LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum Discussion

LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum Discussion (https://ls1tech.com/forums/)
-   Generation III Internal Engine (https://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-internal-engine-5/)
-   -   While I'm in there...... (https://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-internal-engine/1947810-while-im-there.html)

2001ws6ft Mar 27, 2021 07:26 PM

While I'm in there......
 
I'm replacing the valve cover gaskets since there's a small oil leak on the passenger's side. I'm also removing the intake manifold and upgrading to the ls6 valley cover. I'm thinking of upgrading to CHE trunions as it doesn't seem like a huge job since I'll have the valve covers off anyways. I will be checking the push rods to see if they're bent. The ls engine is in a 2001 Trans Am with 100,000 miles (summer driver). Is there anything else I should do while I have the valve covers and intake manifold off? Whenever I open up something, I want to make sure it's going to be a long time before I have to redo it. I figure the valve springs should be good and I'm too hesitant on trying to remove those while they're still in the car. I have never changed valve springs before. I don't want the valve falling in the engine.

Darth_V8r Mar 27, 2021 07:59 PM

Might want to look at the knock sensors at least. Suggest replacing pcv stuff.

Bob570 Mar 27, 2021 08:01 PM

If it has a stock cam I would probably leave them alone. If you insist on upgrading the trunnion, then CHE is a great kit. I've been beating the hell out of mine for 13k miles and they show almost no signs of wear at all. I have pictures of the wear at 8000 miles in another thread.

2001ws6ft Mar 27, 2021 08:46 PM


Originally Posted by Bob570 (Post 20339621)
If it has a stock cam I would probably leave them alone. If you insist on upgrading the trunnion, then CHE is a great kit. I've been beating the hell out of mine for 13k miles and they show almost no signs of wear at all. I have pictures of the wear at 8000 miles in another thread.

I have no plans of a bigger cam at the moment, but I definitely might do it in a year or two

2001ws6ft Mar 27, 2021 08:47 PM


Originally Posted by Darth_V8r (Post 20339618)
Might want to look at the knock sensors at least. Suggest replacing pcv stuff.

yeah. I'll take a look, but I have no idea how to tell if they're going bad. I might replace them with a delco or some reliable brand.

99 Black Bird T/A Mar 27, 2021 09:19 PM

My .02 worth of opinion...

The original stock intake manifold gaskets were in pretty poor condition on my 99 T/A after 17 years. Likewise the ones on my 02 Z28 were in pretty poor condition after about 20 years. Both cars had spent time outside over the years.

With the intake manifold gaskets pushing 20+ years of age, I would consider replacing them if they haven't been replaced before. Especially if the car spends time outside in the rain. Water can stand where the manifold seals to cylinder head duexto the design of the hood on a 4th Gen. Sometimes although it's rare, the water can seep past the old manifold gasket and cause issues. Over the years a few cars have hydro-locked the engine from the issue.



2001ws6ft Mar 27, 2021 09:21 PM


Originally Posted by 99 Black Bird T/A (Post 20339638)
My .02 worth of opinion...

The original stock intake manifold gaskets were in pretty poor condition on my 99 T/A after 17 years. Likewise the ones on my 02 Z28 were in pretty poor condition after about 20 years. Both cars had spent time outside over the years.

With the intake manifold gaskets pushing 20+ years of age, I would consider replacing them if they haven't been replaced before. Especially if the car spends time outside in the rain. Water can stand where the manifold seals to cylinder head duexto the design of the hood on a 4th Gen. Sometimes although it's rare, the water can seep past the old manifold gasket and cause issues. Over the years a few cars have hydro-locked the engine from the issue.

yes. I was planning on all new gaskets. Even the throttle body.. i do not like re-installing items with used gaskets.. i already bought felpro gaskets for the intake,, tb, and valve covers.

jhshnh Mar 28, 2021 06:05 AM

If you’re pulling the intake I’d replace the oil pressure sensor. Also, take a look at your map sensor and the harness. It’s easy to break a wire off on the plug going to the map. I’d look at any hoses back there as well.

Darth_V8r Mar 28, 2021 08:09 AM


Originally Posted by 2001ws6ft
yeah. I'll take a look, but I have no idea how to tell if they're going bad. I might replace them with a delco or some reliable brand.

Look for harness to be rotten or not. Rust on the knock sensors. That kind of thing. Pcv hoses see if they are spongy.

Darth_V8r Mar 28, 2021 08:11 AM


Originally Posted by jhshnh
If you’re pulling the intake I’d replace the oil pressure sensor. Also, take a look at your map sensor and the harness. It’s easy to break a wire off on the plug going to the map. I’d look at any hoses back there as well.

I extended most of the harness crap from engine rear to engine front to address that. Grounds, map, gen4 cam sensor. If I could reroute the brake booster hose I would. That is the biggest cause of broken opsu

jhshnh Mar 28, 2021 12:05 PM

I am thinking about that for my map sensor. It’s a great idea.

tblentrprz Mar 28, 2021 01:59 PM

Recommend Delco sensors. PCM sw limits not written for aftermarket sensors that will be slightly off. Replace knock sensor harness since it includes new knock sensor recess caps. Be cautious using Felpro valley cover gasket. I've experienced a Felpro oil pan gasket failure due to the Felpro rubber is stiffer and thicker than factory and split when pan was torqued to spec. The same style aluminum frame/bonded rubber gasket is used in valley cover. ACDelco, GM, Mahle or Victor Reinz are typically better options.

2001ws6ft Mar 29, 2021 02:14 AM

i'm going to replace the oil pressure sensor. It isn't overly expensive. I'd change the map sensor for peace of mind, but they are $50 or over. The while I'm in there things can get real expensive, real quick. lol

Darth_V8r Mar 29, 2021 07:50 AM

"While I'm in there" is the second most expensive phrase in hotrodding.

The first most expensive being "I think I'll build a hotrod"

jhshnh Mar 29, 2021 01:09 PM

Yes! “While I’m in there” adds up quickly. The bad news is the deeper you go “in there” the more expensive it gets... that’s what she said.

2001ws6ft Mar 29, 2021 02:50 PM


Originally Posted by Darth_V8r (Post 20340034)
"While I'm in there" is the second most expensive phrase in hotrodding.

The first most expensive being "I think I'll build a hotrod"

yeah. These past 2 years I've gotten slammed hard with both....let me make it a little faster and get all the maintenance done.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:20 PM.


© 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands