my LS1 has 198k on the clock, still runs good other then the rear main which leaks. Im 16 and this car will need to be my dd this summer, so i need it to be running good, but this winter i want a winter project to work on, should i get another LS1 and build it or get a LS2 and build it, i can get a LS2 pretty cheap and alot easier.. i wanna do heads/cam, ti retainers, valvesprings...etc. What do you guys think?

 

the car either way also be getting headers/ORY.

 

i would personally get the LS2 if it's decently priced. should be able to get a bit more power out of it. sounds like a fun project, especially for a 16yo.

 

go iron block 408

would be amazing to respond to the age old question "that camaro got a 350?" with "nah, 408" haha

 

we have access to a shop with 2 lifts not to mention all of the tools in our own garage at my house, my dad used to be ASE certified and is going to help me with this, think i might do the LS2. Dont think i can afford a 408, might have to stay a 370(i think thats the ci on a LS2). I would build another LS1, but if i can get a LS2 cheaper and build it for the same amount, i think it would be better and alot more fun to play around with, yet still keep it driveable.

 

You didn't tell me it had 198k !

Good luck on the swap...you can find some 402's/408's for pretty cheap.

 

if it was me personally i would build an ls6 but its not to easy to get a good deal on those but i guess an ls2 would be ok, to tell you the truth i was disappointed after driving a C6, my car actually felt faster!!! but the ls2 is great low end and mid but not so much up in the top, if it were me i would go wit the LS1 create engine and build it up, but this is my opinion others have other opinions. wow and im supprised the ls1 is still runnin stong for that long

 

yeah, we did a compression test on all the cylinders and all came up great, the guy we baught it from drove it to work everyday and 70% of those miles are all highway which we all know is like 1300 in 6th gear at like 65 mph. Its still got more power then im used to. Also had all its oil changes and maintance done at gm dealers on time(3000 mi for oil..etc) which i think is pretty important to keeping an engine alive. Its got alittle bit of a knock when its cold but when it warms up its smooth and quiet. Honestly though, with the kind of miles it has im afraid to build it at all.

 

try seafoam. but i would just keep the 346 bored .30 over or whatever you can put down plenty of power with a heads cam and instead of paying the money for the new block or stroker kit you can get all the otherthings like suspension or rearend or gears whatever.