So i'm rebuilding my ls motor to stock (factory) spec. Im using a 96 ls block with a 00 ls head. Parts im considering to get are

> cam oil plug
> cam oil seals x2
> valve seals
> timing belt tensioner, spring and bolt
> water pump
> oil pump, gasket and o-ring
> piston rings std. x4
> rear oil seal
> Main bearings
> Rod bearings
> head, valve cover, oil pan, intake manifold gaskets

I have a timing belt with only 1,000 miles on it so i'm going re-use that one.

My questions are

> Do i need to replace the water pump? Do they usually go bad? And how could you check? I heard the only thing that goes bad with them is the gasket. Is that true?

> When selecting for bearing clearances...how do i go about that?
i see some colors on the sides of the bearings. all i have is a micrometer that i used to measure the crank journals (rod and main) and all are within spec.

main bearing journal diameter... spec is 2.1644 - 2.1654 in. actual is 2.1645 in. all of them
rod bearing journal diameter ... spec is 1.7707 - 1.7717 in. actual is 1.7710 in. all of them

So if the journals on the crank are within spec, does that mean i need to order the same color codes i got on now? or do i still need to measure the inner diameter with a t-gauge? which i dont have. if so, do i measure with the bearings on or off?

> anything else i should change while doing this semi rebuild?

any imput is appreciated..thanks...mario

 

How does the crank look?

You can order the same color bearing but I would still check the clearances. Plastigauge

I determine if a waterpump is good or not based on how it spins smoothly or not. More than just the gasket can go bad

may wanna get the block honed

 

the water pump spins smoothly that why im asking if i should replace it. i am going to hone the cylinders. you think i should get the crank micropolished?

 

idk how old any parts are, i replace them if im tearing a engine down. no reason to skimp out on a water pump for it to go bad in 5k miles(though they are easy to change)