LS1 pre-swap refresh questions
LS1 pre-swap refresh questions Hi! New to the forum here, I won't go into too much detail since this isn't an intro post, however I come from the miata / mazdaspeed world. And just picked up a 99 z28 m6 as a donor for my miata.
I've been lurking for a while just doing my reading, but I wanted to see if anyone had any final words before I start ordering parts.
The donor has 128k , and honestly it runs like a top, no valve train noise at all, power feels good, car is completely stock except catback. Only issues I've noticed are difficulty sometimes getting into 1st which I know can be typical for these transmissions. I probably will not open up the trans at this time.
As for the engine, I do not see any need to delve into the internals, my end goal won't be far beyond ~400whp. I intend on grabbing a 228r, as well as other flow mods such as intake mani and a well flowing exhaust and I know that'll put me in the ballpark. However I think I will save whatever mods I can until after the swap, just to ensure I have the capital to get the job done in a reasonable amount of time.
My question is, what maintenance do you think is absolutely necessary to do, to ensure my motor doesn't grenade as soon as I finish?
My research has suggested this:
-GM LS2 timing chain kit
-LS6 ported oil pump or Melling HV pump
-LS7 clutch or aftermarket
-All external gaskets (ie front main, rear main, valve cover oil pan etc)
What I am unsure if I need:
- do I upgrade lifters/trays now, or when I do the cam is fine?
- I'm thinking of doing MLS headgaskets and ARP studs while I have it out as insurance?
- Not too many people talk about replacing the water pump, are the OEMs pretty stout?
I think that's everything, please let me know if I'm missing anything significant. Again, I would love to hear about just doing to the cam now, and an LS6 intake or FAST or swapping heads etc, but again, that stuff can come down the road, and it will happen at some point. But I just want to get my swap done and make sure the motor is happy and healthy! Thanks for all the help!
I've been lurking for a while just doing my reading, but I wanted to see if anyone had any final words before I start ordering parts.
The donor has 128k , and honestly it runs like a top, no valve train noise at all, power feels good, car is completely stock except catback. Only issues I've noticed are difficulty sometimes getting into 1st which I know can be typical for these transmissions. I probably will not open up the trans at this time.
As for the engine, I do not see any need to delve into the internals, my end goal won't be far beyond ~400whp. I intend on grabbing a 228r, as well as other flow mods such as intake mani and a well flowing exhaust and I know that'll put me in the ballpark. However I think I will save whatever mods I can until after the swap, just to ensure I have the capital to get the job done in a reasonable amount of time.
My question is, what maintenance do you think is absolutely necessary to do, to ensure my motor doesn't grenade as soon as I finish?
My research has suggested this:
-GM LS2 timing chain kit
-LS6 ported oil pump or Melling HV pump
-LS7 clutch or aftermarket
-All external gaskets (ie front main, rear main, valve cover oil pan etc)
What I am unsure if I need:
- do I upgrade lifters/trays now, or when I do the cam is fine?
- I'm thinking of doing MLS headgaskets and ARP studs while I have it out as insurance?
- Not too many people talk about replacing the water pump, are the OEMs pretty stout?
I think that's everything, please let me know if I'm missing anything significant. Again, I would love to hear about just doing to the cam now, and an LS6 intake or FAST or swapping heads etc, but again, that stuff can come down the road, and it will happen at some point. But I just want to get my swap done and make sure the motor is happy and healthy! Thanks for all the help!
TECH Resident
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 985
Likes: 12
If the engine runs I would put it in there as is for
now, get the swap done first, Get it running, then
do whatever to the engine. Some swaps
may be pretty involved. After you swap it and get it running, compare notes before and after engine overhaul. Good luck and have fun with
it.
now, get the swap done first, Get it running, then
do whatever to the engine. Some swaps
may be pretty involved. After you swap it and get it running, compare notes before and after engine overhaul. Good luck and have fun with
it.
