New LS1 Owners - Newbie Tech - Can I rebuild a motor or a transmission by myself?

So, I was just wondering if your average car mechanic is able to rebuild a motor. Is this someone ONLY professional mechanics or guys with years of experience can do? I'd love to give it a shot when I graduate college, and I have tools and cash for required tools and equipment. I'm just a recreational car-guy and would love to give it a shot! Thanks!:drive:

If you have the time and tools to do it then I'd say sure. You just need to do lots of research, there's a big difference between building a motor by assembling a bunch of parts that were bought separately and actually building a well functioning motor that will last and make good power.

Why not? This is how I learned everything I know about the 4th gen F-car. I tried and did everything on my first Firebird. Eventually, I even built a few engines although I had never done it before. My interest in learning paid off. I now work with one of the best LS engine builders in the country. Don't be afraid to try, you might just be good at it.

Absolutely. Just TAKE YOUR TIME and don't cut corners and you will be good to go!

dont forget the torque wrench

i would suggest havin someone building a shortblock/rebuilding it if you are not experienced..but to complete the long block go for it, its all time, research, and money

Go for it! Take your time and do your research. Torque wrench is a must ;)

Do it. When you own the car your working on you tend to take better care then some random guy at some random shop ever would.

Go for it, research, ask questions, and like previous comments, torque wrench is a MUST.

There are a couple good books written by Joseph Potak "Joseph" on here. You can get them through Amazon and they will help you out a lot.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_5_9?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=joseph+potak&sprefix=joseph+po%2Cstripbooks%2C270

I now work with one of the best LS engine builders in the country.


and who might that be?

Yes you can absolutely do it

and who might that be?

Kurt Urban

Sure just take your time and don't take any shortcuts.

sure man. the tranny is another story, but the motor, is just something you do slowly and it is really and truly all in the prep. making sure you lube everything, and seat it properly, get your measurements right, and when you fire it up and drive it, you will know it was done right.

It's trial and error. Learn as u go

Ka BOOM!