Intro and New LS1 owner question
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Teching In
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 21
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From: Edwardsville, IL
Intro and New LS1 owner question Hello all. Just got my first LS1 (why I waited I have no idea) that will be swapped into my 75 Datsun 280Z.
I will be giving the engine a good scrubbing while collecting needed swap parts, as well as replacing whatever needs to be replaced from a maintenance stand point which brings me to my question.
What should be replaced while the engine is out? I plan on valve cover and oil pan gaskets for sure as they are leaking and sparkplugs but what about stuff? What about the water pump? Timing chain? Other gaskets? Not know the history doesn't help either.
Working on an engine OUTSIDE the car is a real treat and I don't want to miss out on the fun, so what else "while I'm at it"?
Thanks and look forward to learning.
I will be giving the engine a good scrubbing while collecting needed swap parts, as well as replacing whatever needs to be replaced from a maintenance stand point which brings me to my question.
What should be replaced while the engine is out? I plan on valve cover and oil pan gaskets for sure as they are leaking and sparkplugs but what about stuff? What about the water pump? Timing chain? Other gaskets? Not know the history doesn't help either.
Working on an engine OUTSIDE the car is a real treat and I don't want to miss out on the fun, so what else "while I'm at it"?
Thanks and look forward to learning.
Clean looking Z car. As far as the engine. What is the mileage ?
if your going to do the Cam, now would be the time. As you plan fir the seals. Generally the pan and valve covers don't leak too badly. See if there is a reason for the leakage. The O-Ring do a pretty good job of sealing and can be reused.
Do a leak down test to find out the health if the Rings and valves, etc. Might be time for a valve job. If high mileage. New lifters.
if your going to do the Cam, now would be the time. As you plan fir the seals. Generally the pan and valve covers don't leak too badly. See if there is a reason for the leakage. The O-Ring do a pretty good job of sealing and can be reused.
Do a leak down test to find out the health if the Rings and valves, etc. Might be time for a valve job. If high mileage. New lifters.
Last edited by bczee; Aug 12, 2014 at 06:41 PM.
Nice looking Z car. You did not say what year your LS1 is. I converted my 2000 LS1 to the LS6 type PCV system,(http://ls1howto.com/index.php?article=18) also added the LS6 intake. I agree on the cam and possibly upgrading the oil pump.
Pat
Pat
Wow. Kind of surprising to see a 40-year-old Z-car in such great shape!! 
I've always had a small fondness for these cars, but this one could turn me into an actual enthusiast!! 
Ohhhhh man, I promise you - before you start a project like this, you very likely have NO idea of the danger inherent in that phrase...
I've added a lot of work to my project, & subtracted a fair bit of money from my wallet with that thought. 
Be really careful about where you let that take you...
I've always had a small fondness for these cars, but this one could turn me into an actual enthusiast!! Ohhhhh man, I promise you - before you start a project like this, you very likely have NO idea of the danger inherent in that phrase...
I've added a lot of work to my project, & subtracted a fair bit of money from my wallet with that thought. Be really careful about where you let that take you... Trending Topics
12 Second Club
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Unless you are planning a complete tear down, inspection, and rebuild "while you are at it", other that above mentioned repairs, I'd replace rear main seal and torque converter seal. All other things can be replaced fairly easily while in the car.
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