I have a 94 LT1 and it has a rod knocking and I was going to rebuild the bottom end but a couple people have been telling me if I do that then in time it will put pressure on my top end and mess it up even worse. So would I be better off getting the entire engine rebuilt or just the bottom end?

 

more info would help. How many miles? All stock or no? would you do the work your self or have it done?
I believe the shop labor for remove and replace an LT1 is 22hrs, at an average shop rate of $75/hr (west coast, maybe less were you are) you're looking at about $1700 labor just to take it out and back in. So my thinking is if you're going to pull it do a full rebuild while it's out. Sure top end can be done with the block in the car, but it takes slightly longer that way. FYI, I don't agree that a plain vanilla bottom end rebuild will put any extra "pressure" on the top end......but depending on miles the top end might be right behind the bottom end. Do you know why you have rod knock? If there was an "event" that caused it (rather than just hi miles/worn out) that would not have affected the top end you might get away with just doing a botton end repair. my $0.02

 

It has around 125,000 miles on it. It's costing me 800 to get it taken out and put back in. I know that is a pretty good price. I have been having some transmission problems. It just doesn't feel like its shifting right. I dont know if that had anything to do with the rod knocking or not. But I went ahead and told the guy to do a complete rebuild. Its costing me 1600 for that so not too bad.

 

You're correct, that's a good price for both the in/out labor and the rebuild...one word of caution....LT1's are a tricky breed, you'll want to make sure your shop has actual experience and knowledge of the LT1's unique requirements, it's not just any old SBC. If it's practical, I'd say spend as much time at the shop observing the work as you can, in fact if they'll let you, I'd work along side them and watch the process.

Good luck, hope it turns out well for you. Why don't you post up after you get it done and let us know how it went?

cheers