Hello Everyone,

So I finally completed my 95 Camaro LT1 (75k). I previously had a blown head gasket that repaired by getting new gaskets and rebuilding the stock heads. Everything else as far as the lifters, rods, springs and rockers were left original. The car ran okay for about a week before I noticed the low oil pressure light came on during idle.

The oil level was kinda high so I replaced the oil and filter once again thinking it would solve the issue. I then took a ride around the block and noticed the level seemed to be okay. I then 'got on the gas' only to hear a loud screaching noise followed by a loss of power. The engine now has a loud knock that increases with motor rpm. It seems to be coming from the passenger side.

Any suggestions on what took a dump. I assume I'm looking at a bad lifter or even worse something on the bottom end. Thoughts, insights and recommendations are appreciated.

 

sounds like a rod bearing let lose to me. does the noise sound like its coming from the bottom? knock or tick? can you make a recording for us?

 

before having the head gasket replaced, was the coolant going into the cylinder and burning off? chances are a lot of it wound up in the oil, which will cause catastrophic damage. ive seen it before. my mom's windstar blew a head gasket (it had a small leak fixed with stop leak previously) and when it went, it made it 2 miles before the engine totally failed. towed it home, i started it, and it pretty much let go after a couple revs

 

yah the antifreeze ruins the bearings.

 

Its more of a knock and it seems to be coming more from the bottom but I can't quite tell.

Coolant was all over in the motor. The car ran a few miles when it originally blew a gasket. I dont have a sound clip at the moment it's raining like hell in Chicago right now. Here is a link of an lt1 that sounds vary similar even though it's a diffent car

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR3uQI6cYp8

Can you give me an idea of what I'm in for...I have help as far a labor but my biggest fear is doing some major machine work and doing a complete rebuild.

 

sorry to say this but the engine needs to come out and disassembled to find out what you're up against.

 

check around and see if you can find a low milage lt1. rebuild will cost a bit but you already have the heads done so even a steel head lt1 will do, you can put your top end on it. yah sounds like something major. for piece of mind you could pull the valve cover on that side and make sure the rockers are on right.

 

Sounds like a sewing machine on steroids. High oil pressure and a loud screeching noise = spun bearing. You did change the oil right after the head work?

 

Wow, if your's sounds like that you have some problems. That is definitely metal on metal contact. Something let go, or is very close to coming completely apart.

 

They are right, sounds like a rod bearing...the crank is probably wiped out too. I have a stock LT1 long block for sale for $1500 and I will ship freight for the added cost. Just pulled it out of 94 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon with 149,000 miles. Call me. 252-342-5779 Wiley