dbwade36

I have nearly 130k on my original engine. It seems strong & good compression. I maintain it meticulously. How many miles can I expect to get before a complete rebuild? another 20k? 50k?

vader86

Some go at 150, some can last until well over 200K.

Theres some luck involved too

BLACKFLY86

Good to hear, My 86 just went over 120k this weekend, and seems to be running very strong. Im fortunate that the previous owner was also meticulous about upkeep and maintainance. Plan to have a few mods and a total diagnostic done during the winter by top Corvette mech. Love this car, my 1st, and hate to have her hibernate this winter.


[Modified by BLACKFLY86, 8:40 PM 9/21/2003]

jlsru

I was wondering the same thing just today.My 86 just turned 100,000 on the way home from funfest yesterday.I am hoping to get at least another 50,000 miles at least.

xlr8nflorida

I'd venture to say 130,000 - 200,000 miles

H P Bushrod

My '85 just turned 121,000 not too long ago, and it still flies. My friend's '86 has over 147,000 on it and runs just as good as mine. I guess with proper care, they'll definetely go over 150,000 to 200,000 before they need to be rebuilt. :yesnod:

Alcee1

My 84 has 192,000+ miles right now, and I just got back from Santa Barbara, It runs great. I am getting ready to rebuild soon.

Brimis

161,000 and runs strong :thumbs:

vetteseniorcit

Though the L98 gets maligned from time to time (anti-freeze leaks, short runners, Low hp, etc.) this old stump puller is one heck of an engine! With proper maintenance, it is not unknown for these old war horses to exceed 200,000 miles without ever being torn down. I read somewhere ( it was in one of my Corvette mags) that there was one example that had been driven 400,000 miles and was still going strong. These wonderful slow-turning engines are subject to abuse ("cheap oil", leaking injectors, worn valve seals, etc.) and just keep on ticking. My 87 had 155K on it when I sold it (it had NOT been all that well taken care of by its previous owner) and at that mileage, it was using very little oil, and that due to worn valve seals; averaging less than a half-quart every 3K oil change periods with, of all things, dino oil. To my mind, the L98 is an unsung hero in these times of hp, hp, and more hp. I wish my LT1 had as much low end torque as my old L98! :yesnod:

offershore

5,000,000.00 no prob.

or 30 sec. :rofl:

mitymek

on the older 350s the timing chain would often wear through the timing cover or jump time for a grand finalle.
they probably have better chains and gears on the l98 but anything over 100k if i was doing any work to the front of the motor i'd change out the set.
other than that as long as its still starting good and not fouling plugs-run er!
it is nice having a fresh engine tho.like when you turn the key off and it instantly stops rotating-boom.and on deceleration you always noticed the improved engine breaking.
try a search on "how many miles",there was a topic earlier that had many,many c4s over 150k on original engine.
impressive engines.

ElisTwoCents

I have 157k and she runs strong...I'll be heading done home to Texas soon and the Vette is my ride there! :cheers:

Goody

Just a wee under 148K for mine and still pulls strong.

Monkey Business

My lst engine went at 120,000 - my fault. They cant run without antifreeze at 115mph. My 2nd one is at well my odometer just turned 235,000. No I dont let it sit much. Wouldn't be afraid to drive it anywhere. :cheers:

rsafier

Good to hear I only have 65K on my engine, and ride it hard, glad to know I should expect a lot more miles on it before I need to start worrying about it.

2012 coupe

I have 177,000 miles on my LT-1 Org engine. No problems with it at all. Never uses any oil and runs stronger today then when new. Daily driver also.
:flag :D

aj1988

I have just over 126,000 and it still feels like a new car. I have heard all my life that "They don't build em like they use to", well, all I can say is thank goodness for that. None of my earlier Vettes (327, 350, 454) went anywhere near as many miles without a rebuild.

While the C4 may not have the mystique or sexy lines of the older Vettes, I think that as a total package it is one of the best cars ever built. And, looking at today's prices, it has to be one of the best buys ever for what you get.

flyersfan1088

Mine lasted 144,000 miles before it wiped 2 lobes off the cam. When I tore it down, the main bearings were just about gone.

Southern Comfort

:iagree:

rcolling

I had to replace the L98 on my '86 at 180,000 miles. If I had replaced the radiator first it would have lasted longer... :thumbs:

These engines are strong...