ok so i original plan is to get a rebuild kit for my lt1 and a complete cam kit from ai. but i was told these engines are good for up to 300,000 kms . it for 120, 000 kms. what do you guys think? should i go ahead and get a rebuild kit while i get the cam kit and transmission rebuild kit and im also gettin headers

 

I would check the front cam bearing and see if its wore out if you have the timing cover off.

 

What makes you think it needs to be rebuilt anyway?

 

because a few people owned it before i did and i know the engine has been over heated badly a few times because they didnt know there was a manual switch to turn on the rad fan and i figured if i was getting a cam kit and a rebuild kit for the transmission and a new timing set and opti and headers i may as well get the engine done to but what do you guys think? i know the opti is bad because someone got it wet before and the car sputters and works terrible for the first few minutes you drive it and it hesitates sometimes but once you drive it for a few minutes it works great but i want it to work better and have more power

 

IMO, if it has good oil pressure and good compression, there's no real reason to spend the money, unless it's something you would feel is worthwhile doing. How many miles are on the short block?

 

120,000 kilometers. oil pressure is good. how much of a difference will it have if i dont re do the engine but get the cam kit from ai and replace the timing set and opti and get headers

 

when you do something like a cam with that many miles you run the risk of rebuilding the motor. The extra rev's and the stock bearings dont mix.

 

so i should rebuild with it all?

 

IMO, if it has good oil pressure and good compression, there's no real reason to spend the money, unless it's something you would feel is worthwhile doing.

 

makes perfect sense to me, i dont really want to spend the money if i dont need to.

 

so what should my compression be at and whats the best procedure to check it?

 

You need to do a compression test with a compression test gauge. Your readings should be within 10% of eachother with no cylinder significantly lower than the rest.

 

i know that but do i remove all the plugs put the guage in one hole and turn the key while there are no plugs in it and thats it?

 

http://autorepair.about.com/od/engin...press_test.htm

 

perfect

 

anyone else have their opinion on if i should or not? how many kms are these engines usually good for?

 

compression in all cylinders where between 175 and 190

 

Those numbers are good. I wouldn't hesitate to do a cam swap or equivalent.

 

If it ain't broke don't fix it!!! Good oil pressure, good compression, no major leaks, your good!!

 

perfect, ill be sending out my money order tomorrow to ai for my cam kit, timing set, and opti.