2000 Base Engine Removal & Rebuild
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 15
Likes: 1
2000 Base Engine Removal & Rebuild
Hey guys! I'm sure this has been talked about before, but I had a general question about the title. I recently bought a C5 with 160,000 miles and a leaky rear main seal for a really good deal, no problem. After driving it for some time, I fear I was swindled. There is a new noise in the engine bay, and I believe it is either a bad lifter, or a rod bearing going out. On top of that the harmonic balancer seems to be going out as well. I know some may say it is a waste of time to remove the whole engine, but I also want to learn how to do it. For background info, I'm 20 and am majoring in Mechanical Engineering, so I love learning how to take things apart and putting it back together. I would love to learn how to take the LS1 apart and fix the issues in one go. I found a step-by-step on how to remove the engine, so I am good there!
My question is: What parts should I have ready when the engine comes out? I found a rebuild kit that Summit sells that has flat top pistons and everything needed for a rebuild, except the cam and lifters. Other than that what else should I need? Any tips or tricks?
Thanks in advance!
My question is: What parts should I have ready when the engine comes out? I found a rebuild kit that Summit sells that has flat top pistons and everything needed for a rebuild, except the cam and lifters. Other than that what else should I need? Any tips or tricks?
Thanks in advance!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,213
If I'm pulling the engine I'm replacing all the gaskets, probably all of the wear parts in the heads, (springs, valve seals, rocker arms, pushrods), doing the harmonic balancer and pinning it if a supercharger is in your future, new belt tensioner, adding a remote bleeder to the clutch slave cylinder, probably relocating the oil pressure sensor, checking motor mounts and all the suspension parts (including bushings). With that kind of mileage I'm considering a new oil pump. Torque tube parts thoroughly inspected, odds are good it will be showing wear and need at least new bushings.
You'll want to inspect the crank too. And there may be an LS1 specific balancing procedure, I know some people have had issues after they removed the flywheel and didn't mark it to go back on the exact same way.
You'll want to inspect the crank too. And there may be an LS1 specific balancing procedure, I know some people have had issues after they removed the flywheel and didn't mark it to go back on the exact same way.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
My question is: What parts should I have ready when the engine comes out? I found a rebuild kit that Summit sells that has flat top pistons and everything needed for a rebuild, except the cam and lifters. Other than that what else should I need? Any tips or tricks? Thanks in advance!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,659
Likes: 684
From: Pingree Grove IL
That kind of mileage and you’re already pulling the block. Do you plan on keeping the car? If yes, rebuild the torque tube and send the bottom end of the block out to a machine shop, have them forge the entire bottom end. If it’s a stick shift, while you’re in there, replace the clutch.
That’s just my .02
That’s just my .02
