98 Oiling problems???

**ThunderChicken** · 02-21-2011, 02:10 PM

Someone told me that 98 LS1 blocks have problems with their oil galleys and the oil doesn't circulate well. Any truth to this? I just got a sweet deal on a 98 LS block and heads, but I want to make sure I'm not getting myself into future problems...

THANKS!

**Sarge** · 02-21-2011, 02:29 PM

"Somebody" is correct. Sorta

The 1998 LS1 block is the weakest of all the LSX blocks. Many rebuilders will not waste their time with a 98 block. Problems was/is it has a very shallow oil galley in the back of the block. It really restricts the equal flow of oil to the lifter galley. In 99 GM significantly enlarged the oil passage above the cam bore.

98 blocks also do not have the supporting gussets you find with 99+ blocks.

Bottom line is a heads cam car.....you shouldnt have an issue.

**0rion** · 02-21-2011, 02:33 PM

I don't feel it's a "problem" as much as it was improved on after 98. They changed the galley and put windows in the mains after 98 so there were a couple improvements. It was also the first round of rod bolt improvements to be made. That all being said I've ran the dog shit out of my 98 and haven't had any issues in 98k miles.

**Sarge** · 02-21-2011, 02:36 PM

No and you wont. I would just not put a blower and giggle juice on a 98 block. H/C car...bet your ass....no issue.

**Blackbird WS6** · 02-21-2011, 02:43 PM

i wouldnt waste the money on the heads either, they suck, if you plan on leaving it stock or just bolt on's then thats a diff. story

**0rion** · 02-21-2011, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by Blackbird-WS6

i wouldnt waste the money on the heads either, they suck, if you plan on leaving it stock or just bolt on's then thats a diff. story

another misconception IMO.....look at the 98 horsepower, 0-60 times, and 1320 times. Compare them to 99+ times and explain how the 98 heads sucked so bad. They're virtually identical in those catgories. They also have 15 degree valve angles and the same combustion chamber and runner volumes.

**Blackbird WS6** · 02-21-2011, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by 0rion

another misconception IMO.....look at the 98 horsepower, 0-60 times, and 1320 times. Compare them to 99+ times and explain how the 98 heads sucked so bad. They're virtually identical in those catgories. They also have 15 degree valve angles and the same combustion chamber and runner volumes.

im saying if the OP was going to do head/cam to not waste the money on the heads

**ThunderChicken** · 02-21-2011, 07:36 PM

The cam is really all I plan to do on the car. Daily driver and not a lot of cash. Soooo...exhaust, cam, a couple other light things...but it's got to be a good streetable daily, too, so I have to be realistic. I just wanted to make sure the block was going to be good for the long haul.

**Blackbird WS6** · 02-21-2011, 07:55 PM

if thats all. you should be more then fine then...good luck

**blackSS01** · 02-21-2011, 10:02 PM

Just a little more info for OP. If your just going to do cam/bolt ons and keep the heads stock then don't expect full gains from the cam without the added flow that "worked" or aftermarket heads will give you. You can easily just do cam/bolt ons only and be fine but the heads will become the restriction point. Just a little added info

Another little note is if your going to do this, switching out the oil pump with a Ported LS6 or Lingenfelter would be a great idea. You are already into the motor and 98 pumps are not the best. Its cheap insurance since a Lingenfelter pump is a little over $100 and I have about 80 psi with mine. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.