Ls1 build 84k miles should I replace bearings?
07-26-2018, 08:39 AM
#1
Ls1 build 84k miles should I replace bearings? Have an ls1 I'm building for a hotrod project. Engine has 84k miles on it and I'd like input on if I should take it to a shop for new bearings/rings or just run it as is? Looking for over 400whp with an m6 no boost or anything crazy on this build. Should I run ARP rod bolts or are factory fine? Thanks guys
07-26-2018, 09:00 AM
#2
Heck no. You're maybe to halfway of their life assuming the motor hasn't been abused/neglected. As long as the oil looks decent and there's no glaring issues, run it as is. Could always spend $10 for a borescope of your phone and stick it in the spark plug openings and oil drain plug and sensor locations to peek inside.
07-26-2018, 09:01 AM
#3
Running ARP rod bolts will require machine work or they can possibly distort the bearings due to insane clamp force... use the stock rod bolts.... Did the motor have good oil pressure and run fine? If so just put a cam,springs,pushrods in it and save your money. I am running a 160k mile 5.3 in my boosted 72 Nova and didn't touch it beyond cam etc.... looked so clean inside. Recently finished a 69 Nova 6.0 build and we opened it up to gap rings.... it was very clean and looked great along with rings already having the gap we wanted.... Paid 500.00 for my 5.3 and 1,100 for the 6.0.... The more you open these up the more it costs you. I figure if mine gets hurt, I will swap in another cheap motor....
07-26-2018, 02:26 PM
#5
Running ARP rod bolts will require machine work or they can possibly distort the bearings due to insane clamp force... use the stock rod bolts.... Did the motor have good oil pressure and run fine? If so just put a cam,springs,pushrods in it and save your money. I am running a 160k mile 5.3 in my boosted 72 Nova and didn't touch it beyond cam etc.... looked so clean inside. Recently finished a 69 Nova 6.0 build and we opened it up to gap rings.... it was very clean and looked great along with rings already having the gap we wanted.... Paid 500.00 for my 5.3 and 1,100 for the 6.0.... The more you open these up the more it costs you. I figure if mine gets hurt, I will swap in another cheap motor....
If the motor has had it's oil changes and hasn't been overheated, it's got practically no wear on it at 84k.
07-26-2018, 04:54 PM
#6
84k is low miles if the LS1 engine got oil changes as recommended. The other posters are on the mark, run it if the oil pressure was good.
My 02 Z28 has 242,000+ miles and runs great, gets 27.5 mpg highway. Has cold start piston slap. May do a mild heads and cam package on the car.
My 99 TA's LS1 ran like new when pulled at. 165,000 miles for a new 416. The LS1 had 130,000 + miles with heads and cam package.
A friend cracked open a 4.8 that had 297,000 miles to rebuild before putting a turbo on the motor. He said the top of the block still had good cross-hatch and if he'd known how good of condition the motor was in, he have just ran it without rebuilding.
Have friends with 250,000 + on the LS engines.
My 02 Z28 has 242,000+ miles and runs great, gets 27.5 mpg highway. Has cold start piston slap. May do a mild heads and cam package on the car.
My 99 TA's LS1 ran like new when pulled at. 165,000 miles for a new 416. The LS1 had 130,000 + miles with heads and cam package.
A friend cracked open a 4.8 that had 297,000 miles to rebuild before putting a turbo on the motor. He said the top of the block still had good cross-hatch and if he'd known how good of condition the motor was in, he have just ran it without rebuilding.
Have friends with 250,000 + on the LS engines.
