Driver side head gasket took a ride south. (97 Z28 LT1) Hopefully its just the head gasket. It is missing until it gets warm and using the coolant in the reservoir. Some white smoke first few minutes running, kinda like a cold morning start. Nothing in the oil but oil. I'm going to farm this one out. If it was a regular SB Chevy I would be doing it. Anything else that should be done while it's down? Put a new water pump in it this spring. Definately having the OPTI replaced with a Chandler Motorsports unit. I was thinking of a cam since the intake and water pump will be off. Engine has 117k on it and is quiet. Only upgrades are an SLP CAI and catback exhaust. I don't want to get into mods that need bigger injectors, etc. A friend suggested a CompCams 502. I see they sell them with and without new lifters. Where is the best place to buy the cam? Since they are rollers do I need new ones?

 

LT1 lifters are rock solid, forget those and replace the push rods for added assurance.

I'd order the parts from JEGS, they're typically cheaper than Summit and I've never had any problems.

http://ls1tech.com/forums/lt1-lt4-mo...ion-guide.html

 

how much money you got,,, send the heads in to elliots for at least a le1 job. preferably a le2 p&p and get one of his cams while your at it. also 1.6 roller rockers and new pushrods. maybe have the heads shaved to increase compression. if your going with a bigger cam you will need to get some good valve springs and retainers.

 

manny tranny or automatic?

if automatic then the expenses keep increasing if you are upping the cam

 

Think I'm going to just replace the opti/wires and gaskets and call it good. I don't race and it goes fast enough for me. Quotes I'm getting are around 15 hours labor for the head gaskets.