lsmyguy43

Got a "new" LS2 from a wreck, and did confirm 1-2% leakdown across the board. Internals looked as new as they get, however the first oil out of it had concerning copper metal flake pouring out the filter. The drain plug had a few mm of iron. So, did a oil analysis, came back 60 ppm copper - they said drive, retest as it wasn't indicative of failure. I just changed the oil, went around the block, checked the filter. Copper shavings again, not a ton but too much for a ride around the block. Maybe they were leftover from the last change?

My question is, at what point do I call it and tear it down? I get so many conflicting opinions to where ppl say LS motors just shed copper naturally, then others that say any visible amount is grounds for an overhaul. I don't want to tear it down to find no abnormal signs of wear, and I should have ran it ... I need experienced ppl to give me some insight here.

Full Power

I have (5) LS engines in regular daily service.
All of them are 20 years old, and range from 134,000 miles to 220,000 miles.
3 are naturally aspirated, one supercharged and one turbocharged.
3 have TSP camshafts, Each cam was installed under OEM ( 100,000 mile+ Lifters)
I run them HARD, and I tend toward high RPM shiftpoints.
NONE have shown visible metallic flake in drain oil.

RB04Av

Not gonna say that's "bad"; butt it sure as hell isn't "good".

Since you've already got it, and it's already in your car, not much to do now butt wait and see what happens.