USAsOnlyWay

I am looking at a 1977 corvette tomorrow and I know this is short notice but I need some help. First off, I checked the VIN and it says the body at least is not an L82 but the guy says it is, and in pictures it has L82 badging. So, I wanted to check out the engine vin, if someone could tell me in detail where to find this or send me a picture of where the engine vin is located at, it would be great! Also, it would be great if you could tell me what how to translate an engine vin for 77 vette.

Second, are these true corvette wheels or are they aftermarket? (go to this website to check em out)
http://www.geocities.com/numbar2/vette.html

I haven't really seen any exactly like them that I remember.... :confused:

Thanks in advance!


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Shark Racer

If you checked the vin, and it said it was not an L-82, then the car is not an L-82. It may have been built to L-82 spec, but it's still not an L-82.

Those are not Corvette wheels. I've seen them before... aftermarket stuff from the 70's.

-Steve

USAsOnlyWay

Thanks Steve, I figured they were aftermarket. As for the L82 I was pretty sure of that too, had to hope though, that extra horsepower is really appealing :D
Thanks!

Shark Racer

L-82 level horsepower... not that much more. Easy to blow past with just a few hundred dollars!

@ganey: Cam, headers, 300 hp no problem.

-Steve

USAsOnlyWay

You have any suggestions on specific aftermarket parts (company, size etc...) so I can get an idea on prices...?
:D
(Thanks for all the help already!)

Shark Racer

If emissions are not an issue, Dynomax sells headers that seem pretty popular around here. I have heard 50/50 reviews on them, though. The Hookers are also really good.

Doug Thorley and Hedman sell smog legal headers. Hedman 68301-6 are going on my car when Wells Fargo gives me the okay. ;)

Cam, depends. I'd say XE262 would make a good cam to run with headers. Also, replace the intake while you're at it. Should run you ~$500, and a good day's work.

-Steve

USAsOnlyWay

Thanks Steve. I think I will probably go smog legal, as I can't really afford the $5,000 fines some people are getting for illeagal exhaust. Maybe dual pipe with dual hi-flow cats.... Anyway I really thank you for the help, hopefully I will be driving home in that vette tomorrow. Thanks again. And tell me what you think when you get those headers on there. :thumbs:
-Chris

dman535

On a 77 L-82 here are the things to look for:

1. Four core radiator
2. Aluminum valve covers
3. Tach with a 5600 rpm redline
4. Turbo 400 - If there is a kickdown cable on the trans/carb, than its not a Turbo 400

Good Luck.

spikezz4

In 1977, if the 5th letter in the VIN is not an "X", it is not an L-82.
Spike

SLICKMAN

:iagree:

Shark Racer

BTW, I'd jump on that car. It's a beautiful shade of blue... and despite popular appearances (we own two black cars), blue is by far and wide one of my favorite colors. I hope to add a Quazar Blue ZR-1 to my stable one of these days. Good luck with the car, man! Hope it brings more joy than tears... :) (But prepare yourself for a hard ride the first few months or so... hammering out the gremlins.)

-Steve

USAsOnlyWay

Thanks guys, I am leaving out the door to go check it out right now!!!! :D :D :D
-Chris
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