i have 155k miles. Should i spend the money and get the bottom end rebuilt and then do heads/cam? or will just some lt4 heads and hotcam be safe to go?
I know the rebuild would be better and i would rather do it, but it just doesnt seem to be cheap to rebuild these things

 

If you don't, make sure you at LEAST put in a new oil pump, with a white spring. It is cheap insurance. I never believed the spun bearing myth about installing cams, but after it hit me, I'm a believer. On the next motor (junk yard) I installed the GM 847 cam and made sure I did the white spring and new OEM pump. It held up to numerous 6700 rpm shifts without a problem.

 

Perform a compression test and leak down test to determine the health of the bottom end. FYI, LT4 heads will need a matching intake manifold so as not to block the taller intake runners.

 

With that amount of miles, personally I would be saving the money towards a better bottom end first, then I would worry about the heads/cam.

 

If you don't already own the LT4 heads there are better ways to go. For $200 you can pick up some stock cores and send them out to be ported. They will easily out preform a set of stock LT4s.

 

+ 1

 

but doesnt it cost alot to get them ported just a wonder

 

i think it would but i dont know how much

 

check out www.eportworks.com Lloyd is a great guy to deal with, and does excellent work.

 

A good port job by a reputable head porter will cost a modest amount of change.

 

Mileage isn't necessarily that relevant. How does the car run? Any engine issues? oil/water leaks?

I have no idea what your goals are, but if you plan on doing a mild and streetable cam/head setup you should be fine.

The bottom end should support you fine, but you should definitely re-do your entire valvetrain regardless. springs, pushrods, lifters, retainers, etc.

Give us a lil more info as to what your planning and we can give you more advice.

 

Was just looking to do something mild for the street. I do want to rebuild but dont really have the change for top and bottom. I could just save and do it all but you know how that is... I just want to do something to it! haha

 

You could save some money by just leaving the heads alone and making a cam only car. Plenty of people make good power with cam only applications. A good tune and the supporting bolt-on mods and you should still hit some good numbers with stock heads.