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

Just got the engine installed, but...

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Old Aug 26, 2008 | 06:44 PM
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Default Just got the engine installed, but...

... it's got some issues.

At idle the engine runs kinda rough. It is pretty boggy, from take off. The car kinda shutters then eventually smooths out somewhat and goes. It doesn't feel like the car has much power at all. From a stop it won't even screech the tires at all, and it doesn't feel very resonsive. Also, it smells like its running pretty rich. There is a lot of black soot in the exhaust tip.

Just wondering if these were symptoms of:

1. The valves needing to be adjusted.

2. The knock sensor is sensing false knock because of the headers.

The car is a '96 Camaro with the following,
LT headers
Rear o2 sensor sims
ORY
CAI
New plugs/wires
LS7 lifters
New opti
!A/C
!A.I.R.
!E.G.R.


Also, could this be symptoms of limp-in mode?

Thanks for the help.
-Joe
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Old Aug 26, 2008 | 07:02 PM
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If there is no SES light, I don't think it would be in limp mode? Not sure but anytime mine was in limp mode, I had popped a SES code that would warrant it to do so.
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Old Aug 26, 2008 | 07:56 PM
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Mine had a code that said that the SES light was out though lol. I'll change it out and see what happens.
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 02:57 PM
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Help...
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 03:28 PM
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Start by checking and double-checking the simple stuff. All the wires in the right spots? Nothing is arcing out? Check for fuel pressure.

It sounds like you are missing on a cylinder or 2. I'd check spark to each individual cylinder and then make sure your fuel delivery is up to par. Best to check out that easy kind of stuff before you go throwing parts at it.
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 09:12 PM
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is this when the motor is cold? or only when it is up to operating temp? how old are your o2s?
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 10:25 PM
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Is the motor really built up? Is your computer still running with the factory tune?

Yes? Probably the issue heh
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 12:46 AM
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Originally Posted by dre2013
is this when the motor is cold? or only when it is up to operating temp? how old are your o2s?

It's all the time. Maybe a little worse when its cold. They are original as far as I know. The computer reader didn't pick up any o2 codes, just two crank sensor codes.
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 12:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Formula350
Is the motor really built up? Is your computer still running with the factory tune?

Yes? Probably the issue heh
Nothing really done to the motor, just lightly worked heads w/ cc986 springs, and nothing else besides bolt-ons.
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 01:12 AM
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Originally Posted by 97Z28LT1
Start by checking and double-checking the simple stuff. All the wires in the right spots? Nothing is arcing out? Check for fuel pressure.

It sounds like you are missing on a cylinder or 2. I'd check spark to each individual cylinder and then make sure your fuel delivery is up to par. Best to check out that easy kind of stuff before you go throwing parts at it.
Thanks for the ideas.

I have only adjusted the valves while assembling the engine, and it(my LT1 engine building book) said when it got to zero lash, turn the bolt another 360*. From what I've been reading, that is a ton. Most people I read about just turn them another 1/4 turn.
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by LT1 POWAH
Thanks for the ideas.

I have only adjusted the valves while assembling the engine, and it(my LT1 engine building book) said when it got to zero lash, turn the bolt another 360*. From what I've been reading, that is a ton. Most people I read about just turn them another 1/4 turn.
Are they roller rockers or the factory ones?
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by 97Z28LT1
Are they roller rockers or the factory ones?
They are the factory rockers.
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 03:37 PM
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I believe a full turn is acceptable for factory rocker arms. Its the rollers that you only go 1/4 to 1/2 a turn. Once again, I'd start simple and work your way up to the harder stuff. I'd start by ensuring that you do have fuel and spark. I'd also check the wires at night to see if maybe they're arcing out anywhere. I just saw that you got crank sensor codes. You should check into that and see where it gets you.
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 03:47 PM
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I think my friend only goes 1/2 turn, but I'm not entirely sure.

See if you can get it to go into MAP mode by unplugging the MAF.
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