TWG

I purchased a "rebuilt" LS1 recently, and after some inspection I suspected the last owner re-used the original main, head and rod bolts during the rebuild, which he confirmed after the purchase. Engine is yet to be installed, and is destined for a street car (No more than 450 crank HP).

I'm not familiar enough with these engines to know which bolts are TTY, but I thought at least the rod bolts were.

1. Do I have to replace all these fasteners, and virtually re-build the shortblock?

2. If so, can I just replace bolt for bolt, or do I have to tear everything down and reassemble in proper order?

-Tim

-Joseph-

iTrader: (12)

The rod and main bolts are likely just fine if torqued properly. They are not torque-to-yield like a headbolt is, but rather use a similar torque-angle tightening procedure. The head bolts I would replace as they actually are stretched in the torque-to-yield procedure, there is only so much they can go before breaking... You can replace one at a time in the torque sequence. Although I would probably tend to check over the rest of the work if the head bolts were reused.....

venom99

iTrader: (32)

go with new bolts beter safe then sorry

scj

iTrader: (89)

if you just use oem replacements, it shouldn't be too expensive to replace all the bolts.
add some arp rod bolts for extra insurance though, especially if it's going to be beat on atleast a little bit.

blsnelling

iTrader: (4)

You only have to replace the head bolts. Pull and replace them one at a time and your gaskets will be fine. However, if he cut corners like that, what else did he do wrong? Resuing factory head bolts is a known big no-no.

TWG

Thanks for the tips. Sounds like I've got my work cut out for me...

pwrtrip75

iTrader: (8)

I would leave them as is. Lots of people re-use the head bolts. If they are already in they are not going to break. If they were going to its when they were being torqued.
It may not be "right" but ive havnt broke one... 2 different 600+hp turbo engines with stock re-used bolts. Why? Just to do it and say I did and it worked.

LS1-450

iTrader: (33)

+1...

eray

I think that the bolts should be replcaed due to the fact that they are streched to achieve proper torque. Any restetching may not yeild simular torque #s
just my .02

eray

^^^^^ For head bolts. The rod and mains can be reused. Since it was out I would check clearances for peace of mind.

96z28

atleast replace the head bolts

m8w6r77

if you use arp head bolts or studs. Can they be reused?

venom99

iTrader: (32)

yes you can use them over and over again also go with studs they are nice if you get main studs you will need your mains alin bored

disc0monkey

iTrader: (10)

changing the rod bolts are easy enough with the motor out of the car. i would def step up to ARP. at least if you put a high revving cam you won't need to worry.

HotSilverBird

i agree!

$750 L98

iTrader: (7)

I am going through this same thing, just found out the mechanic reused TTY head bolts on my car. That would probably be why the head gaskets were both leaking...definitely don't skimp on those.

HotSilverBird

Noway...something else is wrong

disc0monkey

iTrader: (10)

leaking what?