I need some help identifying (and then finding a replacement for) a
couple of items on our 1978 L48.

They're part of the carb preheater hose system. Currently I'm missing this
system, which I need to replace in order to pass smog inspection.

The flexible aluminum hose itself attaches to a valve on the underside of
the air cleaner intake snorkel, then curves down over the driver's side
valve cover and attaches to some sort of cover on top of the exhaust
manifold (at least that's what it looks like in the few pictures I've been
able to find which even partially show this system).

I've located a replacement for the hose itself in the Corvette Central
catalog; but I need to find the "elbow" which attaches it to the air intake
snorkel. I also need to identify and locate whatever 'cover' the hose
attaches to on top of the exhaust manifold.

Can anybody explain what this 'cover' is; how it attaches to the hose and
to the engine (exhaust manifold?); and where I might find replacements
for it and the elbow?

Thanks--

The elbow under the air cleaner snorkel and the inner shield that goes between the exhaust manifold and motor are no longer available new. DrRebuild show the outer shield as available. Try ebay or maybe someone could find em for you next week at Carlisle. I have a complete set that I can post pics of later(sorry, not for sale).  Mike

I MAY be going to a show tomorrow in Valpo, Indiana. Want me to lookout for a set? Price range?(DocRebuild wants $45 for the big piece, only part available).   Mike mkapp787938947.5383796296

The flexible aluminum hose you can buy locally. I bought a length of it at Pep Boys.

No need to buy it mail order and pay shipping.

Mike--thanks for the info, the picture and your offer to look at the Valpo
show (if you do go). Other than the $45 price at Dr.Rebuild you quoted, I
have no idea what the rest of this system would be worth; so I'm at a bit
of a loss as to what a used set would/should cost. Problem is, I'm on an
extremely tight budget for this car, and this comes as an unexpected
expense (unlike other parts, this particular system pretty much escapes
your attention when all of its components are missing, unless you know
in advance that it's supposed to be there--which, I confess, I didn't).

So I guess the sensible approach would be for me to scout around first
and try to determine what the going rate might be. Then I can make a
more informed decision.

And Gunslinger, thanks for the info about the hose and its availability. Do
you happen to remember the size (diameter/length) you bought at Pep
Boys? We don't have that chain around here, but a number of other parts
stores in the vicinity...so hopefully I might be able to find a part identical
to yours..

I appreciate your help with this one, guys--

I don't remember the diameter...I just took the old hose with me and matched it up. I think it was something like 1 3/4" diameter but not sure of that at all.

Measure the outside diameter of the valve on the bottom of the air cleaner snorkel...that should be the inside diameter of the hose you need.

Does a vehicle that is over 25 years old require that the smog stuff has to be on it and in working order in your State?  In Texas, if your car is over 25 years old, it can pass inspection with out the smog junk on there.

This is something ELSE that's got me puzzled now, Mick...

when I bought the car in February, the California DMV website showed
information that there was a 30-year 'rolling' exemption for smog
inspections. They even had a little formula for calculating when a car
would qualify as exempt. With a '78, I figured that I'd have one more
inspection to go, then I'd be exempt. (Smog inspections are mandated
every other year here).

Now, it appears the law's been changed--and there's no longer an
exemption for cars newer than '76.

There goes my future hopes for sidepipes...and all the other goodies the
gov't doesn't want us to have...

SFVette - I've got the elbow off my 79 - should be the same - great shape - yours for the asking!!