L-82 rods
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
The rods in a "stock" L82 are 5.7" length "pink rods" along with a forged crank and forged pistons. The pistons are good for 10:1 with a swap to 64cc chamber heads and the short block will "live" to 7000 rpm.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg PA
I have heard the same thing. The L82 is actually a pretty sweet set up. All Forged bottom end...Good power making Cam. A set of 64 cc heads, 1.6 roller rockers and some nice headers out a clean exhaust and I hear you can pick up an Easy and Durable 150hp!!!!!
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: West Millgrove Oh
I have the Chevy Corvette shop manual for a 1979, again all it says is cast crank for both engines...in the spec list all I see different is cam lobes between the two engines. so again where did you get your info.
I have a 1978 L-82 and the intake is cast iron.
I have a 1978 L-82 and the intake is cast iron.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: spring hill fl
forged!
Forged crank. All the bottom end is forged!! Did my motor 3 years ago and again this year (much modified this time) Only changed the valve train, all of it, this time. The builder was surprized to see how strong the short block is.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 1,500
From: Little Rock AR
Originally Posted by imdrumminman
I have the Chevy Corvette shop manual for a 1979, again all it says is cast crank for both engines...in the spec list all I see different is cam lobes between the two engines. so again where did you get your info.
I have a 1978 L-82 and the intake is cast iron.
I have a 1978 L-82 and the intake is cast iron.
The crank is forged on the L-82.
The intake on a 78 L-82 would be aluminum casting number 458520. The base engine L-48 has a cast iron intake with casting number 346249. Take a look at your numbers and see what you find.
-Mark.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: West Millgrove Oh
Thanks for the casting #...I'll look tonight....as far as the forged vs cast cranks....not disputing anyone's word or trying to be a smart ***...I have the GM shop manual (1979 corvette) which says cast crank that is why I am asking about this. How do you tell a forged from a cast crank? Is there a visual difference? I have a 1979 L48 Corvette and the engine from a 1978 L82. Because the frame was so bad I parted the 78 out. Rebuilding/repairing/restoring the 1979. started as a minor fix up that has snow balled into a major "while I am at it might as well????"....type of thing....hence my question about L82 bottom end.....if better foundation I'll rebuild and use it...cam had wiped lobes in the L82 also.
Thanks
Danny
Thanks
Danny
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 1,500
From: Little Rock AR
Originally Posted by imdrumminman
Thanks for the casting #...I'll look tonight....as far as the forged vs cast cranks....not disputing anyone's word or trying to be a smart ***...I have the GM shop manual (1979 corvette) which says cast crank that is why I am asking about this. How do you tell a forged from a cast crank? Is there a visual difference? I have a 1979 L48 Corvette and the engine from a 1978 L82. Because the frame was so bad I parted the 78 out. Rebuilding/repairing/restoring the 1979. started as a minor fix up that has snow balled into a major "while I am at it might as well????"....type of thing....hence my question about L82 bottom end.....if better foundation I'll rebuild and use it...cam had wiped lobes in the L82 also.
Thanks
Danny
Thanks
Danny
You can tell the difference on the crank by looking at the parting line. The cast crank has a well formed mould parting line on the unmachined areas between journals. The forged crank will have a wide die mark where the two forging dies struck together in the same area. Easy to see if the pan is off or the crank is out.
You might want to post the stamping numbers off the front pad of the engine. We could decode the stamping suffix for you if you have not already done so.
-Mark.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
imdrumminman - All L-82's for 79 had aluminum manifolds. I'm not sure if this was true for 78.
The quickest visual when you pop the hood on a L-82's is: They all came with black cast aluminum valve covers with the crossed flag emblems.
I have my original 79 L-82 or should I say what's left of it on the garage floor. It's forged internal parts exceeded 7000 rpm for years with different cams/heads/and intakes. I keep threatening to make it into a 396 small block. But it's a nice 355 ci just in need of some new pistons to replace the melted ones.
The quickest visual when you pop the hood on a L-82's is: They all came with black cast aluminum valve covers with the crossed flag emblems.
I have my original 79 L-82 or should I say what's left of it on the garage floor. It's forged internal parts exceeded 7000 rpm for years with different cams/heads/and intakes. I keep threatening to make it into a 396 small block. But it's a nice 355 ci just in need of some new pistons to replace the melted ones.
