LS1 stroker with low oil pressure

[leebro]

Hi People
I have a gto with the ls1 stroked to 383. Can a stroked 383 be rebored / lined safely when worn or is it better to source a new block??
My 383 has done 85km+ but recently was diagnosed with low oil pressure. No pressure gauge fitted just a dash oil warning light OEM. Engine was not fully stripped but after an inspection of big ends, and a new oil pump & pick up fitted I thought that was the end of the problem. But a few weeks later a strange engine noise at 2000 rpm means in short the engine is now being stripped down for checking. Nothing diagnosed yet but I'd appreciate any thoughts on this....

[Bling Bling]

Max bore is 10thou over standard, depends what block you have check the numbers on the block any good engine builder will know if you want it to be reliable.

[dnos]

I would hook up a gauge and see where its at. Can get one for $60, just a cheap Saas one.

Assuming you mean 85,000kms?

[Black VU SS ute]

what sort of noise did it start making?

[Micks]

What oil are you using? Mineral oils will gum up your engine regardless of changes & will block the pickup too.

[leebro]

Max bore is 10thou over standard, depends what block you have check the numbers on the block any good engine builder will know if you want it to be reliable.

cool thanks for that

[leebro]

what sort of noise did it start making?

noise was high pitched whistle, round 2000 rpm thought it was clutch at first as intermittent, then it happened every time I hit 2000. I took it to my usual mechanic - not the ones who fitted the new pump & pick up. They confirmed not box or clutch , definitely engine noise so they are dismantling to check.

[leebro]

I would hook up a gauge and see where its at. Can get one for $60, just a cheap Saas one.

Assuming you mean 85,000kms?

thanks yeah 85,000 kms.

[leebro]

What oil are you using? Mineral oils will gum up your engine regardless of changes & will block the pickup too.

Thanks it was the pressure release valve, I have been using Fuchs 5:40 full synthetic in between 10K servicing when my usual mechanics service using mineral. Just this once I took it to a different mechanic (big service centre) and I ended up with this incomplete fix.

[dnos]

thanks yeah 85,000 kms.

Was just thinking if it was 85k (and not 85,000k) then it might just be the oil pick up tube rubber seal. This can get damaged when first installing or if the engine builder reused the old one, but you know what, you've done 85,000k so its probably not an installation thing :)

Unless its failed? Unlikely, but you never know.

[leebro]

So if the engine bore is damaged in an LS1 stroker, do they sleeve or bore it?

[duke5700]

High pitched whistle doesn't sound like any normal kind of engine damage, usually they knock, like a hollow but solid sound knack knack knack.. I hope you're not spending money for nothing.

As for the bores, I wouldnt think there will be much damage unless you have got it hot and rings have kissed. Otherwise, if there is some damage, it depends on the severity, but you can go out 10 thou or so, 3.905 or 3.907 or something on a stock LS bore, if not you can re sleeve it but if you do this may as well go bigger cubes, like 427. The sleeves are expensive, it used to be cheaper to get a new block.

As a good rule of thumb, don't mix oils without a flush. Just use the same oil all the time.

[Jason01]

What info/experience are you basing that on Micks, I haven't seen it myself personally?


What oil are you using? Mineral oils will gum up your engine regardless of changes & will block the pickup too.

[Micks]

What info/experience are you basing that on Micks, I haven't seen it myself personally?

Have witnessed two LS engines running mineral from new causing similar problems. You do your own research fella!! Mineral is certainly not the way to go in these engines period!

[mechatron]

Have witnessed two LS engines running mineral from new causing similar problems. You do your own research fella!! Mineral is certainly not the way to go in these engines period!

I know of a few big name workshops that recommend Castrol 25w50 oil for LS engines ( & LS strokers) and I'm pretty sure this 25w50 grade is a mineral oil

[Micks]

If they recommend mineral oil that's fine, but I'd get it in writing! Petroleum based oils will gum up an engine, only full synth in mine thanks!! :yup:

[mechatron]

If they recommend mineral oil that's fine, but I'd get it in writing! Petroleum based oils will gum up an engine, only full synth in mine thanks!! :yup:

Yeah for sure. I totally agree with you. Only 10w-60 goes in mine