Summary, a 1978 Porsche 911SC does 0-60 MPH in 6.3 secs and stops from 80 MPH in 248 Feet.
The only cars faster than a 78 corvette 0-60 in 1978 was the Porsche Turbo (5.0) and a Ferrari 512 Boxer (5.5). Lamborghini Countach is 6.8.
From these figures, I would surmise that the corvettes weight is closer to 3,500 lbs especially when you look at the Porsche figures since the 911SC is about 2,900-3,000 Lbs with less horsepower.
I also have the 1978 Road and Track Summary tests for all the cars they tested in 1978 and a 78 Corvette L-82 4 speed does 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds (not bad in 78) and stopped from 80 MPH - 0 in 244 feet.
In the same magazine, the Datsun 280 Z does 0-60 MPH in 9.4 seconds and stops from 80 MPH in 221 feet.
Same Road and Track Summary, a 1978 Porsche 911SC does 0-60 MPH in 6.3 secs and stops from 80 MPH in 248 Feet.
The only cars faster than a 78 corvette 0-60 in 1978 was the Porsche Turbo (5.0) and a Ferrari 512 Boxer (5.5). Lamborghini Countach is 6.8.
From these figures, I would surmise that the corvettes weight is closer to 3,500 lbs especially when you look at the Porsche figures since the 911SC is about 2,900-3,000 Lbs with less horsepower.
: cheers:
Last edited by pauldana; 07-01-2010 at 04:42 PM.
07-01-2010, 07:37 PM
#51
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JB, here it is direct from the GM specifications manual:
Base weight for a 79 L48 Corvette with no options and 3 gallons of gas 3503
Power windows 4
glass roof panels 14
rear defogger 1
air conditioning with L82 engine 58
Gymkhana suspension 5
tilt steering 7
heavy duty battery 5
AM/FM radio with tape player 13
power antenna 4
operating convenience package 9
convenience package 7
L82 engine 24
----
Total 3654
Base weight for a 79 L48 Corvette with no options and 3 gallons of gas 3503
Power windows 4
glass roof panels 14
rear defogger 1
air conditioning with L82 engine 58
Gymkhana suspension 5
tilt steering 7
heavy duty battery 5
AM/FM radio with tape player 13
power antenna 4
operating convenience package 9
convenience package 7
L82 engine 24
----
Total 3654
Bee Jay
07-01-2010, 08:17 PM
#52
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I weighed my t-tops. I got 13 1/2 pounds for the passenger side, and 10 1/4 pounds for the driver's side (with the headliner removed for helmet clearance).
07-01-2010, 09:21 PM
#53
Le Mans Master
JB, here it is direct from the GM specifications manual:
Base weight for a 79 L48 Corvette with no options and 3 gallons of gas 3503
Power windows 4
glass roof panels 14
rear defogger 1
air conditioning with L82 engine 58
Gymkhana suspension 5
tilt steering 7
heavy duty battery 5
AM/FM radio with tape player 13
power antenna 4
operating convenience package 9
convenience package 7
L82 engine 24
----
Total 3654
Base weight for a 79 L48 Corvette with no options and 3 gallons of gas 3503
Power windows 4
glass roof panels 14
rear defogger 1
air conditioning with L82 engine 58
Gymkhana suspension 5
tilt steering 7
heavy duty battery 5
AM/FM radio with tape player 13
power antenna 4
operating convenience package 9
convenience package 7
L82 engine 24
----
Total 3654
I am curious about the L-82 adding 24 pounds since the L-82 has an aluminum intake manifold and valve covers versus cast iron and steel on the L-48 but the L-82 has an AIR pump and hardward so maybe that does make sense.
My 78 L-82 4 speed has no A/C compressor (I took it off), regular T-Tops, shorty headers (no cast iron manifolds), no cat but true duals, no AIR pump and hardware, SLP 17 inch rims (seem lighter than the OEM aluminum rims), composite rear spring, aluminum radiator, aluminum water pump, no power antenna, windows, door locks, and no rear defogger. What do you think for wieght guys?
