Need advice from from you seasoned restorers...

This is my first post, and first vette, however I have truly enjoyed reading and learning from everyone else's discussions. I recently bought a 78 Silver Anniversary with the Stock L82 / 3spd auto. Picked it up cheap as a "Divorce Special" if you know what I mean. I'll get to the point... The L82 had been apparently torn down and put together very sloppy. I know I am missing pieces all over. Until now, have been a Mustang Nut and don't know much about Chevy's. I do know my way around an engine however, I am very new at this and would like some advice and to be told what information resources I should seek. I can't wait to get started. Please help!

The first two items I would buy are a GM Shop Manual and a Assembly Manual. Both can be found on Ebay or thru Mid America www.madirect.com Chuck

Frank,
here's a couple of good choices:

Corvette, 1966-82 : Shop Manual
Chilton's Gm Corvette 1963-82 Repair Manual

Smokin' -- Buy the '78 Assembly Insturction Manual (AIM). All the Corvette aftermarket providers carry them. When it arrives, sit down and read through it. Start taking notes of parts and part numbers for the items not on your L-82.

Adam, Chuck, and Easy Mike,
Thank you so much for the responses. That helps a lot!! I will follow your advice and "hit the books". I really do appreciate it and if you have any other words of wisdom or experiences you'd like to share / warn me about, please feel free to let me know.
Thanks again!