No. of miles be4 LS1 re build/place

**kool-aide** · 12-31-2006, 06:20 AM

I have a newbie LS1 question about the LS1, and I guess an engine in general. I am buying a used 99 Camaro with lots of miles like 90k, cuz its cheap. All the F-Bodies below 70k are out of my wallet range. Assume the car was taken care of buy some one that at least changed the oil, and drove it like all men do in their toys, stomp and romp when the testosterone is bubbling. How many miles can a LS1 handle before it should be torn down for rebuild or changed out for another LS1 crate? Now let's assume it is not broken now, and by miracle I don't break it, like a bent rod or damaging the valves, lifters, or barings, etc. I grew up around people that would shutter and run in fits of fear and panic if the engine had more than 60k miles on it, any year or condition. A daily driver for ten years in my town would get you 120k+ miles easy. Thanks for the help and thoughts.

JJ

**9T8W66** · 12-31-2006, 07:03 AM

Mine is a DD and has been street raced quite often (maybe 300 Runs)
Only things I have replaced are Water pump and bent pushrods from a missed shift. Other than that the Car has been Dead reliable. 113,000 miles still on the original clutch and I am the original owner.

**Danger731** · 12-31-2006, 08:23 AM

If the oil was changed regularly you should be fine. I have 95,000 + on mine. I expect it to last another 95.

**Tonik** · 12-31-2006, 09:19 AM

160,000 and running strong. Keep it maintained and you may have to replace something here and there, but otherwise LS1's are remarkably reliable. In the past year (about 15k miles), It is my DD and has been street raced quiet a few times... I have only had to replace the serpentine and ac belts and a tranny mount (plus oil changes).

weberje · 12-31-2006, 09:46 AM

Outstanding to hear.. I am in the same predicament kool-aide.
I am about to receive my 98 Trans Am WS6 (should get it wednesday!!!) and it has about 96k on it. The very next day, it will be up on a lift and I am going thru it top to bottom- all fluids, filters, etc. VERY EXCITED! think I just pee'd myself.....I have been criticized a little for buying a sports car that "someone else has tore up", but look at your classic whips out there; I think they've survived past the dreaded 100k and are still running strong. Just takes good maintenance, both scheduled and unshceduled.

By the way, If anyone has any advise for common components/conditions to look out for, would greatly appreciate it.

**0rion** · 12-31-2006, 10:31 AM

Look at the pinion seal on the rear. Almost can guarantee that it's leaking. Not a huge deal. I let mine leak for a couple of years because I didn't want to mess with it and knew I'd be getting a 12 bolt at some point anyhow.

**Danger731** · 12-31-2006, 12:04 PM

only wear was the serpantine belt, changed at 95k.

**kool-aide** · 01-01-2007, 10:41 AM

Thanks for the encouragement on engine mileage. I look forward to many thousands of miles in mine.

JJ

**gnomee** · 01-01-2007, 11:09 AM

178,000 on my 98 and still running strong. As long as it was properly maintained when something broke along with regular oil changes you should be fine. I did have to get a new clutch at 110,000 though.