ls1 mileage limit
#1
ls1 mileage limit
In my search to purchase a ls1 donor motor/trans combo, I have come across a number of motors with more than "a few" miles on them. I would like to increase the hp output of the motor before swapping it into my firebird, but I have been wondering: How many miles on the motor are too many to hotrod? I understand that, generally speaking, a motor that was well maintained will last longer than one that has been poorly maintained. And I understand, generally speaking, the lower the mileage the better. So I guess I'm looking for any specific "faults" in the ls1 after a certain mileage marker, if such a thing even exists. I will most likely go with the old cam-heads-intake upgrade to build more power.
Any advice?
Any advice?
#2
i bought my 2000 Z28 with 150,000 miles on it and put a few thousand of my own on it in the past few months. it was very well maintained by the one previous owner and keeps me pinned to my seat nicely for a stock/original motor. i think that as long as its still in good shape, and the work you do to it is done properly, it should last a long time yet
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Originally Posted by dummyhead
In my search to purchase a ls1 donor motor/trans combo, I have come across a number of motors with more than "a few" miles on them. I would like to increase the hp output of the motor before swapping it into my firebird, but I have been wondering: How many miles on the motor are too many to hotrod? I understand that, generally speaking, a motor that was well maintained will last longer than one that has been poorly maintained. And I understand, generally speaking, the lower the mileage the better. So I guess I'm looking for any specific "faults" in the ls1 after a certain mileage marker, if such a thing even exists. I will most likely go with the old cam-heads-intake upgrade to build more power.
Any advice?
Any advice?
PS what are you going to do with the car. Drag, street, DD, all out bitch (drag/street)? maybe that will help out a little more of what you might want to look for.
#5
Originally Posted by 68Goatboy
i bought my 2000 Z28 with 150,000 miles on it and put a few thousand of my own on it in the past few months. it was very well maintained by the one previous owner and keeps me pinned to my seat nicely for a stock/original motor. i think that as long as its still in good shape, and the work you do to it is done properly, it should last a long time yet
Would you be comfortable doing a cam/heads/intake swap to bump up the power and take it racing occassionally with 150,000?
#6
Originally Posted by Smokin00WS6
PS what are you going to do with the car. Drag, street, DD, all out bitch (drag/street)? maybe that will help out a little more of what you might want to look for.
#7
Originally Posted by 1meantransam
92,000 on mine and nothing wrong yet. knock on wood
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its got most bolt ons done to it, but i still would do cam,heads, intake swap.. but well im in there i would probably just go ahead and get a rebuild or at least the things most prone to break
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Originally Posted by dummyhead
I looking to go all drag/street. I'm looking at a cam/heads/intake swap to boost the power output.
#10
Originally Posted by 1meantransam
its got most bolt ons done to it, but i still would do cam,heads, intake swap.. but well im in there i would probably just go ahead and get a rebuild or at least the things most prone to break
What would you consider most prone to breakage?
#11
Originally Posted by Smokin00WS6
So its going to get worked pretty hard. I would do that plus make sure that you strengthen the rest of the engine.
So, would you recommend starting with a motor with known problems, like a spun bearing for example, and just doing a complete rebuild? Or can I start with a motor with 60k-70k, for example, and make the upgrades I mentioned and feel pretty comfortable that it will stay together?
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98-99 oil pumps are a little weak and the ported oil pump is a nice upgrade. The lifters are just ok, if in there for a cam cheap to replace. (75k if you make me pick a number) The timing chain at some point, again a basic changed part with a cam.
I would check the plugs and fuel filter to see if orginal with high miles. Not the end if orginal but a basic easy check of maintance. Other couple checks: Radiator fluid, diff and trans., ecm codes too
If I were putting C/H...... in a 100K LS1 the fuel injectors would be checked and cleaned too.
IF you turn you own wrenchs changing all fluids and misc maintance stuff. $500 good to go. Also there are good deals on ls1's with bad brakes or shocks if you fix them yourself - cheap.
I would check the plugs and fuel filter to see if orginal with high miles. Not the end if orginal but a basic easy check of maintance. Other couple checks: Radiator fluid, diff and trans., ecm codes too
If I were putting C/H...... in a 100K LS1 the fuel injectors would be checked and cleaned too.
IF you turn you own wrenchs changing all fluids and misc maintance stuff. $500 good to go. Also there are good deals on ls1's with bad brakes or shocks if you fix them yourself - cheap.
#16
Originally Posted by dummyhead
Would you be comfortable doing a cam/heads/intake swap to bump up the power and take it racing occassionally with 150,000?
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Originally Posted by 1meantransam
92,000 on mine and nothing wrong yet. knock on wood
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lol, yeah save your car man. its a curse to say what problems you havnt had so im going to say it this way, wow my cars such a peice of **** everything breaks grrrr i hate it..(maybe now nothing will happen)