Last edited by jb78L-82; 07-01-2010 at 09:55 PM.
07-01-2010, 09:28 PM
#55
Le Mans Master
I ordered my '79 in Dec. '78. One of the magazines had tested the L-82 auto versus the 4-spd. The auto was quicker. So I ordered my L-82 with auto and quickly found out why it was quicker. The L-82 Auto got the Trans Am higher stall torque converter. Gas was up to $1.35 for premium and my gas mileage really sucked. If I had known that '79 would be the last L-82 four speed, I might have ordered it that way. If I had known the '80 would have integrated front and rear spoilers, I might have waited another six months before ordering. I was really pissed at Chevy when I saw the early '80 pictures. Chevy did make the Pace Car seats standard in '79, which saved a few pounds.
Bee Jay
Bee Jay
The 80 L-82 only came with an auto and 230 HP for the L-82.
Last edited by jb78L-82; 07-01-2010 at 10:01 PM.
07-01-2010, 09:45 PM
#56
Le Mans Master
1975 Datsun 280Z 0-60 MPH = 9.4 sec (this was listed in the 1978 summary but the test date June 1975)
1979 Datsun 280ZX (manual trans) 0-60 MPH = 9.2 sec (Issue 11-78)
Based on the HP figure you mentioned of 135 HP even if the car weighted under 3,000 Lbs which it probably did, a close to 100 HP deficit not to mention the torque issue, would make a performance comparison with the vette a difficult match. These are Road and Tracks numbers so please keep in mind the source.
Like I said before the ONLY cars that were faster than a 1978 L-82 4 Speed corvette 0-60 MPH according to the published figures in Road and Track in 1978 were the Porsche Turbo/911SC and the Ferrari Boxer, no one else. The 78/79 L-82's especially the 4 speeds were quite fast for that time compared to everything else out there. I had a friend with a 78 silver anniversary L-82 auto and found his car to be a completely different driving experience than the L-82 4 speed. The L-48 auto's were another story completely.
Last edited by jb78L-82; 07-01-2010 at 10:05 PM.
07-01-2010, 10:17 PM
#57
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Based on the number from Car and Driver that the magazine used and your numbers above, it appears that the 3480 looks close. Notice the option that the magazine lists: No A/C, no glass roof panels, no power antenna, no operating convenience group. Also that base number probably is for the auto. The 4 speeds are significantly lighter.
07-01-2010, 10:27 PM
#58
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)Thanks for checking the weights.
07-02-2010, 07:05 AM
#60
Le Mans Master
The reason is that the C3 vettes (and the C2's for that matter) all have the same frame, a small block V8 is a small block V8 especially if it does not have aluminum heads, sames brakes (disc and cailpers), sames steering mechanisms, aluminum wheels for most of the late 70's vettes versus the early 70's/late 60's, etc.
The only real differences are the interiors and the bodies. Are the bodies heavier later? Are the interiors hundreds of pounds heavier? Are the earlier weight numbers not accurate and the late 70's weights are more accurate than earlier years?
I do know that the late 70's vettes were supposedly safer due to a steel beam in each door but that is about it. The frames are the same and the suspensions are the same as well as the transmissions.
The differences are subtle changes so where is all the weight coming from?
Another questionable thought is that if you look at modern cars with 200-225 HP that weight 3,500 lbs-3,700lbs approximately,their 0-60 MPH times are no where near 6.5 secs which makes me question the weight issue. Granted there are many variables causing those times like V6 engines, transmission gearing etc but something does not add up. I think that the engine HP is correct so the only other variable is the weight of the car.
0-60 times of 6.5 secs for a 220-225 HP car that weighs 3,300 approximately is reasonable but not for one that weighs 3,700 pounds. See what I am getting at?
Last edited by jb78L-82; 07-02-2010 at 07:18 AM.