How long would you wait before rebuilding/overhauling?

[Spec]

I'm just curious... with over 123k, the car is running fine. No codes, no issues... smooth acceleration with some lifter noise. But this car running 'fine' will obviously not always be so.

I want to avoid catastrophic failure, of course. I will perhaps start to feel something, like rough idles or higher gas consumption? Rather than roll the dice between the first or the later, at what mileage should I consider rebuilding or overhauling the LS3?

I always wanted an LS7 too, this is still an option. This more likely if there is catastrophic failure.... meaning something like a cracked engine block or a spun bearing etc.

Ya'll keeping these keepers will run across this same question one day I'm sure...

[Olddudesrule]

How's the compression, cylinder to cylinder? If it's good, I'd say enjoy your good luck and hard work at maintaining it properly. IMO, major failures are often caused by poor maintenance. In 40 years of driving and maintaining my own cars, I've never had a major failure. I am pretty strict on maintenance, but in all honestly, I don't beat on my cars too badly. I hope to get to 123K in mine too without a major issue!

[Moto-Mojo]

You kind of sound like your Jonesin’ for an upgrade. Don’t blame you there. I’d say 123K is pretty good justification too. As you say, the day will come. I have 7200 miles on mine. You’re a damn sight closer than me if that puts it in any perspective.

[hammdo]

60k for me, I wanted a stroked/forged road racer ;o)

-Don

[asand1]

My last car was still running strong at 21 years old and 333K miles. That was a VQ30 Maxima though. If it aint broke don't fix It, unless you want to modify it.

[redcoats1976]

i would maintain it well and wait for an obvious problem.

[lbls1]

If a car is not abused and its properly maintained, I contend that the engine should not need overhauling. I would consider overhauling if the car has done an unusual amount of miles and the engine is showing signs of excessive wear, at I'd say over 300,000 miles.

[Smokin19]

I sense you have an itch to try something new or make some mods?

[redcoats1976]

Originally Posted by lbls1

If a car is not abused and its properly maintained, I contend that the engine should not need overhauling. I would consider overhauling if the car has done an unusual amount of miles and the engine is showing signs of excessive wear, at I'd say over 300,000 miles.

im hoping for that much.at what point are timing chains,etc. a problem?

[MrChrisLS3]

This is really a hard question to answer as we are getting into rather uncharted territory with the Gen IV engine. Most of these have gone into Corvettes and Camaros, or which most don't really see full time duty. So with a handful just beginning to get to that 6 figure mileage mark, it's hard to say.

A well maintained engine should run for a very long time. Especially with the latest tech in oil and fluids, not to mention overall engineering technology. However, sometimes it is the wear and failure of components, like plugs, ignition systems, balancers, driveline parts that can cause stress on internal engine parts as well. A slightly off balance hub can cause stress on rod bearings for example. Or a under performing plug or coil pack can cause incomplete fuel burn which eventually will cause wear on the cylinder and rings, etc. A lot can happen, it's more than just changing oil.

[Spec]

Great responses, thanks. I do take good care of this car. I wish it would last forever but we all know this is wishful thinking.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it - seems like a good philosophy to have on this. Continue to take care of it and hope for the best.

[ss_redrum]

There was a guy on here who had his Camaro up to 200,000 miles. He didn't have any issues with the engine if I recall correctly. I think he had a couple of minor minor issues.

[lbls1]

Originally Posted by redcoats1976

im hoping for that much.at what point are timing chains,etc. a problem?

Well built timing chains and a well maintained engine should go the entire distance. But a rule of thumb is to evaluate your valve gear/moving parts at 100,000 miles or at that interval. As someone here put it so well, if it aint broke don't fix it.

[lbls1]

Originally Posted by Spec

Great responses, thanks. I do take good care of this car. I wish it would last forever but we all know this is wishful thinking.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it - seems like a good philosophy to have on this. Continue to take care of it and hope for the best.

It will last as long as you are willing to fix/drive it. Usually rust/corrosion and accidents are car killers.