While I'm in there......
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 321
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From: Massachusetts
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.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2018
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From: Michigan
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.
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 321
Likes: 30
From: Massachusetts
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.
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 321
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From: Massachusetts
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.
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.
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 321
Likes: 30
From: Massachusetts
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.
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.
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TECH Resident
Joined: Oct 2014
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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.
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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.
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.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Feb 2015
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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.
Last edited by tblentrprz; Mar 28, 2021 at 02:31 PM.
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 321
Likes: 30
From: Massachusetts
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
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 321
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From: Massachusetts