High mileage LS1 questions
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 404
Likes: 24
From: Houston
High mileage LS1 questions Hi Guys,
I have a 1998 z/28. Mods in signature. It has 223k miles and has been sitting since 2019. It needs front and rear seals and oil pan and valve cover gaskets. I'm looking for some advice on some "while we're in there items." The engine is quiet, runs strong and has good oil pressure. The car is just a fun no worries drag car that I want to slowly make faster. If I wanted to I could swap in a built engine and shoot for 10's but I'd rather slowly cut the time step by step.
1) I'm planning on swapping to headers, collector extensions, race bullets and dumps to keep it light and easy to work on.
2) Since the oil pan is coming off, I'm planning to change the oil pump and update to a better oil pan with better baffling and windage. I don't know which one yet.
3) Timing chain will get replaced when the front cover comes off.
Questions:
1) Should I change the valve springs and push rods while the valve covers are off?
2) I'm afraid to change the cam because the bearings are likely worn but should I just go for it while it's apart?
Thoughts appreciated.
I have a 1998 z/28. Mods in signature. It has 223k miles and has been sitting since 2019. It needs front and rear seals and oil pan and valve cover gaskets. I'm looking for some advice on some "while we're in there items." The engine is quiet, runs strong and has good oil pressure. The car is just a fun no worries drag car that I want to slowly make faster. If I wanted to I could swap in a built engine and shoot for 10's but I'd rather slowly cut the time step by step.
1) I'm planning on swapping to headers, collector extensions, race bullets and dumps to keep it light and easy to work on.
2) Since the oil pan is coming off, I'm planning to change the oil pump and update to a better oil pan with better baffling and windage. I don't know which one yet.
3) Timing chain will get replaced when the front cover comes off.
Questions:
1) Should I change the valve springs and push rods while the valve covers are off?
2) I'm afraid to change the cam because the bearings are likely worn but should I just go for it while it's apart?
Thoughts appreciated.
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 404
Likes: 24
From: Houston
After reading your sig, beyond what TJ said and if you get a good leak down result, I would just do a budget build. That LS1 isn't worth rebuilding, so may as well have as much fun with it as you can. My recipe, slap as big if cam as you can fit without touching the pistons, ported MSD intake, and just change the springs/chain and let it eat. This has a HiO build all over it, maybe he will chime in.
Dave, did you ever think, say back in 1995, that you'd someday tell someone their all aluminum Chevy V8 wasn't worth rebuilding?!! I agree with you. But, oh man, how far we've come in the last 30 years......
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 404
Likes: 24
From: Houston
Thanks. Leakdown and compression tests are all good. I've decided to just reseal it, swap timing chain and stock springs and add headers. Leave the cam alone for now. It ran a best of 12.37 with lid, catback and 4k stall on the 2.73's. With headers, 3.89's and and a 75 shot (which is already on the car), it will have more than enough power to run sub-11.50, which is roll cage territory.
I hear you Mike. I’ll take all the LS1’s that aren’t worth rebuilding…..I buy blocks/engines…..
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Thanks. Leakdown and compression tests are all good. I've decided to just reseal it, swap timing chain and stock springs and add headers. Leave the cam alone for now. It ran a best of 12.37 with lid, catback and 4k stall on the 2.73's. With headers, 3.89's and and a 75 shot (which is already on the car), it will have more than enough power to run sub-11.50, which is roll cage territory.
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TECH Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 404
Likes: 24
From: Houston
Actually, I'm hoping to be close to 11.50 with boltons and 2,700 - 2,800 curb weight later on down the road. (If the engine holds up.) I'm at 3,050 now and just ordered MWC chromoly front suspension, manual rack, and strange brakes. With draglites and the lighter exhaust I'm hoping to get to 2,850. Right now I still have the stock intake manifold and TB.
I suspect my challenge will be getting the car to hook efficiently. I'll have to learn how to set up the suspension -- torque arm and lca settings, shock settings, tire pressure, etc. to get it to hook right and go straight. I know there are cars with a LOT more power that are hooking on 275 MT/SS.
Thanks!
I suspect my challenge will be getting the car to hook efficiently. I'll have to learn how to set up the suspension -- torque arm and lca settings, shock settings, tire pressure, etc. to get it to hook right and go straight. I know there are cars with a LOT more power that are hooking on 275 MT/SS.
Thanks!