Topic: What heads came on a 79 L-82?
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Former Member
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Jacksonville, FL - USA
Joined: 12/15/2009
Posts: 36
Vette(s): 79 L-82 4-speed. Original block now a 383 with aluminum heads, roller cam and rockers, Edelbrock intake, MSD distributor and ignition module, Speed Demon 650 carb. Rebuilt and upgraded all steering and suspension.
I have searched all over the web and have seen mention of the heads I have on my 79 L-82 but have not been able to identify them.
First, what was the correct head casting # for that engine?
The block casting # is 3970010 indicating a 350 and the ID code is V0219ZBA indicating and engine made in Flint, MI on 02 February and ZBA is the L-82 code for 1979.
The heads on the engine have this casting: GM 42 then under that 3888883 then under that D2 42.
None of the websites I have searched list the 3888883 heads although some people have posted guesses such as from a 400 small block.
Most posts go on to recommend one head or another for improvement but I am only trying to figure out what I have, I already know what I want to have and they are made by AFR.
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
L-48 and L-82 heads in '79 were 462624 castings. ZAB is correct for L-82/4speed.
I can't find that casting number(3888883) in ANY of my reference material. My guess would be early/mid '70s 350. I'll keep looking, tho. Definitely not original for a '79 Corvette, best I can tell.
Are you certain that is the correct number? Can you post the casting Date(s) for the head(s)?
|UPDATED|2/27/2014 8:58:18 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
I can't find that casting number(3888883) in ANY of my reference material. My guess would be early/mid '70s 350. I'll keep looking, tho. Definitely not original for a '79 Corvette, best I can tell.
Are you certain that is the correct number? Can you post the casting Date(s) for the head(s)?
|UPDATED|2/27/2014 8:58:18 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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Former Member
Send PM
Jacksonville, FL - USA
Joined: 12/15/2009
Posts: 36
Vette(s): 79 L-82 4-speed. Original block now a 383 with aluminum heads, roller cam and rockers, Edelbrock intake, MSD distributor and ignition module, Speed Demon 650 carb. Rebuilt and upgraded all steering and suspension.
Thanks for the response. I also can't find that casting number anywhere but that is what shows on my heads. Leads me to suspect they are from some obscure 400 engine and found in a junkyard. BTW, the engine code suffix # is ZBA, not ZAB. I believe the ZAB was a 79 L-48. This page shows both http://www.nastyz28.com/gm-chevy-codes/chevy-engine-codes-suffix-10.php
Former Member
Send PM
Jacksonville, FL - USA
Joined: 12/15/2009
Posts: 36
Vette(s): 79 L-82 4-speed. Original block now a 383 with aluminum heads, roller cam and rockers, Edelbrock intake, MSD distributor and ignition module, Speed Demon 650 carb. Rebuilt and upgraded all steering and suspension.
3888883 is the number cast into the heads. I should have taken a photo when I had the valve cover removed. I don't know where to find the date. I posted all of the info above that is shown on the heads;
GM D2 then under that 3888883 then under that D2 42.
Former Member
Send PM
Jacksonville, FL - USA
Joined: 12/15/2009
Posts: 36
Vette(s): 79 L-82 4-speed. Original block now a 383 with aluminum heads, roller cam and rockers, Edelbrock intake, MSD distributor and ignition module, Speed Demon 650 carb. Rebuilt and upgraded all steering and suspension.
My apologies to Joel at Adam's Apple. I pulled the valve cover today and see that I misread the casting number. The correct number is 3998993. I also verified it is a heavy casting and matched the casting mark on the ends of the heads with that head. There are some conflicting casting number websites but it looks like it is from a 1971-74 350. Not a great head but probably better than what came on the car.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
That makes it better! 
Years used- 1968-76
Cast # 399893
Engine - 350
Intake valve- 1.72"
Exhaust valve- 1.5"
Application- Truck
Mystery solved.
|UPDATED|2/28/2014 9:21:48 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Years used- 1968-76
Cast # 399893
Engine - 350
Intake valve- 1.72"
Exhaust valve- 1.5"
Application- Truck
Mystery solved.
|UPDATED|2/28/2014 9:21:48 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Engines
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