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High mileage LS1
High mileage LS1 This summer I'd like to have a cam put in my LS1. It currently has 148K on the clock, but I'm ALWAYS put Mobil-1 syn oil in the motor, and it still runs strong with no leaks or smoking. I know I'll have to have the timing chain, valvesprings changed, but has anyone put a cam in their motors with this much mileage on the bottom end without any problems. I don't plan on spraying the motor either, just putting in a 230 or so cam to give it some more umph and some lope.
With that mileage keep in mind you should be replacing all the supporting valvetrain as well, including lifters. Which means you'll have to pull the heads, or try that other way and pray you dont drop one. My point is that you'll be making a significant investment in an old motor. Is it a good idea to do a cam swap at that mileage, In my opinion, no.
Can it be done and live, maybe.
Can it be done and live, maybe.
TECH Addict
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 2
cam went into my car at about 110k, yours could too if your car is running strong that is.
Lifters are always a concern, a few of mine will tap after some 1/4 mile runs, idling for a few mins will let them settle again. It's been like this for 30k now so I don't think it's a major problem that another set of heads won't fix (which I will drop in ls7 lifters at that time).
And we have lifter holder holes which will make cam swapping a breeze with the heads on. Just use wooden or metal dowels, heck even brake line. For a few dollars why risk russian roulette?
Lifters are always a concern, a few of mine will tap after some 1/4 mile runs, idling for a few mins will let them settle again. It's been like this for 30k now so I don't think it's a major problem that another set of heads won't fix (which I will drop in ls7 lifters at that time).
And we have lifter holder holes which will make cam swapping a breeze with the heads on. Just use wooden or metal dowels, heck even brake line. For a few dollars why risk russian roulette?
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 89
From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
i did my cam at 102k, its running fantastic now at 105k, i didnt do lifters though, when the heads come off i will be swapping them. for your mileage i would go ahead and swap them even though its a bit more work i believe its worth the added security. i would also do pushrods, oil pump, timing set, springs and maybe rockers if you feel up to it. also, maybe some arp head bolts.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 502
Likes: 1
I wouldn't be afraid to do it. These aren't gen 1 small blocks. Everybody is always saying don't mod these engines with high mileage on them. But, nobody, except for a handful has actually done it. And those people haven't said anything has happened to them.
Now, when you hit 180K miles, yeah, expect to rebuild.
In the meantime? Go for it. Like greatskiiiier said, when it does go, the top end will already be fresh. You'll probably just have a spun rod bearing, which isn't abnormal.
Now, when you hit 180K miles, yeah, expect to rebuild.
In the meantime? Go for it. Like greatskiiiier said, when it does go, the top end will already be fresh. You'll probably just have a spun rod bearing, which isn't abnormal.
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Check my sig out. Everything from the block up was replaced. PR, lifters, oil pump, water pump, gastkets, springs, valves, heads (everything). I did my hotcam at 150,000. Today it has 192,500 miles and I still drive the **** out of it. I romp on it at lest once while driving it to work. Regular changes of oil (GC), rear end and tranny flushes, basically keep the bitch maintaince. My heads had no sludge. Everything was good. Except for lifter going out and killing my stock cam. Thats was more like a blessing. I needed a reason to do it.
Hmmm... well I might be okay too. I've got about 135k miles on my 98. At about 100k I tore it down enough to put a used Hotcam, new yellow LS6 springs, new SDPC stock oil pump, and LS2 chain.
In a few weeks I hope to buy a Midwest Rear end (because the 10 bolt looses teeth like a shark
), I've got a rebuilt t56 (stock), Monster III clutch, stock steel shaft, and a tick master. Drivetrain is good enough to make a machine gun bunker with. But the engine...
Its got a lifter tick occasionally, havent been tooo worried about it. I thought about snatching the heads off and putting some LS7 lifters and 243 heads on... but I didn't really have much faith in this engine. I guess the heads/lifters could still be used on an LQ9 with good luck though
. Its gotten synthetic 5w30 since I've owned it (2005 with 65k miles). I think I started off with Mobil1, then to valvoline synthetic, and for the last ~30k miles its been Quaker State Synthetic. I'm not really sure about it, but I change it about every 4k miles, with about a quart every 1500 miles.
Am I doing anything wrong here that should keep me from seeing 180k+ miles? I've never taken it to the track (mostly because of the rear end), but I do step on it about once a week. Shoud I change the oil every 3k? I don't really plan on driving this engine that long, just long enough to get me another vehicle so I can get an LQ9.... so maybe 20k more.
Thanks
In a few weeks I hope to buy a Midwest Rear end (because the 10 bolt looses teeth like a shark
), I've got a rebuilt t56 (stock), Monster III clutch, stock steel shaft, and a tick master. Drivetrain is good enough to make a machine gun bunker with. But the engine... Its got a lifter tick occasionally, havent been tooo worried about it. I thought about snatching the heads off and putting some LS7 lifters and 243 heads on... but I didn't really have much faith in this engine. I guess the heads/lifters could still be used on an LQ9 with good luck though
. Its gotten synthetic 5w30 since I've owned it (2005 with 65k miles). I think I started off with Mobil1, then to valvoline synthetic, and for the last ~30k miles its been Quaker State Synthetic. I'm not really sure about it, but I change it about every 4k miles, with about a quart every 1500 miles. Am I doing anything wrong here that should keep me from seeing 180k+ miles? I've never taken it to the track (mostly because of the rear end), but I do step on it about once a week. Shoud I change the oil every 3k? I don't really plan on driving this engine that long, just long enough to get me another vehicle so I can get an LQ9.... so maybe 20k more.
Thanks
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth Texas
Im not taking any chances my 2000 Camaro SS,M6 has 145K miles on it ...I just replaced the whole suspension and i should be picking up my new LS1 engine from the dealership tomorrow im going to add a Trex Cam,AFR ported heads,Forged pistons and the list goes on im just wondering how fast my Rear end will say mercy 
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: mathews va
I got 173,xxx on mine stock engine I run mobil 1 since i have owned it at about 50,xxx.I drag raced it numerous times.have road raced it once at summit point,4 or 5 autox.I drive pretty aggressive daily.and thinking of a cam swap with no fear.My car feels just as strong as when i test drove it.no leaks or smoking.only some piston slap when it is cold outside
