Novusuhu

Hey everyone

I want to buy a 1973 Corvette.

The thing that I don't know is:
What are the differences in appearance between an 1973 L48 and an L82?

blk79nj

I don't think there are any differences in the outward appearance.

Valve Covers on an L48 are painted engine color, L82 are usually aluminum. Over the years, these may have been swapped out.

As far as the VIN, the 5th digit will be a "T" for L82 and a "K" for L48.

Alan 71

Hi N,
The first thing to check would be the VIN plate on the drivers side windshield pillar.
The base motor VIN will contain a 'J' in the 5th location, while a car with the L-82 optional engine will have a 'T' in that location.
Then check the engine stamp's Broadcast Code, (3 letters), on the pad on the block that's right in front of the right side head.
CLD.... 1973 350 tur hydro 400
CLR.... 1973 350 4 spd trans.
CLS.... 1973 350 m/t, Calif
CLH.... 1973 350 t/h trans., NB2
Those letters will indicate what the engine you're looking at began it's life as.
Regards,
Alan

Here's where to look.
2 stamps:
Engine's assembly information... engine plant, date, configuration
VIN derivative... vin sequence number of vehicle it was first installed in.

grumpy73

horsepower is the difference. Body style is the same.

Tooch1

Hello,
You asked about" appearance "differences between the two. I can show you the differences in appearance between the two using my 73 as an example. Mine is originally an L48 which came with the painted steel valve covers. The L82 came with the finned aluminum valve covers. For the most part appearance wise, that's really the only visible difference you'll notice in the engine bay.The first two photos show my engine with aluminum valve covers. I did this after I had the car judged. The second two show it after I restored it back to its original appearance.
Note: The rubber seal on the AC in the bottom two photos is a reproduction. The seal on the top two is an original! See the difference?

Enjoy
Happy New Year All!
Tooch

Alan- The 73 base 350 4 speed engine suffix is CKZ.

7t9l82

The L -82 has a bigger harmonic balancer about 2 inches thick and about 8 inches in diameter,if it doesn't have that it's a good bet it's not an L -82. The 350 hrs power 350 the LT-1 and the L-82 all had the same balancer so if you find that you got the forged crank rods and pistons.a great starting point for a build up,they also had 4 bolt mains.

revitup

I believe that chrome distributor cover is a L-82 only item also. L-48 had a black plastic one. That applies to a '77 anyway, don't know how far back it's applicable.

Novusuhu

How much chould I give for the car iof it is an L48, and what if it is an L82?

Novusuhu

How much should I give for the car iof it is an L48, and what if it is an L82?

gbvette62

The L-82 emblems were first used in 1975, there were no emblems on the 73 or 74 L-82's.

The engine installed, has nothing to do with the top ignition shield used. All 68-77's used a chrome top ignition shield. The black plastic ignition shield was only used on 78 to 82's.

Easy Mike

What is the overall condition of the car? What is the seller asking? Have you seen the car? Can you post pics of it?

Tooch1

The chrome ignition shield on my car is correct for the 73. It was used all the way thru 77. Although it was alittle different starting with 75 because of the electronic ignition. :
Regards,
Tooch

Alan 71

Hi N,
"How much should I give for the car iof it is an L48, and what if it is an L82?"

I don't mean to hurt you feelings but... if you're uncertain how to determine if a car was an original L-82 car and whether that engine is still in the car to this day... you need some help in assessing what the rest of the car is too.

Do you have the experience to do that or know of someone that can help you?

A range of values you get here based on a few photos and a bit of information is NOT a substitute for having a knowledgable person look at the car with you.

Have you checked or do you know how to check to see if the car is rusty?
Once that's done you can begin to look at the rest of the car including what the current engine in is.

A car that left St.Louis with the L-82 engine may no longer have that engine. Just because it once WAS an L-82 doesn't make it any more valuable. It just becomes another car with out it's original engine.

Do you have someone that can help you?

Regards,
Alan

Novusuhu

Yes, there will be someone who will assist me in checking the technical stuff. I will see the car this Sunday.
I already have 77 Corvette. So I also know what to check...

The seller 'asks' 22K.
-> The guy said that the car has minimal rust on the chassis.
-> No rust on the windshield frame.
-> The engine (original) has 250HP (according to the seller).
-> I little bit of nose 'paint dammage'.
-> Automatic transmission.
-> Color is original red.
-> rally wheels
-> manual windows
-> black interior
-> Not original carb. -> Replaced by an Edelbrock carb.

I have a feeling that 22K is too high... but what's a good price for a 1973 in 'good' condition.

Here are some photo's from the seller:

Tooch1

The car doesn't look bad from what we can see in the photo. The paint appears to be the original Mille Miglia Red,It has the orange cast to it, depending on how the sun hits it!The interior looks original and n good condition from what I see in the photo. It has correct style round 73 mufflers and what appear to be correct one year only exhaust tips. But we will need to see some undercarriage and engine pics. Vin# and engine stamping would also be great. $22,000 isn't a bad starting point for an L82"WELL"optioned 73. If it has the original engine and tranny. You'll need to make sure it isn't rusted in all the normal places though. Rims were painted, but no a big deal. Auto trans isn't as desirable as a 4 speed..Coupe not as desirable as a convertible... I'm not seeing the chrome edges on the front grille sections. May have been replaced or repainted. Right side side marker light lense is also missing.?
Tooch

Alan 71

Hi N,
Having someone to go with you to look the car over I is a good thing!

"Minimal rust" means different things to different people. Generally there no reason to knowingly get involved with a rusty car. So be extra cautious.
(Don't immediately fall in love and then be blind to the reality about the car.)

Tooch's observations are certainly valuable! It would be good if he could see some more photos!!

Regards,
Alan

Blue73Shark

Check out this site to get an idea of what other 73's are selling for:

http://www.usedcorvettesforsale.com/c3-corvettes/1973/

Fran

Novusuhu

VIN#: LZ37J3F406 913GM
I think it is an L48... Price is to much then?
The data plate on the center console says:
-> 350 cu.
-> 270 torque
-> 8:5:1 comp.

Blue73Shark

Although data plates can be changed, the torque and compression ratio numbers you have indicate it is an L48.

Fran

Easy Mike

Might want to double check. What you have posted is not a correct Corvette VIN. For 73, the format should be 1Z37J3S406913 with no spaces and no GM on the end of it.

The alpha J indicates the L-48 base engine.