LS1 Build ?

[bigtyme1]

ok Got my LS1 tonight. 1998 32000 miles, very clean with 4L60E. I'm sending the trans out to have some body go over. And working with Steve on my tork converter. My question is. What kind of minor mods should I do Such as Cam, intake, throudle body. I don't want to get out of hand and I don't think anything needs to be done to the bottom end. I just want to beef it up a little, still get decent gas milage, driver, some fun at the track. Some people have told me about an oil problem with the early LS1. how do I address that?

[Rybar]

Here is a thread I was just reading that may help: http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37081

Probably good insurance would be to upgrade the rod bolts and maybe install a ported or high volume oil pump.

What are your power goals and budget?

[bigtyme1]

yea I read that the other night. I'm going to look into a bigger pump. but for the rods I think they over powering the motor. Very rarley have I heard of one of these motors blowing up. This car will be lucky to see the track once of twice a year.

[Rybar]

Originally Posted by bigtyme1

yea I read that the other night. I'm going to look into a bigger pump. but for the rods I think they over powering the motor. Very rarley have I heard of one of these motors blowing up. This car will be lucky to see the track once of twice a year.

Well if it's any consideration I've got stock rod bolts myself. I never knew to change them before I installed my motor. I've heard to just be careful reving past 6500 rpm.

[Snap50]

Originally Posted by bigtyme1

ok Got my LS1 tonight. 1998 32000 miles, very clean with 4L60E. I'm sending the trans out to have some body go over. And working with Steve on my tork converter. My question is. What kind of minor mods should I do Such as Cam, intake, throudle body. I don't want to get out of hand and I don't think anything needs to be done to the bottom end. I just want to beef it up a little, still get decent gas milage, driver, some fun at the track. Some people have told me about an oil problem with the early LS1. how do I address that?

My 2001 vette LS1 rings allowed oil to pass through to the exhaust tips. Has to wipe them out on occasion to avoid messing the tail. It was never bad enough to cause misfire though.

GM replaced rings with redesigned units when the condition was bad enough, but not mine.

Also, my similar iron blocked 2001 Tahoe had severe piston slap, so maybe you'll hear that too.

[COYBILT]

you must be happier then hell with the new motor. I would say your on your way to a good foundation. keep in touch I would like to hear more about the project.
Pm me your number again.

[trapin]

Bigty....looks like you're looking for what I have in my motor.

I've been researching these engine for about 3 years now and finally pulled the trigger on one about a year and a half ago.

Here are my recommendations.

Camshaft - One of the most popular camshafts in LS1 history is the Thunder Racing 224/224. It is a .563 lift and you can get it in either 112 lsa for manuals or 114 lsa for automatics. This is the cam I went with.

Oiling System - The '98-2001 LS1's had subpar oil pumps on them. When modifying a '98, it is absolutely essential that you swap that pump off of there in favor of a ported LS6 unit. You can get these through Texas Speed. Another weak area was in the PVC system where a lot of oil was allowed to get into the induction area. The LS6 PVC system helps to solve this problem to a degree. I would recommend switching to that.

Bottom End - If you're going to go as far as to replace the oil pump then you might as well pull the pan and swap out the connecting rod bolts. Yeah you might not need them now but you never know in the future if you're going to go bigger with your camshaft or valvetrain. It's when that day comes that you'll be glad you went the extra 10 feet when you had the chance.

Valvetrain - Get rid of the stock timing chain and replace it with an LS2 chain. You can also get these through Texas Speed. The pushrods will also need to go, LS1's have weak pushrods. As far as cylinder heads....the best bang for the buck is Patriot Performance's Stage II LS6 heads. They are completely CNC ported with a competition valve job, brand new for $1095. You can't beat it. Although being since you had '98 cylinder heads, you will have to track down some center bolt valve covers over at LS1tech.com. Shouldn't be too hard to do. '98s had perimeter bolt valve covers and they will not work on 243 castings (LS6 heads).

Intake - If the budget doesn't allot for an LS6 intake then just stick with the LS1. Although I would junk the EGR and block the hole that is at the top.

A great resource for LS1 mods is www.ls1howto.com

I also have a spreadsheet for my build which lists all the parts and prices. My LS1 cost me a grand total of $6004 to build (thats including the price of the engine itself that I bought from a salvage yard). Not bad for an all-aluminum small block with roller camshaft, fuel injection, alterator, starter, water pump, powersteering pump, and serpentine drive. I am told I should be good for around 470-480 flywheel horsepower. You can't beat the power and what you get for the price with these engines.

PM me if you have any further questions. There's a lot more I can share with you. Always happy to help out.

[HRBS]

Mark... on 11.29 you posted that you got the new engine...... Why isnt it built and in the car yet ?
Come on bro....
Glad you found one.... keep me posted !
talk to you soon

[bigtyme1]

I'm working on it. I have tomany loose ends write know and I'm just trying to stay on it. The body is complete but I'm waiting on some custom work to get done. So I thought I would start on the sub frame and research the motor a little. My plan is to get it back from getting the tub work done and start assembling.

Trapin, I like you recondmadations. I looked at the Heads last night on the web. great prices. What rod bolts do you use? I was told there was a company that made them to use with out washers.

[trapin]

I went with ARP rod bolts. Honestly they weren't that expensive and are great insurance for the future. At 32,000 miles your LS1 is still a spring chicken. A lot of life that engine has in it. Might as well go for it.