The LIM got me.

[Chevylover54]

Well I just got bit by the LIM bug. My 2001 GT has 103,000 miles on it. I was thinking about going this myself. I wanted some thoughts from people who took the project on.

Just to give you a background on my abilities: The biggest thing that I have done on this car is changing a half shaft and of course bearings. I have some experience with small block chevys. I.E. taking a short block, putting on the manifold, carb and droping it in the car and hooking up the trany. I realize that a 3.1 isn't a small block put I hope that gives you an idea on what I'm able to do.

Is this a project I could handle my self? If so how long will it take? Also any pointers that you can pass along would be great. Thanks.

[stevenr2185]

Well how far are you going to go down? Will you be removing the heads? If so you will probably want to get those milled down and a valve job. That will take perhaps a day or two, depends on how busy they are. On your ability to do it... If I can do it...you can do it. It isn't even hard to do but don't lose any bolts or parts. My brother believes bolts pass through to the 4th dimension and they will never be found. I would say that if you work quickly and the whole weekend... you could get it done in the same weekend unless you are taking the heads off. That will take some time to get back. So... two weekends max. I've done two already on two different cars... have fun

[Riley1123d]

Be sure to research it well, theres many threads on that topic.. It doesn't sound easy

[rixGAphx]

This will be just about like your small-block Chevy experience.

Get a Haynes or Chilton's, proper tools, and comfy environment.

Jack the front end up about a foot, so you're not bending as far down.

Know that the intake and exhaust pushrods are of two different lengths, so don't mix them up.

Get the 'new model' replacement gasket, and new bolts for the LIM.

At 103k miles, your heads should be fine and no valve job would be necessary (absent any other symptoms).

Good luck.
-Rick

PS: Make sure it's the LIM gasket that's bad. Other problems on the GA to easily lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

[Chevylover54]

Thanks rix. I know it's the gasket. It's on the driver's side. It's pretty obvious. It must have been bad for a whiloe because I can see where it has leaked but it must have been a small amount. You can see the stains under where the gasket is.