79 vette engine type
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta area Georgia
79 vette engine type
Looking at a 1979 t-top corvette. There were 2 engines available
L48 and L82. Is a pre 1981, so the vin only has 13 characters.
Which character identifies the motor and what is the character for each motor.
Tks Preacher Putz
L48 and L82. Is a pre 1981, so the vin only has 13 characters.
Which character identifies the motor and what is the character for each motor.
Tks Preacher Putz
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 150
From: Forth Worth TX
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta area Georgia
79 Corvette L-48
What kind of ET should this run in the 1/4 mile
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,442
Likes: 967
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Everything you could want to know about C3's including your 79 is at:
gmheritagecenter.com
Fifth digit of the VIN on the L-48 is the number "8"
Fifth digit of the 79 C3 VIN for the L-82 is the number "4"
L-48's were dogs 0-60 MPH and 1/4 MPH whether auto or 4 speed..4 speed 79 L-48 7.8 sec/quarter 16's, L-48 Auto 0-60 MPH 9.5 Sec
Source Here: http://www.corvsport.com/Corvette/C3...fications.html
L-82's 0-60 sec 6.6 sec auto (R&T 1979)/ 6.5 sec 4 speed (R&T 78 L-82 time)...1/4 in 15.2 sec totally stock hobbled by all the crap emissions equipment.
Big Difference in Engines both in how they were made and performance. L-48's are standard GM passenger car motors
gmheritagecenter.com
Fifth digit of the VIN on the L-48 is the number "8"
Fifth digit of the 79 C3 VIN for the L-82 is the number "4"
L-48's were dogs 0-60 MPH and 1/4 MPH whether auto or 4 speed..4 speed 79 L-48 7.8 sec/quarter 16's, L-48 Auto 0-60 MPH 9.5 Sec
Source Here: http://www.corvsport.com/Corvette/C3...fications.html
L-82's 0-60 sec 6.6 sec auto (R&T 1979)/ 6.5 sec 4 speed (R&T 78 L-82 time)...1/4 in 15.2 sec totally stock hobbled by all the crap emissions equipment.
Big Difference in Engines both in how they were made and performance. L-48's are standard GM passenger car motors
Last edited by jb78L-82; Apr 4, 2016 at 01:30 PM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 528
Likes: 9
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
Seriously, I don't know the answer, but this is not a fast car in it's stock state and the L48 isn't known for being a great platform for adding power to because the entire top end is less than optimal. By the time you redo the top end and exhaust, you'll wish you had a fresh, four bolt block... which you won't.
So, start shopping crate engines and engine stands.
Silver Sport Transmission just sent me a quote for a new GM turnkey 350 330 horse and a 5 speed TKO transmission and auto to manual conversion kit at just a touch over $10K.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 155
Likes: 6
I have a 1978, originally an L48. I ripped out the Motor and Transmission after 100 miles of owning it lol. Brand new built 355 (about to have a blower on it) and a 700R4 went into it. The L48 was like driving a loud 4 cylinder.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,442
Likes: 967
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
I have had my 78 L-82 4 speed since 1983 and the performance was not bad for the years up to 2014 with no emissions, headers, 2.5 duals etc when I developed a piston issue. I rebuilt the OEM motor (numbers matching..build date 10-02-77) with the OEM L-82 forged crank, OEM L-82 forged rods, L-82 aluminum intake, L-82 valve covers, etc AND AFR 180 aluminum heads, JE forged racing pistons/rings (.030 over-355 now), Howards Roller cam (,525 lift, duration 219/225,. LSA 110), 10.2 compression...the engine now has serious testosterone...it screams to 6,000 RPM. Holy smokes!...cost me more than a 383 crate engine (corvettes never came with 383's LOL) to build but wanted to retain the L-82 look with more performance than most 383 crate motors...mission accomplished.
Last edited by jb78L-82; Apr 4, 2016 at 01:45 PM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta area Georgia
Thanks for the info on the L48 it will be a pass. Currently have a 96/auto turned a
best of 13.80 at a little over 100mph in the quarter. I'm fine, was looking for something
for my wife. Will keep looking
tks again Putz
best of 13.80 at a little over 100mph in the quarter. I'm fine, was looking for something
for my wife. Will keep looking
tks again Putz
