Just wondering what engine parts are on the "must replace" list for you guys that have rebuilt early 2000 (2008 specifically) 6.2L truck motors. This is going into a third Gen firebird with a 2nd or 3rd stage cam and a tune. Not planning on any other mods or bolt ons other than headers. Already have purchased a engine tech master rebuild kit. In a nutshell, what are the "weak links" you usually replace? Have heard lifters, rocker arms, lifter trays, oil pan, front cover, etc.
Thanks in advance.

 

If you're just going to run it with just a cam, I'd look it over and leave it as is. These motors are pretty stout and you'll be hard pressed to hurt anything internally with just a cam. If anything, inspect a rod and main bearing, but if the engine was cared for be prepared for them to look brand new. Do you know the condition of the motor when pulled? If it has VVT or DOD, id delete both with kits from any reputable speed shop. Other than that, I'd return your rebuild kit. If it does need a rebuild, revisit this thread and we'll provide more guidence.

 

Appreciate that. Yes. It was a running engine but had low oil pressure. Think there was around 250k miles on it. It's all apart now and the block has been machined. Going to use the rebuild kit because they bored it 0.020 over and the kit has the appropriate bearings. But you're right. The old bearings did look pretty decent. Engine did have the VVT but not DOD. So it needs a VVT delete kit correct?

 

Did the rebuild kit come with new pistons? You're going to want to verify piston to wall clearance if the machinist bored the block without knowledge of the pistons you're going to run. Then, you'd want to balance the rotating assembly. How do the crank journals look? If they need to be polished you may need different bearings. Yes to deleting VVT. Too complicated for a performance swap.

 

The kit included new pistons and the machine shop took them and matched them up with the cylinders and recorded the clearance for each piston/cylinder. The crank was in good shape. I cleaned it up and hit each journal with 600 grit and 1000 grit sandpaper. Machine shop also line bored the block and installed the cam bearings. Pretty much ready to go back together. Just trying to figure out the final parts that need to be purchased. Using the original rods, and pushrods. So far as I understand it, items that people don't reuse include: head bolts, rod bolts, lifters and trunnions, wrist pin bushings, oil pan, front cover, and valley plate. Sound about right? Master kit has the other stuff like oil pump and timing set. Haven't bought a cam yet but that should include the appropriate springs if it's a combo kit.

 

And evidently also too complicated for the factory powertrain engineers to make reliable and durable.

In my opinion, oil pressure cam phasers are the new version of the nylon-toothed timing sprocket concept of the mid-1960's - Creating a new problem as a solution to a problem that did not actually exist. The sacrifice of longevity for another three hundredths of a percent CAFE false economy rating is not worth the effort in its present form. Tweaking the valve timing is a sound principle, and back in the days of plastic timing sprockets there were Rhodes lifters aimed at just that concept. The current state of the technology is not yet there, so eliminating it for a performance/durability build is not only allowed, but prudent.

 

You're in great shape already and it looks like you did things correctly. You are correct that a new set of headbolts will be needed. I dont think the rod bolts need to be replaced as I cant remember if they are tty or not. Any gen IV new rod bolt should be cheap. You can reuse the rockers and due the mileage a trunion kit would be wise. Id buy a set of LS7 replacement lifters but only from a reputable shop (BTR or Summit) since there are counterfeits out there. You can reuse the valley plate that came with it, or move to an style with integrated PCV. Make sure it has dod block off gaskets or buy the little dod delete plugs and hammer them in. Any LS front cover will work, presuming its gen IV and Holley or fbody oil pan for a 3rd gen fitment.

 

Forgot to mention that it would be wise to get an LS block prep kit with new oil plugs and barbell. Summit makes a decent one. Also, I'd make sure to grab an oil pickup tube clamp.

 

Appreciate all the information. Will add these items to the shopping list. Forgot about the pickup tube clamp upgrade. Will purchase that also.