ls1 lifespan
09-06-2014, 01:33 AM
#1
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ls1 lifespan Hello ls1tech I hope this is the appropriate section to post this but I found a decent looking 99 ws6 with 143k miles on it. My question is how reliable is the ls1? If im looking to have one for at least a few years is it worth buying one with that many miles. Also hes asking 5500$ thanks for your time.
09-06-2014, 03:53 AM
#2
It really depends on how the car was taken care of. If it was driven calmly until it was at operating temp, had regular oil changes and didn't live its life bouncing off the rev limiter, it should last easily until 200k or more. However, if its sat for a long time and was only started up for a few minutes at a time for a burnout, I wouldn't expect much out of it.
The problem with LS1s is that they just beg to be driven hard. That being said, a 300k + mile LS1 isn't all that out of the ordinary.
Just like every engine in existence, they have their common issues. LS1s in particular tend to burn a bit of oil and have piston slap when cold.
The problem with LS1s is that they just beg to be driven hard. That being said, a 300k + mile LS1 isn't all that out of the ordinary.
Just like every engine in existence, they have their common issues. LS1s in particular tend to burn a bit of oil and have piston slap when cold.
Last edited by Kevin Lee 487; 09-06-2014 at 03:59 AM.
09-06-2014, 07:01 AM
#3
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^^^ Pretty much what he said. I would add this though. With those miles there are other things I'd be concerned about. If it's a m6 I'd worry about the 10 bolt rear and the transmission. If it's an auto I'd worry about the transmission and somewhat the 10 bolt
For comparison sake. I bought my 98 ws6 automatic with 105k on it for 6750. So the car you're looking it is priced around where I'd expect it to be. Is it a a4 or a m6?
For comparison sake. I bought my 98 ws6 automatic with 105k on it for 6750. So the car you're looking it is priced around where I'd expect it to be. Is it a a4 or a m6?
09-06-2014, 10:33 AM
#4
My 98 T/A had a "rebuild" or a "refresh" at some point in its life before I bought it (at least that's what I was told lol). I picked it up last year with 208K miles on it...right now it has 222+k on it and I took it on the HOT ROD Power Tour this past June...I'm convinced this motor will make it to 300k easy so long as I take care of it.
09-06-2014, 04:00 PM
#6
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Hello ls1tech I hope this is the appropriate section to post this but I found a decent looking 99 ws6 with 143k miles on it. My question is how reliable is the ls1? If im looking to have one for at least a few years is it worth buying one with that many miles. Also hes asking 5500$ thanks for your time.
If it has a lot of power performance improvements it may have been pushed hard, if it is mostly stock then you need to look at if it has been maintained well.
But really, only you as the buyer can decide.
09-06-2014, 08:48 PM
#7
kmchris, welcome to LS1tech!
You're amongst Firebird guys here so you've posted in the right place.
I recently picked up a 2003 truck with the LM4 5.3, very similar to a LS1. 208,000 miles, the air filter was BADLY clogged and the intake had a lot of oil contamination.
Oil & filter the moment I got it. Oil was black.
Oil & filter 50 miles later. Oil was still very dirty.
Oil & filter one week/400 miles later. Oil was much lighter.
I pulled the intake manifold and gave it a good cleaning.
Aside from this maintenance work, the engine runs great. No oil in the exhaust, no strange sounds, noises or knocking, never less than 40 PSI oil pressure and it pulls surprisingly well to 6K.
While I'm certain it could probably benefit from a new timing chain, I have no intentions of opening up this engine-and it's my daily driver.
You're amongst Firebird guys here so you've posted in the right place.
I recently picked up a 2003 truck with the LM4 5.3, very similar to a LS1. 208,000 miles, the air filter was BADLY clogged and the intake had a lot of oil contamination.
Oil & filter the moment I got it. Oil was black.
Oil & filter 50 miles later. Oil was still very dirty.
Oil & filter one week/400 miles later. Oil was much lighter.
I pulled the intake manifold and gave it a good cleaning.
Aside from this maintenance work, the engine runs great. No oil in the exhaust, no strange sounds, noises or knocking, never less than 40 PSI oil pressure and it pulls surprisingly well to 6K.
While I'm certain it could probably benefit from a new timing chain, I have no intentions of opening up this engine-and it's my daily driver.
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09-07-2014, 11:23 AM
#8
Had a 00 Formula 6 speed. Sold it with 190k with stock heads, short block, clutch, and trans. Last I saw it had 220k and the clutch was startin to slip and the tranny might have needed some attention, but that was 3 years ago.
09-07-2014, 11:36 AM
#9
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I have a 2000 z28 I just picked up with 148000 and it doesn't seem to be running at it's full potential... Idk if it's just the high mileage or what but it doesn't push that hard. Compared to my other ones
09-08-2014, 07:16 PM
#11
Welcome to LS1tech!
As far as how good the LS series of engines are, just take a look at current engine swaps. The LS is by far the most popular engine being swapped into vehicles that were never born with one.
Like Paul mentioned above regarding his engine, the LR4 4.8L LS in my truck has 241,000+ miles on it and runs like a champ. The accessory drive make a little noise, but that's a very minor issue.
As far as how good the LS series of engines are, just take a look at current engine swaps. The LS is by far the most popular engine being swapped into vehicles that were never born with one.
Like Paul mentioned above regarding his engine, the LR4 4.8L LS in my truck has 241,000+ miles on it and runs like a champ. The accessory drive make a little noise, but that's a very minor issue.