07-27-2018, 12:18 AM
#7
Awesome! Thanks guys this is my first LS build and I want to make it right! I bought the motor off eBay....from a 2000 Corvette. Oil looked fine and have pulled the valve covers is all so far. Looks very clean, no sludge or gunk of any kind. Will be pulling the Corvette oil pan soon to a fbody pan so it will fit my 70 Camaro. Also will be pulling the heads for AFR 205s I have. Was going to change the oil pump for a ls6 pump or melling 10295.
it's going to be a carbureted setup with 11.5-1 compression (61cc AFRs) .040 head gaskets and I'm still not sure on a cam. Been looking at the ws6stores high lift ASA 226-236 .600" 110 but might have PTV problems not sure yet. I autocross so I'm wanting good low/mid range grunt but also want good HP at the top. Any input on that? Will have a 6spd & 3:73 gears.
it's going to be a carbureted setup with 11.5-1 compression (61cc AFRs) .040 head gaskets and I'm still not sure on a cam. Been looking at the ws6stores high lift ASA 226-236 .600" 110 but might have PTV problems not sure yet. I autocross so I'm wanting good low/mid range grunt but also want good HP at the top. Any input on that? Will have a 6spd & 3:73 gears.
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07-27-2018, 05:08 AM
#8
Awesome! Thanks guys this is my first LS build and I want to make it right! I bought the motor off eBay....from a 2000 Corvette. Oil looked fine and have pulled the valve covers is all so far. Looks very clean, no sludge or gunk of any kind. Will be pulling the Corvette oil pan soon to a fbody pan so it will fit my 70 Camaro. Also will be pulling the heads for AFR 205s I have. Was going to change the oil pump for a ls6 pump or melling 10295.
it's going to be a carbureted setup with 11.5-1 compression (61cc AFRs) .040 head gaskets and I'm still not sure on a cam. Been looking at the ws6stores high lift ASA 226-236 .600" 110 but might have PTV problems not sure yet. I autocross so I'm wanting good low/mid range grunt but also want good HP at the top. Any input on that? Will have a 6spd & 3:73 gears.
it's going to be a carbureted setup with 11.5-1 compression (61cc AFRs) .040 head gaskets and I'm still not sure on a cam. Been looking at the ws6stores high lift ASA 226-236 .600" 110 but might have PTV problems not sure yet. I autocross so I'm wanting good low/mid range grunt but also want good HP at the top. Any input on that? Will have a 6spd & 3:73 gears.
Im like 99% sure the ASA highlift will NOT have any PTV clearance issues, what size valves are in you AFR heads?
07-27-2018, 05:41 AM
#9
I settled on their High Lift ASA and am getting very excited as I am approaching 1/2 way through the install. I can't speak for your heads, however I can verify via John at WS6Store, that their HLASA will not have PTV issues in a stock engine with factory heads. He also knows it will even still have good PTV clearance with 243's milled .030" and made pretty impressive dyno numbers! He also told me in an M6 3.42's would be good for the cam, but that 3.73's would likely be perfect.
07-27-2018, 08:05 AM
#10
I bought the heads off a member here just a few weeks ago. This is the info on them--
AFR 205's milled to 61cc Cathedral ports, Ported by Tony Mamo
2.020 And 1.600 lightweight REV valves
PAC Racing Springs (700 lift)
Flow Tech Induction LSx Dual Valve Spring Kit GEN6A-K1A
Getting excited about the cam now. Only thing is I was told the AFR heads have a different valve drop vs factory type 243s.... How could I double check to make sure I have PTV room without buying the cam yet?
AFR 205's milled to 61cc Cathedral ports, Ported by Tony Mamo
2.020 And 1.600 lightweight REV valves
PAC Racing Springs (700 lift)
Flow Tech Induction LSx Dual Valve Spring Kit GEN6A-K1A
Getting excited about the cam now. Only thing is I was told the AFR heads have a different valve drop vs factory type 243s.... How could I double check to make sure I have PTV room without buying the cam yet?
07-27-2018, 08:23 AM
#11
I am far from an expert on valve events. I'm sure someone on here who is very knowledgeable can chime in. Best bet may be to just call WS6Store and talk to John. He is their tech guy, very knowledgeable and friendly.