l48 engine
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,106
Likes: 0
l48 engine
i have a 1979 corvette l48 and i dont think that the engine is truely a l48 also i cant find the rpo #s so i need to know if i can purchase a l48 or l82 crate engine and where to find the rpo codes to verify the rest of the car. Also there is a gap in my front spoilers on the sides between the lower lip and where it is screwed on i need to know how to fix this if i can. thank you
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Re: l48 engine (battsup)
My factory stock spoilers have a gap, although their is no open air behind them.
Anyways, about the engine..
The RPO # would be on the build sheet, which is hidden on top of the gas tank. If it's still legible, you may be able to get the info.
...actually, the easiest way to get it would be to decode your VIN.
79 VIN goes like this. 1Z87?9S4XXXXX
If the ? in your vin is an 8, you have the L-48. If it is a 4, you have the L-82.
As far as crate motors go, there's no such thing nowadays as an L-48 crate or an L-82 crate. The GM GW350 is a close approximation of the L-48 in terms of power, but it is NOT an L-48. The only hope for you getting another L-48 or L-82 is to get another vette, and even then the engine VIN won't match the body VIN. If your engine is not original, I'd take that as an excuse to have fun with the motor. Drop in a ZZ4, or build something better as I plan on doing.
-Steve
Anyways, about the engine..
The RPO # would be on the build sheet, which is hidden on top of the gas tank. If it's still legible, you may be able to get the info.
...actually, the easiest way to get it would be to decode your VIN.
79 VIN goes like this. 1Z87?9S4XXXXX
If the ? in your vin is an 8, you have the L-48. If it is a 4, you have the L-82.
As far as crate motors go, there's no such thing nowadays as an L-48 crate or an L-82 crate. The GM GW350 is a close approximation of the L-48 in terms of power, but it is NOT an L-48. The only hope for you getting another L-48 or L-82 is to get another vette, and even then the engine VIN won't match the body VIN. If your engine is not original, I'd take that as an excuse to have fun with the motor. Drop in a ZZ4, or build something better as I plan on doing.
-Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: l48 engine (battsup)
The L48 was the base engine in that car, and it really isn't anything to get dewy-eyed about -- 190 hp(?!) in stock form. Anyhow, save your nickels and dimes in a jar and get a GM Performance ZZ4 engine as mentioned above. That will put some excitement under the hood! :yesnod:
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis, Missouri
Re: l48 engine (battsup)
The VIN should be stamped on the front of the block, near the passenger side head. Also, the engine code for a '79 L-48 should be something like "ZAH", etc.
If you're on a budget, for less than $1,500 you can get a new GM 4-bolt 350 with more horsepower (249) than either a L-48 or L-82. 36,000 mile warranty too.
http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?act...id=128&pid=110
If you're on a budget, for less than $1,500 you can get a new GM 4-bolt 350 with more horsepower (249) than either a L-48 or L-82. 36,000 mile warranty too.
http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?act...id=128&pid=110
