C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Rebuilt LT4

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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 07:37 AM
  #1  
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Default Rebuilt LT4

Had my LT4 refreshed (Rings, Bearings), but during the initial drive I expected some smoke while the rings seat. Now I'm getting alittle worried about the oil consumption. I'm going to take it out day and see how it does, how long on average (Rings to seat) take.

Thanks,
DJ
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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 10:44 AM
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The initial seat takes about 20 minutes. After that, about 50 miles.

What oil are you using? What type of rings? You'll use oil if you're using low tension rings.
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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 09:02 PM
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If you had cylinder wear before the new rings you will still use oil.The ring cannot repair a worn cylinder.
A light hone for the new rings would have been ideal.
No synthetic oil for a break in period.The rings should seat quickly.Proper break in is not cruising at the same rpm.It needs to vary.
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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 10:17 PM
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Fellas,

Thanks for the replies. Here is the ring set I used:
Seal Power ZEK-530K
Bore (in) 4.000 in.
Bore (mm) 101.600mm
Top Ring Included Yes
Top Ring Thickness 2.0mm
Second Ring Included Yes
Second Ring Thickness 1.5mm
Oil Ring Included Yes
Oil Ring Thickness 4.0mm
Oil Ring Tension Standard
I used Rotella oil for the initial breakin. Went out for a drive after work, smoking very bad. Just tried put alittle heat in the motor to see if that would help. Heat cycled the motor (230) afew times. I'm kinda out of ideals right now.

Thanks,
DJ
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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 11:45 PM
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valve seals?

some members have reported major oil burning issues that were ultimatey traced to intake manifold gaskets.

have you driven it far enough to get an idea as to what the actual oil consumption, miles per quart, is ?
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Old Sep 21, 2010 | 06:50 AM
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Tons of assembly lube?
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Old Sep 21, 2010 | 07:32 AM
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Originally Posted by djbraxton
Fellas,

Thanks for the replies. Here is the ring set I used:
Seal Power ZEK-530K
Bore (in) 4.000 in.
Bore (mm) 101.600mm
Top Ring Included Yes
Top Ring Thickness 2.0mm
Second Ring Included Yes
Second Ring Thickness 1.5mm
Oil Ring Included Yes
Oil Ring Thickness 4.0mm
Oil Ring Tension Standard
I used Rotella oil for the initial breakin. Went out for a drive after work, smoking very bad. Just tried put alittle heat in the motor to see if that would help. Heat cycled the motor (230) afew times. I'm kinda out of ideals right now.

Thanks,
DJ
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Old Sep 21, 2010 | 11:29 AM
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I'm in the process of building a 383 LT1. I am not an expert at all. I was advised to not baby the engine during break in. In fact I was told to let er rip. The theory behind this (what I was told) is that the sudden compression forces the rings to expand and seat. Like I said, I'm no expert just passing on what I've heard. I did read some posts that said the same thing also. Just wondering if anyone else has come accross this theory.
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Old Sep 21, 2010 | 01:06 PM
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After trying the heat cycle ideal, took the GS out for a run. No change, just trying to gather DATA now. Going out to see what the consumption is. Any ideas before I going back in??

Thanks,
DJ
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Old Sep 22, 2010 | 12:07 AM
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LT4's differ from LT1's in that the LT4's have raised intake ports. Any LT1 intake manifold gasket will bolt up, but only an LT4 specific gasket will seal correctly.

I got mine from summit; (factory GM LT4 intake gasket) NAL-12367777, two required.

double check that there wasn't a mix up in your rebuild.

Is your engine is indeed using an extreme amount of oil ?

I would not expect a huge amount of oil to be working its way past a correctly installed new ring pack....some small nuisance amount maybe...but not a lot.
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Old Sep 22, 2010 | 12:29 AM
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Originally Posted by tuffLUV
I'm in the process of building a 383 LT1. I am not an expert at all. I was advised to not baby the engine during break in. In fact I was told to let er rip. The theory behind this (what I was told) is that the sudden compression forces the rings to expand and seat. Like I said, I'm no expert just passing on what I've heard. I did read some posts that said the same thing also. Just wondering if anyone else has come accross this theory.
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
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Old Sep 22, 2010 | 07:11 AM
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Fellas,

Running the 7777 intake gasket, from summit. Ran a compression check, all the cylinders read from 190-200. But, all eight plugs are covered in black soot. I associated this as a very rich issue, but what brothers me the smoke not being black, if running that rich. This is what I'm starting to feel like

Thanks,
DJ
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Old Sep 23, 2010 | 07:10 AM
  #13  
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Going to get a data log this weekend. Before I had the car re-tuned for the new cam, I started it to check that all was good. As I viewed the video, the GS do not smoke at all. With all 8 plugs sooted up and my exhaust tips being covered in black soot plus no performance, going to check fuel data. Will keep posted. Thanks for all the input.

DJ
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