Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Low Power; Replace, rebuild, or sell?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 30, 2012 | 02:38 PM
  #1  
tripplewhiskeysip's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default Low Power; Replace, rebuild, or sell?

Hey guys, The car is an 01 z06 w/ 90k miles.

I feel like its lacking power and should be quicker. Problem is that I don't know the history of the car or whats in it. It could be the tune, aftermarket parts, or just a worn out motor.

I did a COLD compression test and it confirmed bad numbers.

90-100 psi - first pump
120 psi - cranking
160 psi - with me squirting oil in the spark plug hole

I have the tools to pull out the engine and disassemble it. But I would like to see what other people would do in my position.

Most likely I was thinking to send the block to a machine shop and have them see if they can rework it. Then I would get new pistons with a rebuild kit and have my motor running good as new. I never dealt with a machine shop.


For guys that have dealt with machine shops can I give them all the big parts so they could check them before I assemble it. Since besides the block I was thinking of also checking the valves for leakage and getting a valve job if they are bad, and also the condition of the crank. (The crank seems fine, no knocking)

Do you guys know how much the machining would cost and also the rebuild kit? Because I've seen these motors go for $2500 - 3000 on the forums.

What do you guys think is the cheapest way to escape my problem.

Last edited by tripplewhiskeysip; May 30, 2012 at 02:45 PM.
Reply
Old May 30, 2012 | 05:58 PM
  #2  
Gunslinger09's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Default

Find a 6.0 truck block, and throw some forged pistons in it reusing the stock crank and rods and put your heads and cam back in it. Or do a 402-408 stroker the same way if money isn't an impediment.
Reply
Old May 30, 2012 | 06:52 PM
  #3  
Transmission Perform's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Default

>90k miles
>low cylinder compression

should have got an LT1 dude
Reply
Old May 30, 2012 | 07:06 PM
  #4  
crainholio's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,977
Likes: 3
Default

Originally Posted by Transmission Perform
>90k miles
>low cylinder compression

should have got an LT1 dude
Some more valuable wisdom from Transmission Perform here for your enjoyment:


Originally Posted by Transmission Perform
Well first i have an old lt1 that broke down here's what happened i think

The cylinder heads became deformed because the air filter was so dirty they couldnt handle all the build up of air and oil coming through the air filter and the throttle body

so i tried replacing the air tube with a cold air intake and i think the extra power blew out the cylinder heads and they crashed through valley pan into the crank.

then the crank spun hard and threw the pistons up to hard to cause a misfire

well what im gonna try to see is i think the camshaft that needs to adjusted it's going through the intake valves right? so im gonna try to wiggle it around and fit it through the valves i guess this is what me and my dad came up with the mechanic told us this is the problem with the heads.
Personally, I'll take an LS1. They don't "blow out the cylinder heads and they crash through the valley pan into the crank" or need the valves adjusted by wiggling the camshaft and fit it through the valves"...

Reply
Old May 30, 2012 | 10:30 PM
  #5  
tripplewhiskeysip's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Gunslinger09
Find a 6.0 truck block, and throw some forged pistons in it reusing the stock crank and rods and put your heads and cam back in it. Or do a 402-408 stroker the same way if money isn't an impediment.
Sounds like a good option. I'll keep it in mind to see if it will turn out to be cheaper then a replacement LS6 motor or rebuild.

Thanks
Reply
Old May 31, 2012 | 04:02 PM
  #6  
Exidous's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 4
From: Under a rock
Default

Originally Posted by Transmission Perform
>90k miles
>low cylinder compression

should have got an LT1 dude
Why does this person still have an account?

With numbers like that, your rings need replacing or the valves aren't sealing. You are getting about 8:1 static comp. Check your oil to see if there is a bit of fuel in it.
Reply
Old May 31, 2012 | 04:25 PM
  #7  
Old Geezer's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,639
Likes: 71
From: GA, USA
Default

"Some more valuable wisdom from Transmission Perform here for your enjoyment".

Yep!
Reply
Old May 31, 2012 | 09:30 PM
  #8  
crainholio's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,977
Likes: 3
Default

Originally Posted by Exidous
Why does this person still have an account?
Entertainment value...
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:43 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE