I'm doing a heads and cam swap on a 98 LS1, and was wondering what everyones thoughts were on leaving the bottom end untouched? Or should I take the bottom end apart to inspect the cylinder walls, journals, bearings, etc.

Motor is out of my parts car, and has 136,xxx miles on it. Previous owner did some autox if it matters. Motor ran fine before I pulled it; no leaks, squeaks, or ticks. Cam specs are AI 226/230 .601/.602 111 LSA. Car will be daily driven and see the track once a year, if that. And the motor will not see more than 6500rpms.

 

NOt sure but wondering myself as well

 

Being that the engine is not in any vehicle at the moment I would certainly at the very least do a hone and put some new rings in and probably a good idea to put a Melling oil pump in and inspect/measure the crank journals and bearings . That is a few miles ,,,,,,,would be a shame to run the engine and have the oil pump give out after 5 or 10 k miles or spin a rod bearing .

 

if its out of the car, blow it apart you would be suprised what you can find lurking in a engine that was "running fine", its too easy not to do. my opinion.

 

Yeah, if it's out of the car, take it apart... atleast do the rodbolts upgrade to Katech piece.

 

If you take it apart, you'll have to rebuild it. Cannot put it back together afterward. Parts have "seated" and need to be changed.

I would change all bearings, rings and hone a little. A basic rebuilt at least.

 

Well the consensus seems to tear it apart, so I'll call up some shops with ls experience and get some quotes. Apart from a hone, new bearings, rings, and rod bolts what else should I look at? I don't want to go overboard, just a simple refresh.

 

Make sure you blueprint it.