badazz81z28

I just acquired an LS7! While its out...a prime opportunity to upgrade parts. What do all reccomend to swap out before throwing it in the car? Timing chain, rocker upgrade, pump upgrade etc.

Thanks!

MTPZ06

Much more info needed...

How many miles are on it?
How was it used prior to you acquiring it? (street/track/etc)
Has anything already been done to it, or is it completely stock?
What kind of car are you dropping the motor into?
What are your plans/use of that car & motor combo?

badazz81z28

It's a completely stock engine. From a 2012 with about 15k on the odometer. I plan to drop it in a sec gen camaro. Mostly street fun car, some track and spirited driving. No real competitive racing.

Must_Have_Z

Priority #1, get the heads checked.

*El Ocho*

MTPZ06

Pull the heads and send to AHP for their package #4 rebuild. There are other good places to send the heads as well though depending on where you live.

badazz81z28

Since my engine is a 2012, still head issues?

Dan_the_C5_Man

Yes............!

All years, all the time. The core issue here is errors in the initial machining from GM's vendor. If you got "lucky" and the guides were drilled accurately (hole dimensions) and concentric to the seat, then you are good.

Just like winning the state lottery, a large portion of the populace are not lucky.

badazz81z28

Oh, ok. I upon on all the net searches, didn't see any issues reported past 2010

badazz81z28

Where else do you all use besides WCCH and AHP? They seem kinda expensive to just look them over, replace guides and exhaust valves. AHP didn't use bronze guides either. Is that ok?

LMBTom

You might not need anything done. Wiggle the valves within the guides. If they wiggle too much for your liking, then send the heads off to get fixed.

I used Advanced Induction:
http://advancedinduction.com/LSX/AiLSxCylinderHeads.php

I went with SS valves, bronze guides, and PSI beehive springs.

The car has been running good for 10k miles now, though I need to do another wiggle test to make sure.

If I had to choose again, I'd research more into getting powered metal guides. I've heard some reports that the titanium intake valves cause premature wear on bronze guides

dr_whigham

AI 280's are what I'll be going with as well

MyLS1Hauls

There's a little more to it than just "looking them over and replacing guides". The heads have to be totally disassembled and cleaned. The guides have to be pressed out and pressed back in, and ALL 16 valve seats have to be recut. They will also cut the deck surface, to be sure it is true. This takes time to do correctly. Labor isn't cheap, and this isn't something that can be done quickly. I got mine done locally by a well known shop, and it was very close to AHP's price.

dcamick

I used AI through PCM of NC.