L98 rebuild
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Vidor TX
L98 rebuild
My motor is smoking due to piston rings I am pretty sure. I'm not sure yet if the cylinders are egg-shaped, which I'm sure they are a little. Have 122,000 on this motor. Does anyone know where to get a good stock rebuild kit? Also would I have to bore my cylinders if they are egg shaped or can I just go back with the same size pistons?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Go through the process listed in the 91 FSM. Here is where you can get one if you need it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1991-CORVETTE-VETTE-SERVICE-SHOP-MANUAL-REPAIR-BOOK-SET-91-W-SUPPLEMENT-WIRING-/360614723188?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item53f64ffe74&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1991-CORVETTE-VETTE-SERVICE-SHOP-MANUAL-REPAIR-BOOK-SET-91-W-SUPPLEMENT-WIRING-/360614723188?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item53f64ffe74&vxp=mtr
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
If you are going to do a rebuild, take it to a machine shop and let them determine how "out of round" it is. If it requires machining they will tell you. and in that case you can most likely just get the parts through them or do a rering kit with pistons. but dont buy anything until you know the actual size of everything you need which the machine shop will tell you. i would honestly just let them order it all as they are going to be the ones with ALL the measurements in front of them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
At 122,000 miles, the short block is just fine.
I would go after the heads...
My experience with these overdrive engines is that the heads wear out way before the block will.
First, I would replace the valve seals before anything else, record your oil use, and determine if that fixed the problem.
That should set you back about $50 with new rocker cover gaskets and odds and ends if you do it yourself.
Your short block should go around 170,000 miles before it begins to wear out.
If your oil pressure hot at idle is around 35-50 PSI, it is probably just fine.
Also, intake manifold gaskets tend to be a problem around the miles and age your car has.
I would go after the heads...
My experience with these overdrive engines is that the heads wear out way before the block will.
First, I would replace the valve seals before anything else, record your oil use, and determine if that fixed the problem.
That should set you back about $50 with new rocker cover gaskets and odds and ends if you do it yourself.
Your short block should go around 170,000 miles before it begins to wear out.
If your oil pressure hot at idle is around 35-50 PSI, it is probably just fine.
Also, intake manifold gaskets tend to be a problem around the miles and age your car has.
Last edited by coupeguy2001; Jun 8, 2013 at 10:56 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
At 122,000 miles, the short block is just fine.
I would go after the heads...
My experience with these overdrive engines is that the heads wear out way before the block will.
First, I would replace the valve seals before anything else, record your oil use, and determine if that fixed the problem.
That should set you back about $50 with new rocker cover gaskets and odds and ends if you do it yourself.
Your short block should go around 170,000 miles before it begins to wear out.
If your oil pressure hot at idle is around 35-50 PSI, it is probably just fine.
Also, intake manifold gaskets tend to be a problem around the miles and age your car has.
I would go after the heads...
My experience with these overdrive engines is that the heads wear out way before the block will.
First, I would replace the valve seals before anything else, record your oil use, and determine if that fixed the problem.
That should set you back about $50 with new rocker cover gaskets and odds and ends if you do it yourself.
Your short block should go around 170,000 miles before it begins to wear out.
If your oil pressure hot at idle is around 35-50 PSI, it is probably just fine.
Also, intake manifold gaskets tend to be a problem around the miles and age your car has.
BTW, EVERY L98 I've seen has had or does have bad valve seals and / or an intake that leaks oil into or down the side of the engine.
