HELP!!! L82 or L48?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: St. Paul MN
HELP!!! L82 or L48?
I am considering buying a 78 pace car and have talked to many people about their cars. I know the HP difference between the L48 and L82 engine but should I only consider buying a car with a particular engine because of problems etc. I assume if the catalytic converter is taken off and separate exhausts are put on you would get better performance in either. I guess my question is-would it be unwise to purchase a L48 because of the performance issue? Thanks for your help!! :chevy
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis, Missouri
Re: HELP!!! L82 or L48? (74stinger)
There was only a 30 horsepower difference between these engines (15%) at that time. The L-82 has 4 bolt mains, stronger cam, etc but this is a moot issue since after 24 years and tens of thousands of miles, the engine will be replaced soon anyway.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,663
Likes: 3
From: Palm Harbor FL
Re: HELP!!! L82 or L48? (74stinger)
There were no "problems" with the L48 or the L82 (other than smog equipment choking the HP out of them). The difference is production #'s. i.e. In 1979 there were over 53,000 Vettes made, but only 14,000+ had L82's. So the L82 is a bit more rare and fetches a higher value. There were only 4,062 MM4 4-speed manual close ratio transmissions, so an L82 with a close ratio 4-speed manual fetches even MORE. That's the only REAL consideration. In terms of performance/reliability, there's no significant difference. The bottom end of the L82 was a little beefier (4 bolt main, forged crank, extruded pistons) and they had larger valves and screw in studs that allowed for a 6,000 rpm redline, but as mentioned above, on an old engine, probably not an issue.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,551
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From: No link, No dupe
Re: HELP!!! L82 or L48? (74stinger)
My feeling is that it depends on what you plan to do with the car. If you plan on lots of engine upgrades, buy the L48. It is cheaper, and no use in paying more for something you are going to change anyhow. If you are buying the car to drive on Sundays, or trailer to car shows, only then would I spend extra money on the L82. Hope this helps!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 499
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From: honolulu HI
Re: HELP!!! L82 or L48? (shotgun_000)
i good l-48 is better then a bad l-82..i got lucky and got a bad l-82 that was easy to make good.. :jester the l-42,l-82 option was not even something i was considering on the purchase..like many said its very easy to increase the HP on these engines to get the power u want..but with that said if i had the choice between 2 similar vettes i would pay a few more bucks for the l-82..
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: St. Paul MN
Re: HELP!!! L82 or L48? (74stinger)
Thanks for all the insight. It appears the majority of you would take the L82 over the L48 even if it costs a few more bucks. Does anyone know of someone that has one of these cars ( in good shape) :chevy
