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I have a LS3 out of a 2010 Camaro with 77k miles that's going into my RX8. The car will be a "daily" and backroads ripper only; no track time. I only plan on putting in a TSP Stage 1 cam (maybe stage 2), no boost or nitrous. Here's what I know about the engine:
-Oil changes every 4-5k miles.
-Cold oil pressure 45-50-ish? psi at idle.
-Cold leakdown 5-7% across all cylinders.
-No engine noise.
Due to engine's age, new cam, a few "while you're in there", and engine swap, I'm going to have it mostly apart and was thinking I should pull heads, pistons, and crank to inspect bearings. While I have all that out and if everything looks good should I get new rings and dingleberry it? Clean ring lands and reassemble with current rings? Don't dick with it?
The LS1 in my WS6 has 140k? miles and the most its ever been torn down is for valve seals and LS6 valley cover. I won't be able to start tearing into the LS3 for a few weeks.
At 77k actual miles and regular maintenance , I wouldn’t touch it. You’ll know all you need to know when you change oil pans…should be super clean inside. Good find!
I have a LS3 out of a 2010 Camaro with 77k miles that's going into my RX8. The car will be a "daily" and backroads ripper only; no track time. I only plan on putting in a TSP Stage 1 cam (maybe stage 2), no boost or nitrous. Here's what I know about the engine:
-Oil changes every 4-5k miles.
-Cold oil pressure 45-50-ish? psi at idle.
-Cold leakdown 5-7% across all cylinders.
-No engine noise.
Due to engine's age, new cam, a few "while you're in there", and engine swap, I'm going to have it mostly apart and was thinking I should pull heads, pistons, and crank to inspect bearings. While I have all that out and if everything looks good should I get new rings and dingleberry it? Clean ring lands and reassemble with current rings? Don't dick with it?
The LS1 in my WS6 has 140k? miles and the most its ever been torn down is for valve seals and LS6 valley cover. I won't be able to start tearing into the LS3 for a few weeks.
If you're gonna be having fun on back roads, the only thing I'd do to the bottom end is this:
At 77k actual miles and regular maintenance , I wouldn’t touch it. You’ll know all you need to know when you change oil pans…should be super clean inside. Good find!
Hopefully I don't find anything glittery in there, the oil looked fine. Thanks for the advice!
Originally Posted by G Atsma
77K?? Hardly broke in. Leave it alone and SEND IT!!
Appreciate it!
Originally Posted by Keith
If you're gonna be having fun on back roads, the only thing I'd do to the bottom end is this:
UPS delivered their baffle, windage, and crank scraper today! I had to get 98-02 fbody oil pan due to the RX8 swap kit I'm using (V8Roadsters). I also ordered an oil cooler adapter from Improved Racing so I can use the stock oil coolers. I have a high pressure Melling oil pump on the way too. Appreciate the suggestion!
Finally got to tearing the engine apart; I found a worn cam lobe and some ferrous metal specs in the pan. I cut open the oil filter but didn't see any metal. Do you guys think I should still leave main and rod bearings alone?
That glitter is more gold than silver. If it were just cam damage I would expect more silver specs.
Personally, I wouldnt want to find out later IF it needs to come apart. I would do it now.
I thought they were gold/bronze too but they're silver, I can pick them up with a magnet. Nothing in oil pickup screen and nothing in oil filter pleats either which is odd.
If you are bit nervous I would pull a couple of rod caps and main caps to see if is not good. Now is the time since the engine is out and you have easy acess.
I pulled rods and crank; rod bearings look almost new but the mains have spots where coating is coming off? I'm really leaning towards putting some Mahle P-series bearings in it...
77k mile 2010 LS3; refresh bottom end? 
