Although I had a thread about modifying the body, that will come later on down the line. Tomorrow my motor will be out and I am trying to figure out what I need. I was told that the heads may be cracked so I know I will be needing new ones, but what else. I am new to car performance, but I am not new to general vehicle knowledge. I start at Autozone in about a week (20% discount WHOO HOOO lol) so I am trying to get a list together for all the parts I will need. I will be researching parts on the net, but I figured why not ask the experts here first.

To clarify I am asking for a list of things that would help my engine performance. I don't mind repeats of brands and parts, that shows me the reliability and popularity of a product. I also don't mind explanations of why you all chose those parts actually I encourage them. Please don't make this a fist fight thread. Just throw your ideas out there. Preferably someone who has done it or is doing it. And

Please do your best to break it down to me, because although working at Autozone will up my knowledge, I would like to learn on here too.

One more I am thinking about cut outs, and a 150 shot, what do you all think?

Thanks for all the input I really appreciate all the help

 

you doing a complete rebuild or just a topend rebuild?

 

I think top end, but which would you suggest?

Also what is the difference between top end and full rebuild?

 

full rebuild would be main and rod bearing, new rings, hone cylinders, have the heads completely rebuilt, new cam and lifters,timing chain, new oilpump,waterpump.. yada yada yada...

topend rebuild... completely rebuild heads, new cam,lifters timing chain..

honestly if this is your first lt1 rebuild, backup, take about a month if you have the time, save more money, and read up on these forums.. lt1's are a different engine than a typical small block chevy.. i found this out as soon as i tore down my first lt1 a few months ago..

i havent got it yet, but there is a good book on lt1's that summit racing has, and i believe you can order the same book from autozone.. i plan on getting it sometime..

 

how many miles on the engine?

 

189k and I think I want to do a top end build

 

thats an awful lot of miles, unless its been rebuilt before..


if it hasnt been rebuilt before, it probably could use it, and would be a good time to do it..... if i had it out of the car i wouldnt put it back in without a rebuild, but thats how i roll..

i would atleast pull the oilpan and look and see if someone else has rebuilt the bottom end before..

 

With that many miles I would at least do the rings and bearings on the bottom end if you already have the engine out. In addition, I would also change the oil pump if finances allow.

 

so to basically call it rebuilt replace the rings, bearings, and oil pump? doesn't sound too bad

 

also where is does LT4 come into place? What I am saying is what is LT4 and how does it make a difference in performance?

 

That is assuming that your crank journals and cylinder walls are within specifications and are not scored. You will need some specialty tools to take the proper measurements.

 

I feel ya I will take pics and vids of my motor tomorrow and hopefully it will look good.

 

Don't worry about the LT4. It was a limited production upgrade of the LT1, used in the 96 Corvettes, and in 106 97 Camaro SS's and and 29 97 Firehawks. There is little benefit in using LT4 variation parts. For details:

http://www.grandsportregistry.com/lt1vslt4.htm

You need to step back and figure out what you want. So far you've indicated "upgrades and performance". That's a pretty vague goal. What is your budget? What it the purpose of the vehicle - daily driver, weekend cruiser, stoplight racing, drag strip, auto-X, etc?

 

With 189k on the clock, performance upgrades should really start with a rebuild. I know some guys will say these motors last forever, and I personally had one with 168k that ran like a Swiss watch. However, upgrades like cam/heads and n2o will stress that old motor and likely cause a failure in short order, requiring you to rebuild it anyway. Someone mentioned an LT1 book- it's titled How to Rebuild Small-Block Chevy LT-1/LT-4 Engines. While it only addresses stock rebuilds, it does contain alot of useful info.

 

189k is time for a full rebuild- if the car was taken care of you might be ok with just a ring-bearing job.

Pull the motor- pull a head and see if there is a 'lip' at the top of the cylinder- it might be ever so slight, but if there is one then you need a slight bore clean-up too.

I know this might seem overwhelming- but to do a decent mildly hp rebuild stash away about 4k. It all adds up quicker than you want to think about.