L-82 or not

[mitchell]

I am about to buy a 1978 Corvette for restoration and am wondering if it is an L-82 or L-48 or whatever else was available then. Is there an easy way to tell which it is? I have done some old Chevy truck restorations but this will be my first Corvette. Are there any particular problems to look for in this year model? thanks alot for the info!!! mitchell

[Mike Sasser]

Re: L-82 or not

If I were you, I would look for a nice low mileage 78, the cost to totally restore the car would far exceed the cost of finding an original 78 in very good condition.

[Michael W.]

Re: L-82 or not

An L82 will have a '4' as the fith character in the VIN. If it's an L48 it will be the letter 'L'. Doesn't guarantee what's under the hood now, just what it left the factory with.

[Tom R.]

Re: L-82 or not

The most obvious is the valve cover color assuming it hasn't been tampered with...L48 has blue covers L82 has the alunimum covers. L48 has a single air cleaner snorkle...L82 has two. L82 has smog pump...L48 doesn't exept CA cars.

But the 4 digit works as well

[Joe S.]

Re: L-82 or not

Sorry but I do believe they all hard the smog pump and Air Tubes. Both L48 and L82.

L82 in my 78 SA




Joe's 63 FI Convertible

[John C.]

I thought it was an "X" in the fifth...

....character of the VIN?!?!?

[Michael W.]

Re: I thought it was an "X" in the fifth...

True for 75-77, but not for '78.

[John C.]

Ok. *NM*

[Tom R.]

Re: L-82 or not

In 1978, only L48 cars headed for California or high altitudes had the smog pump and engine suffix CLR or CLS. My 78 bowtie L48 does not and I've seen others as well. They carry the CUT or CLM suffix.

[Bob B.]

Re: L-82 or not

I agree with Tom just look at your AIM at the fan belt diagrams.
Bob Beck 1977 Bowtie still on the MSO (Manufactures Statement of Origin)

[Tom R.]

Re: L-82 or not

You're wrong...give it up!