getting ready to finally make a deal on a LS-1. It has 90000 and I'm getting it cheap. I figure these run well up into the 12-15 thousand range so I'd be ok to not rebuild it now. Only problem is the fella is saying that at WOT there is some white smoke out the back. I figured a blown head gasket or cracked head would blow white smoke out all the time so what could this be? Any and all input is appreciated as I'm making the deal tommorrow afternoon. If I should post this in the EFI section just say so.

Thanks a million guys.

White "smoke" is actually steam, so it's possible that it isn't putting out enough of it to be visible at part throttle. That's usually going to be a blown headgasket... if it's a headgasket or cracked head, you'll probably either see water in the oil (milky looking oil), or extreme pressure in the cooling system. Is the engine still in a car where you can start/run it?

Another possibility is that the smoke is actually gray, not white, and it's burning oil--I've heard that's pretty common on the LS1 and there's a TSB about it.

ahh... No its not in a running car. I'm getting it for less than 800. Should I be more than wary? Rebuilding an engine doesn't scare me but if I'd be better off spending another 600 I also have that option as well.

For $800 are you getting all of the accessories, brackets, computer, wiring harness, manifolds, injectors, sensors, etc? If so, worst-case you should be able part it out to get your money back, which makes me say it's worth taking a chance on. On the other hand if you are just getting a bare long block, I'd pass--sensors, accessories, brackets, etc will nickle and dime you to death.

all included except harness and pcm. Thanks

David, I would snatch it up and hold on to it until you can afford to rebuild it. You would kick yourself if you had to pull it out after getting it installed.

$800 is a great deal. even if it needs to be rebuilt. I think you could rebuild that motor for $1200.
If you have the option of buying a running engine for $600 more, you might consider it.
The swap is pretty expensive as is, I would invest the money to rebuild what ever engine i purchased.


Good luck with your decision.


Rich

Does the 1400 deal include a harness and PCM? Taking a quick look at completed sales on Ebay, PCM is gonna be at least $100, and harness is at least $400.

Alright well I'm gonna pick it up. Going through it should be fun. Even if something is wrong I can still store it and fix it later. Just time and money :D.

I have a t56 that I was going to mate to my SBC. I have all the conversion stuff (bell, clutch, z-bar, adapter plates, etc.) for the SBC. Can I use any of it (all of it would be great)? Or do I have to sell it all and convert over to hydraulic?

and LS1 t56 is different than a T56 that bolts to an older small block.
i think the input shaft is different.

Ya I know all about the two t56's. I have (thankfully) the ls1 version requires less in my opinion.

David, you have to sell your conversion stuff. The stock LS1 bell housing uses the hydraulic clutch.
Someone may make a conversion kit for that LS1/T56 to not run the hydro clutch but why would you ever want that?

The good news is your conversion T56 parts will fetch money on ebay or the classifieds here.

This is how I started out. I would buy something then change my mind on the build. Selling the parts I bought originally did cost me more in the long run but i will have the car I want.

Good luck with your project.
Start a thread in the Pro-touring forum so we can follow along.


Rich