Update on my hi-miler Z project

[tomtom72]

Originally Posted by VetteMed

PM sent!

PM received and read and replied with another PM!

Andy!
Tom

[VetteMed]

About time for another update...

Due to a progressive increase in what sounded like a top-end rattle or knock (possibly lifter(s), tensioner(s), or other part, I decided that the original LT5 would run its last mile, just shy of 195K miles. Not the 200K I was hoping to hit, but I really didn't want to push my luck and end up wiping out one or more cams in the process.

Financially, I decided that the best option was a stock replacement LT5. While I'd like to go for a 368 or 372, the cost is prohibitive for me at this time. Also, all of the incidentals are going to be replaced (clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, master/slave), and that of course adds to the overall cost of the project.

The replacement LT5 will be coming from White Racing Products.

Here's where I'm at in the tear-down process:


Headers/Exhaust are off, c-beam and driveshaft off, all electrical connections on motor are disconnected, motor mounts unbolted, cooling system connections disconnected, pretty much all that needs to happen now is to remove the transmission, then pull the motor out.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Smart move before something really broke.

[VetteMed]

Apparently some of you guys are far more worried than I am about numbers matching. Seeing as my car is a DD, I want it back on the road as soon as reasonably possible, so I can continue to enjoy it for what it is.

I suppose I can ask the mods to close the thread at this point if it seems pointless. I thought some might still be interested, given that the car is more than just an LT5 and four wheels... maybe not?

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Originally Posted by Dynomite

SO......what was really about to break?
And...is this the end of this thread if you install a rebuilt engine?

I'm no LT5 expert but spent alot of years in the manufacturing industry. If it doesn't sound right, you stop and figure out what the issue is before something else fails.

VetteMed, I'm always interested in anything.

[RHanselman]

Not that I have any concerns but I was wondering how you selected from who to buy from? Availability/price or??? Are you getting core value from your old eng or you selling it as is?

Cheers,

[VetteMed]

Originally Posted by RHanselman

Not that I have any concerns but I was wondering how you selected from who to buy from? Availability/price or??? Are you getting core value from your old eng or you selling it as is?

Cheers,

First concern - price. Money is very tight for me right now, some tax issues going on, plus wife is a full time student. I don't like to shop by price (that's the wal-mart mentality), but I have confidence that Kurt is going to be selling a good product.

Second concern - availability / convenience. The motor is available NOW, I want my car back on the road ASAP. Kurt's shop is only 2 hours from me, so it is close enough for me to pick up without shipping fees.

Kurt is taking my motor as a core. core charge $3500 otherwise, which is probably more than I'd get selling it on my own, given the high miles on it. That is minus the IHs, plenum, TB, and accessories - I have a hard time believing that my well worn block/heads/pistons/rods/crank etc would be worth any more than that to someone else.

[VetteMed]

Originally Posted by Dynomite

I often check this thread out and may have questions myself in the future regarding some technical issues. This thread is referenced in Solutions in several areas so I am sure additional technical questions will arise no matter if you decide to not rebuild this engine. It has been a great thread and I expect will continue to be a great reference thread

I would definitely keep the thread open for future technical questions



I concur completely and will stand by to see what actually happened to this LT5

I may not be able to figure out where the noise was coming from, prior to handing it over as a core, but hopefully Kurt's rebuilder will report back after the fact, for our own learning experience.

[Kevin]

I'd like to know who kurt is using to do the rebuild.

[limey]

Guys,

we rebuilt the motor ourselves. Stock motor rebuilds are no problem, it's only when modifications and such are needed do i send the work out, or port work etc. Then i have Pete or someone do this.

The motor Andrew purchased from us is really a smoking deal and frankly i'm surprised more people don't go this route. When he sees the motor, he'll be blown away. It has BRAND new heads & all new cam cover bolts, new water pump, new sensors - new rings - bearings - oil pump, chains - wear strips, tensioner and on and on the list goes. No to mention, it looks brand new.

I don't think anyone can touch our price for the rebuild, but please correct me if i'm wrong.

I even warranty it too!

I wouldn't want to rebuild his motor for one simple fact, TIME FRAME. That's the only issue, we are small operation and rebuilding LT5's isn't something i do normally, more for the heck of it to be honest and just another product to have for sale. So i was to rebuild Andrews motor, look for a 2-3 month time, not to mention, i wouldn't guarantee that i could rebuild it for anywhere near the $4499.99 price, there would always be something to add to the cost somewhere, at least buying what he has, he knows what he's getting and it's ready now.

#'S Matching, well when the ZR-1 becomes a 6 figure $$$$ classic it may start to play out, but right now i don't think 99.9 % of people need to worry about this.

PS, I'll have a full rebuilt 93-95 motor ready shortly too $4999.99 on this one.