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pulling LS3 and replacing pistons

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Old May 14, 2013 | 01:47 AM
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Default pulling LS3 and replacing pistons
anyone do this at home?

is the factory service manual useful?

what were the hardest parts? any surprises?

did you have to make/buy special/custom tools?

pics would be great.

or links to good threads of this
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Old May 14, 2013 | 05:56 AM
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If you gotta ask .....
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Old May 14, 2013 | 05:57 AM
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Originally Posted by glenB
If you gotta ask .....
Based on your questions, I would out source it.
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Old May 14, 2013 | 06:57 AM
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Hiper puke pistons and powder rods you better be replacing both.
This aint your grandpaws motor.Oil pump set up at the timing chain area can be tricky to set up.
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Old May 14, 2013 | 11:50 AM
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Source it to a good shop.....save yourself the headache and potential costly learning curve.
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Old May 14, 2013 | 02:58 PM
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Pulled the LS3, torque tube, transaxle all on jackstands in my garage at age 68, but never again. I'll use a lift next time.
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Old May 14, 2013 | 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by acannell
anyone do this at home?

is the factory service manual useful?

what were the hardest parts? any surprises?

did you have to make/buy special/custom tools?

pics would be great.

or links to good threads of this
If the only reason for tearing into it is to replace the pistons it can be done without actually pulling the block out of the car. I've done it a couple times for various reasons and it is a LOT easier than taking the engine out.
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Old May 14, 2013 | 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by HOXXOH
Pulled the LS3, torque tube, transaxle all on jackstands in my garage at age 68, but never again. I'll use a lift next time.
68
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Old May 14, 2013 | 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by HOXXOH
Pulled the LS3, torque tube, transaxle all on jackstands in my garage at age 68, but never again. I'll use a lift next time.
Old fart
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Old May 14, 2013 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by HOXXOH
Pulled the LS3, torque tube, transaxle all on jackstands in my garage at age 68, but never again. I'll use a lift next time.
I out sourced my engine project....

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Old May 14, 2013 | 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by timd38
i out sourced my engine project....

ftw!
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Old May 15, 2013 | 01:34 AM
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Originally Posted by timd38
I out sourced my engine project....


that's the ultimate tool right there in fact I have one myself.
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Old May 15, 2013 | 01:43 AM
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Originally Posted by timd38
I out sourced my engine project....

sh** the whole thing comes out as an assembly? lol!

cmon guys lets get some pics of this happening on jackstands.

did the 68 y/o gentleman take pics of this activity? that would be very interesting.

its not my first engine pull, ive just never done it on the vette. dont need to yet, but im sure i will be rebuilding it in a few years probably for some upgrade or something and id like to prepare my garage for it when i still have plenty of time to get things ready
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Old May 15, 2013 | 01:46 AM
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Originally Posted by subfloor@centurytrans
If the only reason for tearing into it is to replace the pistons it can be done without actually pulling the block out of the car. I've done it a couple times for various reasons and it is a LOT easier than taking the engine out.
awesome! any pics?

is it just drop the pan, take the heads and manifolds off? how long does it take to do that?

i guess this is wishful thinking. ill never have to do that unless i get turbos. haha

what happened to your pistons? something under boost?
Last edited by acannell; May 15, 2013 at 01:53 AM.
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Old May 15, 2013 | 01:48 AM
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Originally Posted by HOXXOH
Pulled the LS3, torque tube, transaxle all on jackstands in my garage at age 68, but never again. I'll use a lift next time.
im impressed. pictures?

and why did you do it?
Last edited by acannell; May 15, 2013 at 01:53 AM.
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Old May 15, 2013 | 02:27 AM
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I think he was looking for the u-joint grease zerks
Why else would you seperate your car like that
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Old May 15, 2013 | 03:30 AM
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Id like to see that.try doing it on jackstands.
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To pulling LS3 and replacing pistons

Old May 15, 2013 | 07:05 AM
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If doing rods and pistons you really should pull the short block and have a machine shop balance the rotating assembly and hone the cylinders
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Old May 15, 2013 | 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by SK360
If doing rods and pistons you really should pull the short block and have a machine shop balance the rotating assembly and hone the cylinders
is that actually specified for this engine or are you just making stuff up?
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Old May 15, 2013 | 10:10 AM
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It's called common sense when replacing major components? Pistons are not bolton parts.
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