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Hi.
I am currently shopping for a 78-82 with an L82 engine. How can I tell if really IS an L82? Are there certain numbers stamped in the block? Are there certain parts that would indicate an L82? I mean, the VIN tag may say the car was built with an L82, but how can I confirm that the engine that is now in the car is an L82?
Any tips/ help would be much appreciated.
:confused:
The VIN will tell you. Mine had L82 badges on it but found out it was an L-48. On 77 L as the fifth digit means L48. X means L82. On 78 L still means L48 but I believe there is another digit for L82. I think L on 79-82 means L48 as well. Dont know what the #s for L82 for those years. Someone on here will. Good luck. I did not find out mine was L48 til after I bought it. As for the engine being original, there are numbers stamped on the block. I believe thay should match the last five of your VIN. :cheers:
The VIN will only tell you if it came from the factory with the L82. It cannot help you with what is in the car now. You would need to check the stamp pad to confirm the numbers there. Best bet is to pick up a copy of the "Corvette Blackbook" so that you will have the numbers for all the years you are interested in.
.[QUOTE] Best bet is to pick up a copy of the "Corvette Blackbook" so that you will have the numbers for all the years you are interested in.[QUOTE] DONT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT
mine is really an L-82 want it? :lol:
it is truly an L-82 but its has some mild massaging, so if your going original... still looks bone stock (the engine) and im actually painting black if your interested. IM me or email me if so.
Here is an example for a 1979 L-82 with a build date of November 6, 1978.
-V is Flint, Michigan
-1027 is engine date of October 27
-ZBB is automatic transmission
-19 is 1979 model year
-S is St. Louis, Missouri
-4 is L-82 (L-48 would be 8)
-10002 is the unit production number
On the VIN the fifth digit is 4 (L-82, the L-48 would be 8) and you see the matching production number of 10002.
First, I believe 1980 was the last year for the L-82 option. Second, don't pay too much more for an L-82. Assuming the original engine is still there, it's gonna have plenty of mileage on it after 22 - 24 years. You'll end up paying extra for an engine that will have to be rebuilt/replaced before long.
Also, near the front of the right cylinder head there should be a three character engine type code:
1978: CMR or CMS
1979: ZBA or ZBD
1980: ZBC or ZBD
Besides the VIN and engine suffix numbers here are a few visual clues. Remember these can be changed easily.
* Aluminum finned valve covers
* Aluminum intake (not painted engine color)
* L-82 graphic on the speedo
* L-82 badges
* All L-82s came with automatic transmissions in 1980
* L-82s came with heavy duty 4 row radiators
Here is a pic of my L-82 that I took this morning for another thread. Two primary visual clues are the finned aluminum valve covers (the L-48 had stamped steel) and the aluminum intake. But checking the numbers is a much more accurate way of getting to the truth.