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

engine rebuild

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Old Oct 29, 2012 | 07:03 PM
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Default engine rebuild

I'm about to rebuild the engine in my 84 Vette. Has anyone done this and has anyone done upgrades like rebuilding it to an LT1? If so, does anyone have step by step instructions on this?
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Old Oct 29, 2012 | 11:23 PM
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Originally Posted by djmarino
I'm about to rebuild the engine in my 84 Vette. Has anyone done this?
Buy a book on " how to rebuild small block Chevy's"
Everything you want to know

Originally Posted by djmarino
has anyone done upgrades like rebuilding it to an LT1
You can't rebuild yours to a LT1
It is a completely different motor ( block) to yours
If you want a LT1 you have to swap one in and all the wiring changes that go with it
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Old Oct 30, 2012 | 02:08 PM
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He could build it into a 70-72 LT1
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Old Oct 30, 2012 | 02:10 PM
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Originally Posted by djmarino
I'm about to rebuild the engine in my 84 Vette. Has anyone done this and has anyone done upgrades like rebuilding it to an LT1? If so, does anyone have step by step instructions on this?
Rule of thumb here, if you need step by step instruction on rebuilding your engine you should find a machine shop to do this. If is an exact science and if you mess up the engine may not repairable.
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Old Oct 30, 2012 | 02:43 PM
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I just did my rebuild "on the fly" so to speak.
never did it before, but my FIL had done plenty of them, and he was just a phone call away. granted, I didn't tear it down to the crank, mine was just a head rebuild due to a blown head gasket, but it was still a worthy project for a first timer, and nothing compares to the elation of firing it back up after all that work.

good luck.

and yes, pick up a haynes or chiltons manual... and a good torque wrench.
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Old Oct 30, 2012 | 08:46 PM
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Originally Posted by MonteHall
pick up a haynes or chiltons manual...
Plenty of online SBC rebuild info
http://www.thedirtforum.com/sbcrebuild.htm
or above mentioned book for beginners.
http://www.amazon.com/How-Rebuild-Yo.../dp/1557880298

If you want to work on the car itself better off to buy the factory service manual.More detail and better diagnostics than the aftermarket manuals
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Old Nov 20, 2012 | 10:59 AM
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please don't take this the wrong way but if you are talking about rebuilding your 1984 350 into an LT1 then you should not be attempting to rebuild an engine by yourself. your going to cost yourself way more money than you would spend to just pay someone knowledgeable to do it for you.
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Old Nov 20, 2012 | 03:09 PM
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WHere do you live?

I used the "How to rebuild your Lt-1" version of how to rebuild your small block chevy.
You will need the factory service manual as well.
Mine's ready to go in - just need to find time to take it up to the shop.
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Guides are probably worn and the valve seals are trashed at this point. If it isnt loosing coolant it sounds like you are burning a bit of oil. Maybe just replace the rubber O-ring valve seals while you look for a shop to rebuild the heads? Easy and cheap. That would help for now.

If this was mine, I would probably just pull the whole thing for an overhaul. Stone hone, re-ring, bearings, gaskets, cam, lifters, seals. Keep it 100% original as possible.
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