Refreshing the valvetrain on high-mileaged LT1 question within...
#1
Refreshing the valvetrain on high-mileaged LT1 question within...
I currently daily-drive my 110,000+ mile '95 Z28 and will continue to do so for the next 2-3 years...I bought the car back in October with a little under 109,000 on the clock and all it has done to it right now is a Moroso CAI, GMMG cat-back, & 3.73 gears (everything else is stock and always has been). So obviously, the motor is still original.
I'm planning on having the LT4 Hotcam w/ 1.6RR's in it by next summer (NOT going any further though!). I've heard about all of the higher-mileaged LT1's that have spun a cam bearing either do to a bad install or just not being able to take the added revs of the bigger bumpstick. I realize it's hit or miss, but that's not my question.
What I want to know is exactly what are all of the precautions I can take to cut the risk down dramatically of the motor going out on me? Besides new valvesprings, I'll put in a new pushrods, retainers, and a timing chain. Also, I think a new oil pump would probably be a good investment too. But is there anything else I can do without breaking the bank to help refresh the valvetrain?
Luckily though (knock on wood!), the car runs perfect and the motor feels fairly strong for that kind of mileage...But I'm dying to have a cammed 12-second daily-driver Camaro with a tired LT1 in it that most other cars wouldn't even give a second thought...
Thanks,
Mike
I'm planning on having the LT4 Hotcam w/ 1.6RR's in it by next summer (NOT going any further though!). I've heard about all of the higher-mileaged LT1's that have spun a cam bearing either do to a bad install or just not being able to take the added revs of the bigger bumpstick. I realize it's hit or miss, but that's not my question.
What I want to know is exactly what are all of the precautions I can take to cut the risk down dramatically of the motor going out on me? Besides new valvesprings, I'll put in a new pushrods, retainers, and a timing chain. Also, I think a new oil pump would probably be a good investment too. But is there anything else I can do without breaking the bank to help refresh the valvetrain?
Luckily though (knock on wood!), the car runs perfect and the motor feels fairly strong for that kind of mileage...But I'm dying to have a cammed 12-second daily-driver Camaro with a tired LT1 in it that most other cars wouldn't even give a second thought...
Thanks,
Mike
#2
Re: Refreshing the valvetrain on high-mileaged LT1 question within...
looks like you pretty much have it covered, btw 110,000 miles is not really high mileage for a lt1, mine has a little over 190,000 on it and the motor is all original.
#4
Re: Refreshing the valvetrain on high-mileaged LT1 question within...
Don't forget new valve stem seals while you're in there. Most spun bearings are due to too much trash getting in the engine during the install, or from over-revving the engine (higher mileage engines generally don't care for constant abuse above 6k rpm's).
#5
Re: Refreshing the valvetrain on high-mileaged LT1 question within...
take a little extra time to clean the valley and pan of any loose buildup, i've seen oil pump pickups pluged tight with carbon and oil sludge , after intake or cam installs.
alot of the buildup can fall through the oil return holes , it has to be removed
alot of the buildup can fall through the oil return holes , it has to be removed
#8
Re: Refreshing the valvetrain on high-mileaged LT1 question within...
Thanks for the good info gentleman. That's definitely what I was looking for...
Mac headers and a couple other bolt-ons go on in a few weeks, then followed by some "make-up" work to it's appearance/body, next a rebuilt trans with a better stall, and lastly the refreshened motor with the LT4 Hotcam set-up. Should eventually make for a very fun street car that will easily run consistent 12's at the strip when I go...
Mac headers and a couple other bolt-ons go on in a few weeks, then followed by some "make-up" work to it's appearance/body, next a rebuilt trans with a better stall, and lastly the refreshened motor with the LT4 Hotcam set-up. Should eventually make for a very fun street car that will easily run consistent 12's at the strip when I go...
#9
Re: Refreshing the valvetrain on high-mileaged LT1 question within...
Yes, keep things VERY clean as others have mentioned. That is the key. Also be extremely careful during camshaft removal and installation - it's during that time that it's EASIEST to screw up a bearing by being careless.
FWIW...i don't know your situation but if this car were to die on you (say bearing for example) and you were without it a few days/weeks would it matter? If the answer is yes perhaps consider leaving the camshaft alone for now ;-)
FWIW...i don't know your situation but if this car were to die on you (say bearing for example) and you were without it a few days/weeks would it matter? If the answer is yes perhaps consider leaving the camshaft alone for now ;-)
#10
Re: Refreshing the valvetrain on high-mileaged LT1 question within...
Originally Posted by indieaz
Yes, keep things VERY clean as others have mentioned. That is the key. Also be extremely careful during camshaft removal and installation - it's during that time that it's EASIEST to screw up a bearing by being careless.
FWIW...i don't know your situation but if this car were to die on you (say bearing for example) and you were without it a few days/weeks would it matter? If the answer is yes perhaps consider leaving the camshaft alone for now ;-)
FWIW...i don't know your situation but if this car were to die on you (say bearing for example) and you were without it a few days/weeks would it matter? If the answer is yes perhaps consider leaving the camshaft alone for now ;-)
#11
Re: Refreshing the valvetrain on high-mileaged LT1 question within...
Originally Posted by indieaz
Yes, keep things VERY clean as others have mentioned. That is the key. Also be extremely careful during camshaft removal and installation - it's during that time that it's EASIEST to screw up a bearing by being careless.
FWIW...i don't know your situation but if this car were to die on you (say bearing for example) and you were without it a few days/weeks would it matter? If the answer is yes perhaps consider leaving the camshaft alone for now ;-)
FWIW...i don't know your situation but if this car were to die on you (say bearing for example) and you were without it a few days/weeks would it matter? If the answer is yes perhaps consider leaving the camshaft alone for now ;-)
Last edited by 2000LS1Z28; 01-25-2005 at 10:36 PM.
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