I have an 89 GTA/T-tops with 5.7L and auto.
It has 146,000 miles. Presently rebuilding transmission. I also want to start all of the standard mods on induction/exhaust etc. The valve guides have already begun to leak some. What should I do? Start doing the mods?? Or, should I rebuild the engine, or find another one? I'm wondering how well this motor will hold up to increased horsepower! Another idea I have is to use lots of nitrous until it blows up, then rebuild it.

Thanks for any responses.

 

If you use nitrous.. just make sure you have a backup plan (another car or motor available). Unless the engine is having problems though, i don't see why you should rebuild or replace it yet.

 

I'll ignore the nitrous issue, but there is no need to rebuild the engine just because of valve guides (or just possibly seals). If you want to build your engine, you may just wish to consider an aftermarket set of heads...which will kill to birds with one stone. Or you can just replace the valve guides (or try just replacing the seals which is usually the problem).

FYI, I have 165,000 miles and I still don't have any problems with my valve guides or seals. How much oil are you burning?

 

Haven't had the car long, so amount of oil use as of now is unknown. I have driven it a couple of thousand...and checked the oil. almost 3/4 quart low. Just started to smoke a little upon cranking. Rev the engine up, and as the rpms's go back down it smokes a little. Had somebody get behind me, and when I took off hard it smoked a little at start.

 

Sounds like a valve seal problem and it isn't very bad. 3/4 of a quart in 2,000 miles is well within the norm. You can change your valve seals if you want to, but it isn't bad enough to warrant it.

There is a debate whether ignoring the valve seals can cause your guides to wear out quicker. I have no opinion on that.