what is special about the l82 motor

Hello Lilarden-- The L82 was one of three engines available for the 1974 Chevrolet Corvette. The L82 was a 350 cubic inch V8 giving off 250-hp with a 4-barrel carb. The ZQ3 also was 350 cubic inches but only generated 195 horsepower. The LS4 was 454 cubic inches and was listed at 270 horsepower. Looking at the VIN on your car, the fifth digit indicates engine type. If it is the L82, the letter designation is T. I got all this information from one of my favorite sites for Corvettes. Someone has done an awfulk lot of homework at http//www.100megsfree4.com/corvette/1970/vet74.htm. Take a look for yourself. Good luck from Bovan.

72 the engines were low compression , a BB chevy engine was pushing about 200 hp compared to 71 at about 375 hp.

1970 was the last year for Chevrolet high compression engines..In 1971 the compression dropped to 8.5 in the regular 350, 396 and 454 Chevrolet V8's.Only the high performance LT1 350 and very rare LS6 454 had 9.0 compression..Then in 1972 the LS6 was not available and only the LT1 350 had 9.0 compression.All other Chevrolet V8's were 8.5..In 1973 Chevrolet brought out the L82 for the LT1's replacement..It had 9.0 compression from 1973 to the end in 1980..The L82 was a great sleeper motor..It was a racing block and heads engine,6000+ rpm..The 1973 stock L82 corvette would do mid 14's in the 1/4 mile and top out close to 140mph..From 1973 to 1980 it was Chevrolet's only real performance 6000+RPM engine available..Around 70,000 were made..It came out late in the muscle car days and never really got the credit due it.. I have owned 2 of them and built one up for some fun street racing..One of Chevy's greatest engines ever made.

Thanks for good info, looking at a 78 vette.

L82 Corvettes are fun cars.

The L82 350 was the only 350 available with 4 bolt main and forged internials!!! Also ran 9-1 compression with 72cc cast iron heads!!! And a Over carbed 750 plus it was detuned!!! Throw in cats and egr they still were well over 200 hp!!! Throw aluminum 64cc heads that will boost compression a smaller 650cfm carb and headers with true duels and it will easily push over 400 hp at the crank!!!