High milage LT1

[alenstein]

Just a genereal concern question. I bought my 93 TA last year, and it is all stock, now that it turns 120k and I have some extra money coming am thinking about putting some upgrades on her. At 120 K is it worth modding the LT1, how long do they usualy last. I've not had any problems with her yet, except for the rear suspension which has beed detriorating I guess due to daily driving in NYC, and all the major componenets are in process of getting replaced. The idea of getting rid of her has crossed my mind many times, but when I look at her it hurts.

[Craig 94 TA GT]

Don't get rid of her!!!
Regarding the LT1s longevity, I guess it would depend on how the previous owner(s) treated it. LT1s are VERY strong motors and can last 160,000-220,000 if treated right. Ask Joe...he's got ~100k on the clock and his motor is still being broken in (using Mobil 1 Synthetic)!!
If you really want to test your motor, you can do a compression test to see how each cylinder compares...but I don't see the need to if it's running correctly. How's your exhaust? You can always get a stainless steel cat-back if it's going bad due to the hard conditions in NYC. If you want to spend more $$, then a cold air kit would be perfect with the exhaust. That's a whole .3 in the 1/4 mile, and you'll never forget the sound of her when the exhaust is opened up

[alenstein]

Yeah my exhaust is completely stock, I like the look of the stock exhsut tips, looked at the muffler it has two hot spots so it will have to go soon, the pre vious owner told he had the opti, radiator ,fans replaced and the tranny pump. Always used mobil 1 synthetic oil by the previous owner and me. I checked the rear shocks it reads on them Sensatrac, by Monroe? those gotta go soon, had it checked out the mechanic said the busings on of shocks are worn out thats the reason for squeaking rear.

[Dave M]

I would upgrade to the SLP Level 1 suspension that SLP if offering on their website, but if you do your daily driving in the heart of NYC, that may not be your best option because the ride will be quite a bit more jarring than with stock springs and Monroe shocks. If you commute out of NYC or the car only gets driven occasionally, then that's what I'd do. Exhaust and air intake are always some of the first things to do. You can always have your stock exhaust tips welded back on to your new cat back, but I wouldn't bother. If you're going to be replacing shocks anyway, might as well upgrade to the SLP suspension. At 120k miles of NY driving, your other suspension components are probably showing a lot of wear anyway.

[Joe 1320]

I had my heads off at 120K miles to do headgaskets. I've used mobil 1 synthetic since day one. Changed it every 2-3K miles. When I tore it down, the cross hatch pattern from the finishing hone was still intact. I mean no ridge at the top, no noticeable wear period. Looked like the motor had just been assembled. The car runs very low 13s with an auto and 3.73 gears. Based on what I saw, I would say that the motor was barely broken in. I have replaced the opti and water pump, but still haven't touched any other accessory. I do think my a/c compressor is on it's way out and the alternator bearing is starting to complain a little.

[alenstein]

Thanks for the feedback, to my knowledge the car was driven all its life in NJ, until i brought it to NY last May, not the most friendliest place for a Bird. Thanks Joe for the info. i guess Lt1's were build to last and perform.