Vin numbers & engine options

[Kenneth P.]

How common was it for engine options to change after the Vin was assign prior to start of assembly. I picked up a 1978 back in July which is a matching number L82 with close ratio 4 speed. Looking at the VIN it shows a L (L48) and not a 4 (L82). Everything about the car is a L82 right down to the tach face plate which has L82. I am the 3rd owner and the prior owner bought the car back in 94. The car sat in storage from 1998 to 2018. The car was built mid August 1978 (438298) which makes it one of the last 2000 cars built for the 1978 model year. I also doubt it was a body switch since the engine and transmission numbers match the VIN.

Ken

[David H.]

Re: Vin numbers & engine options

Ken,

What is suffix code stamp on engine pad (Assembly Date / Suffix are on one line - VIN on other line) Best indicator of what your engine is. For 1978 "CMR" and "CMS" are L82 codes. (respectively manual and automatic transmissions)

Dave

[Mark E.]

Re: Vin numbers & engine options

I had the same thought... maybe it's an L48 dressed with valve covers and other goodies to look like an L82. But this doesn't explain the tach.

As suggested above, check the suffix code.

[Tom R.]

Re: Vin numbers & engine options

Yeah, could be a case of pure cosmetics and as suggested check the engine suffix code. I've attached a "Matching Numbers" workup I did for my 78 and will help you with what to look for. Also, check the exhaust pipes. The L82 pipes are 2-1/2" while L48s are 2"

But it does sound like a nice find, given its been squirreled away for what twenty years.

http://www.hunt4cleanair.net/Articles/VIN%209041.pdf

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Vin numbers & engine options

Hi Ken,
Why not post up a couple photos of the pad for inspection here? Would surely help to answer your question. Glad to see you got your C3. I know you mentioned to me this summer that you were looking. As Tom mentions above sounds like a nice one. Looking forward to seeing it in person or better yet even judging it, at one of our future PTSC events!
Best of luck with it!