Bought a used LS1. What to check before install?
 

As the title says, I bought a motor. The idea is to replace the one that's in my car working perfectly now.

The new one is used and came from a salvage car. Has a fair amount of documentation with it. It's got a cam installed, new valve springs, pushrods and some other trinkets. Dyno sheet says it was just under 400whp.

I do not know what all work was done to the motor, but I speculate that very little other than adding parts. I want to say it was a budget build, in spite of the choice of some fairly expensive parts. Case in point, a big cam was put in but the stock balancer was not replaced.

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that the oil pump was not touched, lifters are probably originals given I have no paperwork saying they are new. Rockers are still the stock ones.

I am going to compression test it while it's sitting on the stand. I'd like to compare to the engine that's in my car now which I know to be solid.

My question to the folks here is, What else should I be looking to do before installing this thing in my car? I'm in no rush, this might be months for all I know. I'm buying a balancer for sure. It's got the arp bolt as does mine now. I'm not sure what else to check.

:lurk:

Just think of all the parts that are going to be easy to replace now.
And a bitch when the engine is installed.
And replace them. Oil pump, water pump, crank seals.

:cheers:

Do a leak down test, it will give you the best indication of engine health. If you're going to pull the balancer, I would at least look at the chain/gear, and replace the oil pump/o-ring.

Ok, I was prepped for an oil pump, timing chain and sprockets, and main seals. Just wasn't sure what else to look for. Thinking I might do lifters, the heads will have to come off to put it in anyway since I'm going in the top (for now). Unless I buy a lift first, this'll be done the old fashioned way.

I'm hoping to avoid an entire rebuild and machine work.

Above + check rods and mains.

( any used engine of unknown history should get checked..unless you like pulling engines)

:iagree:

should have done the leakdown before you bought.

I don't own a leakdown tester so so that wasn't an option. Might buy one now though.

I did have the very recent dyno slip and a bunch of documentation. The car was wrecked so I'm guessing it worked good enough to get the last owner in trouble. :lol: