Just for grins, I ran my Vin number through the books.
According to the emblems on the car, it's a L-82. According to the Vin breakdown, it's a L-48.
So.....What's up? I'm sure the emblems haven't been changed.
Both are 350, 4 barrel cars.
What makes an L-82, an L-82, and what makes an L-48 an L-48?
[sm=dontgetit.gif][sm=WTFsgign.gif]

 

The L82 was about 40 or so up on horsepower compared to the L48. Some folks added the L82 badging, like our little ricer-boy friends do with their integras and hondas. If I recall correctly, the L48 was a 2bolt main, while the L82 was a 4bolt at least in the mid 70's. The intake was different (aluminum in most years instead of iron) and the heads/cam were more agressive. The L82 had 2.02 valves and higher compression.

bill.

 

i know my 73 was a L-48 low comp. 8.5-1 2 bolt main

 

The L82 was only available with an auto trans and had a net HP rating of 230. The L48 was available with bth 4 speed manual and auto and had a net HP rating of 190.

The L48 was the base engine car and the L82 was an optional engine available for the price of $595.00 there were 5069 ordered that way. The L82 badges were about $35.00 and about 30,000 were sold(LOL).

"Badges!! We don't need no stinkin badges!!" - Blazing Saddles-Mel Brooks 1974

 

The L82 also came with the "1182" forged steel crankshaft and TRW flat top forged pistons.
It is indeed a 4 bolt main block with a crank windage tray in the oil pan. It does have a factory
aluminum intake on a set of "624" heads with 2.02/1.60 valves complete with factory screw-in
studs and guide plates! As a professional engine builder by trade, I have redone several of
these for customers.....including my own!

 

Thanks for all the great info.
Well, I figure the Vin doesn't lie, so I guess it's an L-48.[&o] It is a 4sp car. The original engine was long gone before I got 'er. It has a 4 bolt 350 now, but I'm droppin' in a 454, and a 3sp stick W/OD.
I'm just goin' to leave the L-82 emblems on it, and put 454 numbers on the L-88 hood. That ought to really twist someone's mind!
"An '80, L-82, with a 454, L-88 hood, and a 3sp w/OD! Is that stock?", "oh ya!", I says, "one of only 500 built with these options"!!!
(I'm so bad!)

 

Not sure about the '80 version, but the '73 was an LT1 w/ hydraulic 350/350 cam, cast iron intake manifold, Quadrajet, and flat top pistons (9:1 CR, LT1 was 11:1 in '70, 9:1 in '71 & '72).

You are correct re: the VIN.