159,000 and what to do?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 730
Likes: 45
From: kansas city mo.
159,000 and what to do?
The car is running fine now and I read that 200,000 can be made with no problem. With my high mileage shhould I start thinking about a rebuild or new motor. With a 2000 vert what would be the best way to go. I'm only looking for around 400 hp. Do I need to have the bottom end redone if I go with h/c. I looked on the forum and I seen blown motors and guys that want high hp. But I looking for something that will last for long ride around the country.(I'm retireing) I will put headers on with B/B that are on now. Will any of the motors slip in w/o a lot of change to whatever that is needed. Do I need to change the jack shalf also because I'm on the original cluch. I don't drag race but do drive spiritedly. Thanks for the help
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,320
Likes: 2
From: Salem Oregon
My car is at 160,000. I have replaced everything in the drivetrain, except the short block, which is still fine.
I bought a longblock from scoggins-dickey. The one mentioned above for 3250 shipped.
I have no idea when I will need to put it in, but it is here when I need to.
It is 405 hp, and with the add ons it will get before it goes in, it will be what I want.
Mild cam, intake/TB, underdrive pulley, headers, etc.
I bought a longblock from scoggins-dickey. The one mentioned above for 3250 shipped.
I have no idea when I will need to put it in, but it is here when I need to.
It is 405 hp, and with the add ons it will get before it goes in, it will be what I want.
Mild cam, intake/TB, underdrive pulley, headers, etc.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,320
Likes: 2
From: Salem Oregon
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 66
From: SoCal
Depends on maintenance on the car. 159k it can still have some good mileage behind it if it was taken care of. I have seen some 80-90k cars that are in crap shape. If it is fine, then keep the maintenance up and enjoy it. These motors, if taken care of, can last a long time. 154k here on mine and it is fine. Supercharged as well. I figure when it goes, time for a low compression forged motor, but have not been able to kill this one yet. 
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,371
Likes: 5,246
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Mileage should not dictate when a motor needs a rebuild, condition does. As others have said, if it runs well and isn't using significant amounts of oil, why consider a rebuild? If you really just want to add alot of horsepower, then a rebuild or crate motor makes sense.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 730
Likes: 45
From: kansas city mo.
thanks guys, Yes it is well taken care of and knowning it can go over 200000. I was just thinking of and up grade down the road. more or less seeing how much I need to start saving for the new rebuild or motor. I also found (after pages of reading) someone similar to my question. Thank You all for your help.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,010
Likes: 493
From: South Florida
By simple rebuild I mean using the original block and not going crazy with a new motor, giant cam, etc, and not using forged internals. Good heads look into trickflow or afr.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
Your definition of "good heads" is a matter of your opinion. There are dozens of aftermarket LS heads on the market, popularity does not equate to "good".
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,010
Likes: 493
From: South Florida
I would not consider; "going crazy with a new motor, giant cam, etc, and not using forged internals" as part of a rebuild or overhaul simple or otherwise.
Your definition of "good heads" is a matter of your opinion. There are dozens of aftermarket LS heads on the market, popularity does not equate to "good".
Your definition of "good heads" is a matter of your opinion. There are dozens of aftermarket LS heads on the market, popularity does not equate to "good".