To swap or not to swap?

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Oct 1, 2024 | 06:35 PM

KJB

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To swap or not to swap?

My 01 trans am developed rod knock. Not sure if it's cheaper to have a shop replace the bearings or swap for a junkyard lq4. Any suggestions?

The car has been sitting since 2020 due to life changes and I can't bear to have it sit any longer.

Oct 1, 2024 | 06:47 PM

Ls1Rx-7

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From: Jupiter FLorida

What are your plans with it? The iron block gains cubic inches and strength, but weighs 100+ lbs more. It also opens you up to more options for heads like the ls3 etc.

Oct 1, 2024 | 10:00 PM

the_merv

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Question is what work you can do on your own..you don't need a shop to replace Bearings.

Oct 2, 2024 | 12:11 AM

gametech

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From: Stockbridge GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_merv

Question is what work you can do on your own..you don't need a shop to replace Bearings.

While you are correct, have you ever seen a stock engine where the bearings went bad and it did not need a ton of other stuff to be worth putting it back in the car?

Oct 2, 2024 | 07:22 AM

KJB

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ls1Rx-7

What are your plans with it? The iron block gains cubic inches and strength, but weighs 100+ lbs more. It also opens you up to more options for heads like the ls3 etc.

I had bought a cam for it. Maybe down the line I'd add a supercharger, but I'll be happy just to get it running again.

Oct 2, 2024 | 07:27 AM

KJB

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Quote:

Originally Posted by the_merv

Question is what work you can do on your own..you don't need a shop to replace Bearings.

I can do anything I set my mind to, haha. But right now, the idea of rigging the car to access the bottom end or dealing with the logistics of a motor swap doesn’t excite me anymore.

Oct 2, 2024 | 07:32 AM

KJB

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Quote:

Originally Posted by gametech

While you are correct, have you ever seen a stock engine where the bearings went bad and it did not need a ton of other stuff to be worth putting it back in the car?

Exactly, that’s another concern I have. With my luck, I might end up needing to replace the crankshaft or find other unexpected issues. Honestly, I’m also worried about getting a junkyard LQ4, installing it, and then realizing it has rod knock too—but I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.

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Oct 2, 2024 | 08:39 AM

the_merv

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From: The Beach...

Quote:

Originally Posted by gametech

While you are correct, have you ever seen a stock engine where the bearings went bad and it did not need a ton of other stuff to be worth putting it back in the car?

Depends how early you catch it. Granted we don't know the severity of this one, the ideal would be the Crank is the only thing damaged so get that turned down and run an over sized Bearing. Rod hopefully isn't tore up, Block cleaned up and then all back together. Then again that's the ideal situation. I've seen them much worse.

All comes down to how much the guy wants to spend.

Oct 2, 2024 | 03:05 PM

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LS1 TJ

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If aren't in a hurry I would pull the LS1 and take it to a engine shop and have it inspected. If it is really toast then decide to rebuild or go 6.0. In regards to used 6.0 I would also take it to an engine shop and have it inspected prior to install.

Oct 2, 2024 | 09:13 PM

#11

KJB

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Quote:

Originally Posted by the_merv

Admittedly I had to use it to get to work when it started knocking. In total I probably drove it around 10 miles before it was put on jack stands and I purchased another daily driver. From the sound I'd bet that I'd need a new crankshaft, but not rods. Can't be for sure though.

In terms of spend I might have close to 3k to throw at it.

Oct 2, 2024 | 09:15 PM

#12

KJB

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Quote:

Originally Posted by LS1 TJ

I believe this is probably my best bet. After all we don't yet know how how severe the damage is.

Oct 2, 2024 | 09:17 PM

#13

KJB

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Anybody know of a reputable shop in the DMV area? Haha.

Oct 2, 2024 | 09:39 PM

#14

the_merv

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From: The Beach...

With a $3k budget you can get something decent Engine wise, that's a good running Ironblock 6.0l with money left over for mods.

Again comes down to what you want to do.