Akira_X

So I'm looking into buying a 1997 z28 camaro, with 160k miles

and since that's a lot of miles I figured, rebuild with forged parts and get it

prepped for FI. However I'm a noob and I don't know the cost and time it

would take. I do know that I would have to take it to a machine shop. but

my questions are, How much are parts, How much is labor, How hard is it

to do the work yourself (I'm talking like with a car manual and a few friends)

and if I did do the work myself what tools are needed?

Thx in advance.

9formula4

iTrader: (5)

there is a book that is specifically based on rebuilding the lt1/lt4. I bought it from summit for 28 bux shipped. It has LOTS of DETAILED info and all and Gives ALL clearnaces and torques specs along with part numbers and bolt sizing.

LT1Falcon

iTrader: (3)

more than likely youll have to replace the optispark (distributor)

JUICED96Z

I have the same book, GOOD BOOK!

KTM

Just had my motor rebuilt by machine shop. $2800. That is all new components - justed used the bare castings - they assembled and tested on their run machine - so valves have been set, heads re-torqued - ready to go. I took it out of the car and will put it back in. I usually do my own assembly work - and just have the shop do the machining - but these cars are so hard to work on (compared to first gen 'F' bodies that I'm used to) I didn't want to mess with trying to adjust vavles and re-torque heads after breaking it in..so I had them do it all. Chaulk it up to older, wiser, more money, less time....Not enough money mind you...but time seems to be bigger enemy the older you get..

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

I just built mine myself a few months ago after spinning Mains in the first one. I spent about $1800 on it, and that includes the cost for the Corvette 4-Bolt Block I got. It's not that hard to do really. It put out enough guts to blow apart the Transmission, and strip the Ring and Pinion on a 25mph dig..

Akira_X

hmm ok so a manual from summit. Speaking of summit they have a rebuild kit s it any good? I know it comes with forged aluminum pistons, but it doesn't come with a crank or rods, any one have any recommendations? keep in mind I'm trying to find something at a reasonable price.


btw thx for all the halp so far guys

daniel6718

iTrader: (36)

i rebuilt mine back to stock due to a spun bearing it was about 500 in parts and machine work...i did the labor...

as for 160k, id leave it, lt1 have lived over 300k miles while being raced!
it will live...

Z48LT-1

For those who bought the LT1 rebuilding book, is this the same one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB..._promot_widget

If so, it's somewhat less than the $28 quoted.

Cheers -- Gary

LT1MAN

iTrader: (6)

yea if it runs good dont mess with it, unless your just want to rebuild it to make it fast. their are lots of high mile lt1's on here. including myself. my car has 185K on it, motor and rear never rebuilt and still run wonderful. i replaced the t-56 after losing 5th gear. but thats just from being wore out. i waited and waited and waited for the motor to blow or something so i had an excuse to rebuild or get a new motor and it seemed like it would never happen. so i just went ahead and bought a 383 for it and sold the old motor. now it has a new home in a 79 firebird.

Akira_X

Well, the good news is that the guy replaced the tranny about 30k back so I don't think I'm gonna have to worry about that for awhile... The only reason I'm thinkin of a rebuild is cause I wanna run FI sometime in the future, Kinda wanna go STS. Although atm I don't have the funds for both the rebuild and the FI, only the rebuild.

So you think that its possible for a begginer to rebuild this engine?

Akira_X

bump?

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Are you good at taking stuff apart, and putting it back together the way it should be?

stevemilz

iTrader: (3)

In my old blower car(Formula) I ran the -21cc "D-Cup" TRW pistons heavy but very good for the money(15+psi S-Trim).

Akira_X

Yea I think can, as long as I know where everything goes.

btw this is the rebuild kit I'm talking about:

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku

onephatZ28

iTrader: (8)

you alway can get a motor from Golen and save time
http://www.golenengineservice.com/

koolaid_kid

iTrader: (21)

Well, I prefer matching numbers, so I would use the original block.
As far as the kit is concerned, IMHO it is a bit incomplete.
First, if you are going FI, I would suggest forged rods.
Second, you are going to want to replace your timing chain and gears.
I have also been told that there are special rings to use for FI apps (has to do with the angle on the top ring, IIRC).
I would also replace the lifters while it is apart, just because of the mileage.
Federal Mogul is a known brand, so that is O.K.
The kit you pointed to uses stock sized bearings and rings, you are probably going to have to bore the cylinders and turn the crankshaft.
Be sure and have the crank magnafluxed to check for any cracks or weakness.
Just find some friends willing to help, take your time, and follow the book. You should be fine.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Yea, there was no Rods there..those Pistons are the same ones that I have.
This is the stuff that I re-built my Engine with:
4-BOLT MAIN LT1 CORVETTE BLOCK
PORT-MATCHED AND POLISHED THROTTLE BODY WITH AIR FOIL
PORTED INTAKE MANIFOLD TO 55mm PORTS
HEADS MILLED .006 INCH, RESULTING IN 52.7cc CHAMBERS
HEADS AND INTAKE MANIFOLD PORT-MATCHED TO INTAKE GASKETS
FELPRO 1074 COMPETITION HEAD GASKETS
EAGLE 5130 FORGED CONNECTING RODS
SPEED-PRO FORGED ALUMINUM PISTONS WITH TEFLON SKIRTS
ROTATING ASSEMBLEY COMPLETELY BALANCED
CLEVITE 77 ENGINE BEARINGS
MELLING OIL PUMP WITH SOLID INPUT SHAFT
LT4 EXTREME DUTY FULL ROLLER TIMING CHAIN
LT4 HOT CAM KIT:
-LT4 HOTCAM SPECS: 218/228 DURATION, .525/.525 LIFT, 112LSA
-1.6 RATIO LT4 FULL ROLLER ROCKERS
-LT4 VALVE SPRINGS


Most of that I hand picked to put it together with. All the Porting/matching I did myself.

koolaid_kid

iTrader: (21)

Excellent components. Hand picking the parts is always better (but more time consuming) than buying a prepackaged kit.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Most of it was catching deals in all of it. I had the Hotcam Kit already, and spent probably around $1300 on all of that and built it. It's a stout little **** for a 350, throws down some good numbers and times.