LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Motor tear down pictures

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 04:29 PM
  #1  
2XR95Z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 0
From: Davenport, IA
Default Motor tear down pictures

So i found out i blew a head gasket somehow so i decided to put the car up for the winter and start the tear down of the top end. Everything went preety well besides a few tie ups, but a couple nights ago we got the heads off to find a little suprise in no. 7. the one that had real low compression when we tested And some good looking stuff in the valve covers, so here are a few pics of the tear down and the suprise in no. 7 and the valve covers.







And the culprit of all this...


Plans are while its apart to throw a hot cam kit in it, headers, !emissions, and a tune. Gonna have the heads checked by a local shop to be safe although i never let the car over heat better safe then sorry. Got about 4 months to get it all done, only thing holding me back is money right now

Hoping for a low 12 sec car possibly high 11's after its all back together
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 04:49 PM
  #2  
jarretthise's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 1
From: crawfordsville, IN
Default

you gotta love blown head gaskets....haha....that isnt too nice looking but hey look on the bright side!! at least you didnt keep running with the blown head gasket and blow a hole through your piston......
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 04:53 PM
  #3  
2XR95Z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 0
From: Davenport, IA
Default

Ya i wasn't too happy but its alright, while its apart i get to put it back together better

Still haven't decided on if i should use the stock head gaskets, or the impala gaskets to bump to about 11:1.
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 05:03 PM
  #4  
jarretthise's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 1
From: crawfordsville, IN
Default

Originally Posted by 2XR95Z28
Ya i wasn't too happy but its alright, while its apart i get to put it back together better

Still haven't decided on if i should use the stock head gaskets, or the impala gaskets to bump to about 11:1.
i would just run the stick ones...
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 05:04 PM
  #5  
Bowtie_Aaron's Avatar
Launching!
20 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Walnutport, PA
Default

mine blew out in the same spot. also had a few small holes in the gasket on the pass side.

aaron
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 05:13 PM
  #6  
2XR95Z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 0
From: Davenport, IA
Default

I will more than likely stick with stock ones, i'm gonna talk to my local machine shop and see about gettin the heads gasket matched with some porting and polishing
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 05:33 PM
  #7  
SoxXpupPeT's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,431
Likes: 1
From: Yonkers, NY
Default

that sucks man. make sure you get some real good gaskets. and there are alot better cams then the gm hot cam. talk to loyd elliot and get your heads done while your at it ;D
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 05:52 PM
  #8  
2XR95Z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 0
From: Davenport, IA
Default

Hot cam kit $350 used vs. LE2 set-up $1650.....

Find me a better cam set up for $350, i can get a hot cam kit for that with everything included. Used rockers go for atleast 150-200 and cams are about 150 so that still leaves out valve springs, pushrods, and the rest. And with the cc305 and cc503 you have to spin em preety high for the desired powerband, and with the stock bottom end i can't afford to hurt nothing down there. The hot cam kit fits me perfectly.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-8

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 06:02 PM
  #9  
AChotrod's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,896
Likes: 1
From: Chicago area
Default

While is apart you need to do this
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 06:26 PM
  #10  
2XR95Z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 0
From: Davenport, IA
Default

that would be nice to have all that but, i will have a cam, headers, new plugs, ARP head bolts, ARP rocker studs, the gaskets, the rockers, and i'm gonna paint my intake lol. Dont got the cash for much else.

What head gaskets are those? stock height? What about the intake gaskets? got a P/N?
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 07:01 PM
  #11  
AChotrod's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,896
Likes: 1
From: Chicago area
Default

Im using Mr Gasket 5716 .026 head gaskets for alittle more comp.
and fel pro 1284 intake gaskets
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 07:05 PM
  #12  
2XR95Z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 0
From: Davenport, IA
Default

I've been on the fence for a while whether to bump up the compression or not. you think it would be worth it on my small 218/228 cam with mild port work done? You still gonna run 93 octane?
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 07:15 PM
  #13  
Puck's Avatar
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,152
Likes: 6
Default

Originally Posted by 2XR95Z28
I've been on the fence for a while whether to bump up the compression or not. you think it would be worth it on my small 218/228 cam with mild port work done? You still gonna run 93 octane?
It is debatable like almost everything else. Personally I am a fan of higher compression on LT1s...even if it wont be a huge power increase it is not really gonna cost extra, and is not going to cause any issues if you have it tuned, so why not?

LT1s love high compression. My current stroker build is 12.5:1 and l plan to have it be street driven on 93 octane...the dynamic CR is a lot more important the just the static number, and high overlap cams will help to keep that down.

Talk to your builder of course, but IMO it would be harmless to throw some impy gaskets in there(~.029) - that is what I did on my stock shortblock setup without any problems.

Good luck with the build .
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 07:22 PM
  #14  
2XR95Z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 0
From: Davenport, IA
Default

Puck- Is there any downfall to bumping the compression, i plan on having shon at herronperformance tune it so i'm sure he could tune accordingly to the slight jump in compression.
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 07:28 PM
  #15  
Beaflag VonRathburg's Avatar
OWN3D BY MY PROF!
iTrader: (176)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 9,146
Likes: 3
From: Jax Beach, Florida
Default

You're lucky you didn't hydrolock the engine and nuke something. Bump the compression up with thinner gaskets. You're giving up free power if you don't. There's not really any downsides. Like it was already mentioned, you're going to have to get it retuned any ways.
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 07:41 PM
  #16  
2XR95Z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 0
From: Davenport, IA
Default

Ya i know i'm preety lucky, i only drove it a total of like 20 miles after my coolant started magically disapearing haha.

I just can't decide on which gasket to go with, .028 Impala? or the .026 mr gaskets? Would running a 110 and 93 mix at the track actually do something if i bump up to 11:1?
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2008 | 11:55 PM
  #17  
lt1z28camaro's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Central Illinois
Default

Does that **** in your valve covers mean you have a blown head gasket? I have a little (when I last took off my vlave covers) but didn't think much of it..If it could potentially do damage to my motor i'm gonna think a bit more of it.. lol
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2008 | 12:00 AM
  #18  
2XR95Z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 0
From: Davenport, IA
Default

I've been told it is a preety good sign you got a leaking head gasket, could be wrong though, sure was a blown gasket for me. If you're concerned to a compression test.
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2008 | 12:03 AM
  #19  
2XR95Z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 0
From: Davenport, IA
Default

Originally Posted by AChotrod
Im using Mr Gasket 5716 .026 head gaskets for alittle more comp.
and fel pro 1284 intake gaskets
i looked up on summit the head gaskets and it says their for steel headed engines, could that cause any type of problems? anyone else using these gaskets?
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2008 | 12:04 AM
  #20  
lt1z28camaro's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Central Illinois
Default

Only reason I'm concerned is because my buddy torqued down the head down in one stage and not in the right pattern so I went back and broke them loose and torqued them down in three stages in the pattern gm recommended, I talked to a mechanic and he said the gasket should be fine, but I thought that it might need to have a new gasket put on to it had a new/good seal.. sorry i'm not trying to hijack, i'm just curious...lol But I'll just do a compression test and shut up!
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:46 AM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE