Disappointment
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 1
From: NC
Disappointment
Bought a 76 fixer upper and asked and was told the 350 was a 4 bolt main. Pulled the engine today and found out it was actually a two bolt. Is this a standard engine? Should I be disappointed?
The previous owner was told ALL corvettes came with a 4 bolt main.
Bill
The previous owner was told ALL corvettes came with a 4 bolt main.
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fl///Columbus, Ohio
splay a 2 bolt & it's stronger than a factory 4 bolt
a 2 bolt main will still stand up to a fair amount of HP
Don't worry about it.... You've still got a Corvette!!!
a 2 bolt main will still stand up to a fair amount of HP
Don't worry about it.... You've still got a Corvette!!!
From the L-82 spot
the L-82 has large port cylinder heads, pushrod guideplates, a longer duration camshaft, a forged-steel crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons, moly rings, finned aluminum valve covers, a higher capacity starter and a four-bolt main block
the L-82 has large port cylinder heads, pushrod guideplates, a longer duration camshaft, a forged-steel crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons, moly rings, finned aluminum valve covers, a higher capacity starter and a four-bolt main block
Last edited by jcswm; Nov 28, 2004 at 10:06 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
I did a lot of research because I was worried about my L48 block with the 2 bolt main. There are many L48s out there that are modified to >350 HP and they all run fine... yes they can break but 4 bolts brake as well....
I don't think we have to worry unless we install all available bolt ons and then add nitro....
I don't think we have to worry unless we install all available bolt ons and then add nitro....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
look up the VIN number in a corvette reference book (black book)available at most bookstores. also, i believe there are some on-line sites that can give you the info. the VIN number will tell you what type of engine and other info about the vehicle as it left the factory.(check to be sure engine block has same number-that's called matching numbers vehicle). also, most L82's had a hood emblem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fl///Columbus, Ohio
Short of tearing the engine down the only way I know of is to make sure the numbers stamped on the block match the last part of the VIN# AND The 5th digit is for an L-82
1972 -> K = base, L = LT1, W = LS5
1973 -> J = L48, T = L82, Z = LS4
1974 -> J = L48, T = L82, Z = LS4
1975 -> J = L48, T = L82
1976 -> J = L48, X = L82
1977 -> L = L48, X = L82
1978 -> L = L48, 4 = L82
1979 -> 8 = L48, 4 = L82
1980 -> H = LG4, 8 = L48, 6 = L82
1972 -> K = base, L = LT1, W = LS5
1973 -> J = L48, T = L82, Z = LS4
1974 -> J = L48, T = L82, Z = LS4
1975 -> J = L48, T = L82
1976 -> J = L48, X = L82
1977 -> L = L48, X = L82
1978 -> L = L48, 4 = L82
1979 -> 8 = L48, 4 = L82
1980 -> H = LG4, 8 = L48, 6 = L82
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 14
From: CA
Originally Posted by hayman
Bought a 76 fixer upper and asked and was told the 350 was a 4 bolt main. Pulled the engine today and found out it was actually a two bolt. Is this a standard engine? Should I be disappointed?
The previous owner was told ALL corvettes came with a 4 bolt main.
Bill
The previous owner was told ALL corvettes came with a 4 bolt main.
Bill
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Ventura County ca
I have built many a small blocks with 2 bolt mains. Some pretty high HP blown/turbo with NOS and haven't grenaded one yet due to the 2 vs 4 bolt caps. Usually something else let's go first in my experiences. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by 71coupe
Unless you are making lots of power, it won't be an issue. If it is, you can always have 'em added later...or get a Motown block
The L48 TPI motors in the C4s are all 2 bolt. They are fine until you start making serious power.