kjcmusic17

I could possibly be getting a high mile LS1. A friend of mine told me to rebuild it, upgrade, or drive it til it blows up and then upgrade. If I upgrade, are there any parts that can be reused from the LS1 into a new engine? What engine? What parts?

bmf5150

I would look for ls2 if my ls1 blew up

Pop N Wood

iTrader: (1)

All depends on what sort of deals you get but upgrade if possible. they made a lot of improvements going to the LS2 and more yet with the LS3.

chuckd71

iTrader: (23)

Upgrade. Not really worth rebuilding an ls1 (my opinion after going through the same thing).

kjcmusic17

Are there any parts i can carryover from the ls1 to an ls2 or ls3?

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Lifters(if they are good), Crank Sensor, Rocker Assemblies, bolts.

chuckd71

iTrader: (23)

I read somewhere an ls1 crank fits in an ls2, but I dont know for certain.

WS6sleeper

iTrader: (1)

IDK where I read on this site somwhere that a sleeved GEN III Ls1/ls6 block is much better than any ls2/3/7 block you put together, especially as far as strength. I'm talking about shortblocks obviously, not the topend. That's why I'm planning on a ERL 427" LS1 whenever the time comes. I'm not 100% sure on this but I'm still curious as well and haven't given it much thought since I won't be needing a new motor anytime soon. Again, take this with a grain of salt I only read it on the interwebz

I do know for sure that the road racing guys prefer the gen III blocks because they don't have oil starvation issues like the ls3/7. On stock cars with no oiling upgrades, you can destroy a brand new gen iv engine in the twisties. Just saying that in those conditions, high rpm and high G's can cause serious failures. Whereas in an LS1/LS6, you can upgrade the oil baffle and add in extra quart when racing and you shouldn't have any issues.

Anyway OP, if you're not concerned with that^ then I'd definitely upgrade to a LS2 or LS3 block and run at least a LS3 head. You can make way more power than any LS1 aftermarket head, and if you're looking for more HP then now is the time

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Yes, 3.62, 24x Reluctor. LS1 Rods will work too. When you start changing out Rotating Assembly pieces it's a good idea to get it balanced.

turbinesurgeon

I would do the rebuild with upgrades right off, keeps you from blowing it up later more often than not. Beside if you blow up an LS1, their cylinder walls can only be honed out 0.005"-0.010". That is usually not enough material to repair scuffing, so you'll most likely have to fork over the $$$ to re-sleeve for a rebuild later.

Pop N Wood

iTrader: (1)

I've heard the exact opposite on oiling. Like this article

I know GM specifically redesigned even the LS1 block in 2000 and the LS6 to add windows between the cylinders to improve air flow inside the block. The LS2 and beyond built on that.

kjcmusic17

When you say rebuild with upgrades, do you mean upgrade some components of the LS1 while it's apart I assume?

turbinesurgeon

That's exactly what I mean. It cost money to rebuild, alot of upgrades require a rebuild; so instead of spending the rebuild money twice why not just knock it out all at the same time. Will cost more up front, but will cost less over the long haul and minimize your project down-time.