LT1 Life Expectancy
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Helotes TX
LT1 Life Expectancy
So who has turned in excess of 100K on their LT1 and what problems have you experienced?
I just turned 59K on my CE and it runs/drives like a new car.
Is there any reason to not think this car could roll on past 200k with normal maintenance? :auto:
I just turned 59K on my CE and it runs/drives like a new car.
Is there any reason to not think this car could roll on past 200k with normal maintenance? :auto:
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 1
From: Lake Ozark MO
Re: LT1 Life Expectancy (Texas CE)
I tore mine down at 106K for a quick refreshening during my LT4/Hotcam conversion. I felt like I wasted money on replacing the rings and bearings. Looked brand new.
Opti looked pretty good. A little worn but a new cap & rotor went on.
Waterpump was fine. Replaced it anyway.
Oil pump clearances were like new. Already had the new one so it went in.
Even the original spark plugs looked damn good (all pucks in place, gap OK). Naturally plugs & wires got replaced (although it ran perfectly fine on the old stuff)
I really could've gotten by on just replacing all gaskets and seals and probably run another 100K. Everything else looked great.
[Modified by Dan Parker '96, 7:19 PM 10/13/2003]
Opti looked pretty good. A little worn but a new cap & rotor went on.
Waterpump was fine. Replaced it anyway.
Oil pump clearances were like new. Already had the new one so it went in.
Even the original spark plugs looked damn good (all pucks in place, gap OK). Naturally plugs & wires got replaced (although it ran perfectly fine on the old stuff)
I really could've gotten by on just replacing all gaskets and seals and probably run another 100K. Everything else looked great.
[Modified by Dan Parker '96, 7:19 PM 10/13/2003]
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: LT1 Life Expectancy (Texas CE)
119,000 hard hard miles and still going strong.
Corvette ***** OG
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,776
Likes: 21
From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '05
CI VI Veteran
Re: LT1 Life Expectancy (bogus)
Though I only recently joined the Corvette family, I bought my '95 with 138K. Since I tore it down to do a rebuild, I can tell you that the rings were actually pretty decent, the cylinders weren't really egg shaped however the rod bearings were in need of replacement. I could tell that part of the problem was the previous owner must have let the car run low on oil. I don't think if that had happened, the bearings would have probably lasted even longer.
I don't think most GM's (especially if they're driven a little more aggressive like vettes) will last a full 200K. I realize that there are exceptions to the rule but I think most GM V-8's will typically last 140-150K before a rebuild is a good idea. Again, a general rule, not steadfast...
Just my .02
Mark
I don't think most GM's (especially if they're driven a little more aggressive like vettes) will last a full 200K. I realize that there are exceptions to the rule but I think most GM V-8's will typically last 140-150K before a rebuild is a good idea. Again, a general rule, not steadfast...
Just my .02
Mark
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Washington PA
Re: LT1 Life Expectancy (Texas CE)
173,000 miles and counting. I just replaced the entire ignition including opti and water pump. I've only had it about 5 months, but the previous owner drove across country for business quite often. It runs VERY strong. :auto:
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 565
Likes: 2
From: Chandler AZ
Re: LT1 Life Expectancy (96redvette)
205,000 and counting. Got it almost 2 years ago with 184,000 on it. I don't know the history of it but I don't believe it has been rebuilt. I did waterpump and plugs and wires, but otherwise running great. Knock on wood!!! :cheers: :steering:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Helotes TX
Re: LT1 Life Expectancy (Stv50)
Great responses everybody! have put about 12K on it in the 3 years of ownership so I should have 100K/ 25 years of life left barring an unforeseen circumstances (Impacts, Theft, Divorce, IRS seizures, the usual). Yeah! :steering:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 1
From: Naples FL
Re: LT1 Life Expectancy (onedef92)
136,000 miles with only the waterpump replaced a couple thousand miles ago. Running strong!!! My dad(a Ford man) gives great credit to Chevy's small block V8s!! :seeya
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Re: LT1 Life Expectancy (GRNVNM93)
I have over 154,000 on my 93. Only engine parts that have been replaced have been opti, water pump, intake gasket. That is it. :smash: Hope it lasts to at least 300,000!!
:steering:
:steering:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 30
From: Chesapeake Beach Maryland
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
Re: LT1 Life Expectancy (Texas CE)
108K miles - Daily Driver and weekend show-n-shine , I had the factory plugs and wires on it until two weeks ago and it still pulled 250 RWHP at the Dyno last spring. I put new plugs and wires on it two weeks ago at a club Mod-Day and I could immediately tell a difference in the way the car ran. It had a better, smoother rev-up and slightly stronger and smooth exceleration. Love'n it. I hope it goes another 100K
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