79-L-82

All,
Does the L-82 have 4 bolt mains?
I think so, but just makin' sure.
Valve sizes?

When adding mods, how good are the heads? Should I consider replacing them?

If I add headers and sidepipes, a good intake, cam and carb, what kind of power can I expect without adding heads?

Thanks in advance. . .

gh78

L-82 has 4 bolt mains, not sure about the rest of your question, good luck

Vette'78

You are thinking along the same route I am. I am going with Hooker sidemount headers, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock Performer Carb, and probably a mild cam.

gkull

4 bolt and forged crank. I fully tested the stock rods to well over 7000 for years after a balance job with better flat top pistons. Mine came with 2.02/1.6 valves. the heads are an big open chamber design of @76 cc.

So my advice is don't put a penny in them. The aluminum intake flows as good as the Edelbrock Performer manifold so don't replace it unless you go bigger like the Weiand Stealth.

What really wakes up the L-82 is more compression like 64 cc heads. The cam is fine with better heads unless you make a big jump.

Vette'78

Would these heads be good then
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...608919&view=33

I already bought the edelbrock intake manifold so I might as well use it

79-L-82

So, you're saying that the heads are pretty good already.
What about the Holley SystemaxII with the aluminum heads, intake, cam, etc.
Anyone have experience with this? :confused:

It's coming with Hooker headers and side pipes. They are not installed.
They look to be in pretty good shape so I am going to reinstall them.

Someone above stated that added compression really wakes up the L82.
What about milling the stock heads? Would that be worth it?

Thanks again. . .

dman535

The stock head castings are the same as L-48 heads. For the L-82 they were just machined to accept bigger valves. Those heasds are prone to cracking and are not really a performance cylinder head. I would try a world/dart 64cc head or even a L-98 Corvette aluminum 58cc head.

page62

No, the stock heads are not that good. They're "smog" heads. And they are prone to cracking if you try to mill them. The rest of the motor is pretty stout, however.

79-L-82

Thanks,
That's what I needed to hear.
So the stock heads will have to go eventually, but not right away.

What about that Holley system?
It seems awfully reasonable. $1399 for heads, intake, cam, timing chain.