Broken Lifter on LS3
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Broken Lifter on LS3
I recently broke 1 lifter on my ls3 I was wondering if you guys think the motor would be damaged I keep getting different answers from one shop to another a few shops say the motor is fine and others say it needs rebuild but I don’t see any issues with it I did a complete leak down and compression test and everything is working fine so I’m not sure if the motor is damaged what would you guys think?
Racer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 383
Likes: 17
From: Whiteville NC
I dropped one last August my car is a dry sump car took it to my local speed shop National Speed they dropped pan changed lifters rods springs and retainers along with a new z06 oil pump and BTR stage 2 cam since the old one got wiped out by the bad lifter they used ls7 springs rods and lifters and while at it they dropped the pan and flushed out the motor and dry sump system all that plus dyno tuned it The cam is awesome tuned it put down 446 at the wheels on a Dyno Jet dyno.I love it but from my experience your motor should be good but you truly won't know until it's torn apart and checkec.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,734
Likes: 1,695
From: Rochester NY
2018 C6 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10, '17
If lifter failed there is a good chance the cam is damaged as well. So heads come off, lifters are replaced and cam is checked and likely replaced. If metal/shrapnel got through the motor then more inspection is needed. Oil should be drained/checked for metal. Also cut filter in half. It is not automatic that motor needs to be rebuilt due to lifter failure. Depends on how severe the damage was and if any shrapnel got into the bearings.
