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I have a ls1 out of a 99 FRC that I was told had 116,000 miles. I’ve had it since 2016 and bought it for a swap project that has never started. It’s on an engine stand in my basement and curiosity got the best of me so I decided to at least pull off a valve cover to see what it looked like. I was pleasantly surprised with the appearance although I know that doesn’t tell the whole story. I did put a socket on the crank and it turned so not locked up. Comments?
If you check each cylinder walls and there is no surface rust its as good as when it was shut off last. You crank that baby right up and it wont skip a beat. You dont even have to prime it there will be plenty of oil on the bearings.
I have a ls1 out of a 99 FRC that I was told had 116,000 miles. I’ve had it since 2016 and bought it for a swap project that has never started. It’s on an engine stand in my basement and curiosity got the best of me so I decided to at least pull off a valve cover to see what it looked like. I was pleasantly surprised with the appearance although I know that doesn’t tell the whole story. I did put a socket on the crank and it turned so not locked up. Comments?
What kind of comment are you looking for?
Opinion on the engine condition?
Can't really tell much, but 116K miles is not too bad for a well cared for engine, they can easily go to 250K with good care.
I guess I was expecting something along the lines of recliner, to go with the coffee table. I have pulled valve covers off 20+ years old engines that were covered with sludge but I suppose engines that left the factory with Mobile 1 and received regular care would all look the same since no one divulged any horror stories. Thanks for commenting and I’ll just keep moving along.
10 years and you just finally pulled off a valve cover. Well, I’m sure the engine has life left, and good luck on your project.
Just get the project done and enjoy it. If this is a 20-30 year project, maybe you should reconsider. I’m sure someone out there needs an LS1 that looks that good for a project they can complete by summertime. Put those sonic red sneakers on and finish this thing and post pictures and results.
If you have an engine thats been sitting for 10+ years
First thing is take plugs out, prime the oil system with no load, wait for good mechanical oil pressure on the back of the intake port for LS
Then compression test
Good chance its got hard diamond like carbon buildup on valves so heads need to come off for at least a cleaning
Would not compression test a sitting engine without first priming the oil system with plugs out though
10 years and you just finally pulled off a valve cover. Well, I’m sure the engine has life left, and good luck on your project.
Just get the project done and enjoy it. If this is a 20-30 year project, maybe you should reconsider. I’m sure someone out there needs an LS1 that looks that good for a project they can complete by summertime. Put those sonic red sneakers on and finish this thing and post pictures and results.
the engine was bought for a 67 Chevelle project. At that time I had a 20 acre mini farm and a 30x40 detached shop. My son started his family about the same time an awarded us with twin boys! Only challenge is they were premies and weighed just 2 lbs each and required 24 hour around the clock care and they were 200 miles away so the next year was spent away from home, living with my son and and feeding babies. Then the decision was made to move which involved me getting our place ready to sell and then locating a new place to settle. Fast forward a total of ten years and the complete remodel of the “new” house and the Chevelle still hasn’t made it to my new home mainly due to space restrictions. I advanced from my early sixties to now 73, I’m moving slower and space is still a problem but I keep telling myself just keep plugging along and enjoy staying busy. I may never see the project finished but my son has expressed interest in the car. But he’s a CPA with 10 year old twins and a 5 year old daughter so only time will tell!
Originally Posted by Kingtal0n
If you have an engine thats been sitting for 10+ years
First thing is take plugs out, prime the oil system with no load, wait for good mechanical oil pressure on the back of the intake port for LS
Then compression test
Good chance its got hard diamond like carbon buildup on valves so heads need to come off for at least a cleaning
Would not compression test a sitting engine without first priming the oil system with plugs out though
All good suggestions I will keep in mind. I’m currently doing some maintenance work on my other ls1 that’s in the car in my avatar. It’s a learning experience for me all the way around.
Experienced opinions
