Help me rebuild my first engine--LS1
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On The Tree
Joined: Apr 2008
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Help me rebuild my first engine--LS1 A while back, I killed the engine in my autocross Camaro. Teardown confirmed my initial guess that I had spun a bearing. Pics:
Stuff I found in the oil
#6 rod bearing
Matching rod journal
Main bearings and cam looked good
As did the bores
Now I'm looking for advice in rebuilding the engine. I'm trying to do this relatively inexpensively, which means no overbore or new pistons. I've never rebuilt an engine, so I'd rather have people err on the side of talking down to me instead of assuming I know more than I do.
With that in mind...
Replace the crank, or get the rod journals turned?
I'd like to replace every bearing in the engine. Any advice on which I should use?
Rings--I never had any problems with them at all, but I assume I may as well replace them. Any advice here?
Obviously, most LS1 gaskets are reusable, and I never had any problems with leaks. But are there any I should replace anyway, aside from the obvious head gaskets/header gaskets? (I'm replacing the oil pan gasket just in case it was hiding any debris.)
Is there a good reference book for someone in my position? Rebuilding LS Motors for Dummies?
In order to prevent a repeat of this problem, I've ordered a new oil pan baffle from Improved Racing, and an SLP oil pump. But the strict rules for my class mean the rotating assembly and heads have to be 100% stock.
Any other advice? Thanks!
Stuff I found in the oil
#6 rod bearing
Matching rod journal
Main bearings and cam looked good
As did the bores
Now I'm looking for advice in rebuilding the engine. I'm trying to do this relatively inexpensively, which means no overbore or new pistons. I've never rebuilt an engine, so I'd rather have people err on the side of talking down to me instead of assuming I know more than I do.
With that in mind...
Replace the crank, or get the rod journals turned?
I'd like to replace every bearing in the engine. Any advice on which I should use?
Rings--I never had any problems with them at all, but I assume I may as well replace them. Any advice here?
Obviously, most LS1 gaskets are reusable, and I never had any problems with leaks. But are there any I should replace anyway, aside from the obvious head gaskets/header gaskets? (I'm replacing the oil pan gasket just in case it was hiding any debris.)
Is there a good reference book for someone in my position? Rebuilding LS Motors for Dummies?
In order to prevent a repeat of this problem, I've ordered a new oil pan baffle from Improved Racing, and an SLP oil pump. But the strict rules for my class mean the rotating assembly and heads have to be 100% stock.
Any other advice? Thanks!
http://www.eastwood.com/how-to-rebui...FQ6f4AodoAMAPw
Very good reference book, also the assembly manual for your camaro from GM is great to, it's the one the techs use...got mine on eBay
Very good reference book, also the assembly manual for your camaro from GM is great to, it's the one the techs use...got mine on eBay
TECH Regular
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 414
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From: San Diego
I used a book called How To Build And Modify GM LS- Series Engines. Its a outstanding book. That and LS1tech is all i used to build my iron 408 and it runs great no issues. Just take ur time and check then recheck things. If u follow all the directions in the book u shouldnt have any issues.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,074
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My suggestion is read read read on everything you can about ls motors. They are not hard to rebuild but there are many steps that are special to ls motors that sbc's do not apply to. Take your time and if you don't feel comfortable doing something ask someone who knows to help. There are tons of books about rebuilding ls motors that include everything from machining to what parts to buy etc.
I'll be the first to save you some money. Don't BUY a book, download it. If you have Frostwire or any popular file sharing/torrent program, you should be able to find "Building the chevy ls engine" in PDF format. Tons of great info. I'm using it to do the same thing to my first ls1 right now. Good luck.
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On The Tree
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Teching In
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From: California
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Tampa FL
I'd just turn and polish the crank and reuse it. As for the rods since Ktech is GM supplier I would think set of their bolts would count as factory parts. Beyond that get a stock master overhaul kit with rings bearings and seals and gaskets and call it a day. Will your class allow head work on the stock heads? A valve job on any rebuild is a must, if the heads got a little port work at the same time who would be the wiser?
