I have seen other people ask this question but for different years.

I just bought a 77 and I dont know if its the base model or the L82. And also when looking for parts I see that I need to know if its a 77L or 77E, i'm assuming that means late and early production models. How do I tell which mine is?

Thanks.
Chris


[Modified by 77Dream, 4:05 PM 1/13/2003]

 

See if this helps answer your ? http://www.c3vr.com/VINDecoder.asp

 

Check your VIN to see what your car is supposed to be.
It should read 1Z37_7S4xxxxx where the underscore will be either an L for L48 or an X for L82 and the xxxxx is the production number from 00001 through 49213.

Then, check for a flat pad near the top front passenger side of the engine block and look for a number stamped there. The last digits of that number should match the xxxx above. If the number matches, then you have the original block.

As far as late or early, that's a tough call. I don't think there are any "definite" numbers there. There were three distinct series of front driver's fender "designs" for the '77. First, there was just the alarm lock, then there was the alarm lock and cross flag emblems, then there was just the cross flags (the alarm was integrated with the driver's door lock starting with number 27,373).

There are several good books with this info:
The Corvette Black Book by Mike Antonick
Vette Vues Fact Book of the 1973-1977 Stingray (even though the '77 wasn't badged a Stingray :rolleyes: ) by M. F. Dobbins
and
The 1977 Corvette Specifications Booklet from Chevrolet (This one's FREE by calling 800-222-1020).

Some of this stuff is on the Web, including right here in the CF Archives.

BTW, Welcome :seeya

 

Look at your VIN. If the 5th digit is a"L", then it is a L-48 motor. If it is a "X", then it is the L-82. Assuming that the motor is original

 

A few exterior visual differences between early and late '77's:

Early
Silver horn retainer ring
Alarm key switch on front driver fender
No badge on front driver fender

Late
Interior color keyed horn retainer ring
Alarm switch integrated with driver door lock
Crossed flags badge on front driver fender

:cheers:

 

Thanks guys, mine is the L48. I assumed thats what it was but I just wanted to check.

And Jerryp58, Im not sure what it means but I have the alarm in the drivers door. My production number is 31251. Can you tell from that if its early or late?

Thanks

 

AHHH, thanks L48Shark

 

Like I said, I don't know of a specific production number cutoff that distinguishes an early or a late model, but you do have the last fender/door/alarm design and there were only 17k of them made after yours.

You can also look at the Trim Tag on the driver's door and it should show you the production date along with a verification that your original exterior color was black (code 19) and interior was black (code 19C is leather/cloth combo, 192 is leather).

Jerry