Appreciate it. I'm definitely leaning that way so far so that makes me feel better, will find out soon enough. Looks like I have my work cut out for me. Figured if it's lifters I may be doing a cam as well. Going to try to get the other VC off this week and verify lifters, and pick up a stethoscope. We're supposed to get snow tonight so I may be out late or up stupid early, or both.

How I miss the ease of a SBC sometimes. If LSx was as quick and easy to tear down as an SBC, and the NNBS upper and lower BJ's were as easy as my 05 Colorado 4x4, I'd be happier than a fat kid at an all you can eat buffet. First world problems right here...

 

Summit has Morel 7717 lifters under their brand, I saw they also have Cam Motion (reboxed Morel it appears) linked lifters for an 'acceptable' price- are those worth the increase in spend, and would I still need new lifter trays?

My goal is to keep the truck reliable/make it more so, and a stupid fun sleeper.

 

I have been really happy with Johnson's since I was recommended them by @03sierraslt

@RedXray rocks Morels, I am pretty certain

 

Seems to confirm what I've found searching here and other places. Johnson's or Morels. Appreciate it! Did you go with link or lifter tray?

Thought I found a decent deal on Johnson's but I have a feeling they're counterfeit. Definitely avoiding eBay, Amazon, and smaller speed shops selling on either.

After getting burned on a "Timken" hub for my 05 Colorado 4x4 plow truck last week, I'm suspect of anything even on sale or overstock. The packaging was suspect (Timken box over wrapped with bright yellow box) but looked legit- the Moog/cheap china knockoff part # stamped on the hub confirmed why it was almost 40% less. Seller claimed it was because Timken moved production to ChyNah in brokren engrish.

 

Right now I use lifter trays for every LS I've put together or currently run

 

Spoke with my brother in law, and he's going to have me come by his shop some Friday to pull the motor and do the cam swap. He's a mechanic, and we can have the engine out in about an hour (according to him) in a heated shop as opposed to my inclined driveway/garage that my truck doesn't fit into because of toolboxes, refrigerator, freezer, etc in Nebraska winter weather. I was told to "just show up with a bed full of parts and we'll get it done".

He told me to order a new rear galley plug for my oil pressure issues. There's one that's steel or aluminum that has O rings on both sides, and the factory is a plastic one that leaks pressure internally between circuits and leaks back into the oil pan because it's covered by the rear cover. I added it to my Summit order. Between the galley plug and the new Melling pump/pickup I should be golden on oil pressure.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/irp-egm-501

I also ordered a GPI LLT1 VVT cam since I don't want to find out I need a cam once we tear into it, and if I need to replace it I want to have something just a little bigger from stock to make a bit more power down low since traction isn't an issue with AWD. I called GPI and spoke to Kevin about the LLT1 vs LLT2, and he said for what my goals were I should stick with the smaller cam. No converter upgrade required, too.

I did order the 7717 Morels under Summit label, and new trays to go with it along with a slew of "while I'm at it" parts like new KR sensors/harness, oil pressure switch, timing chain, etc.

I was going to do headers while it's out, but opted not to for the time being. My last truck was LOUD with LT's, ORY, and MBRP, and this having a 3.5" system makes me think it won't be a simple bolt on procedure. I did order ARP header bolts to at least make it easy to get the manifolds off should I pull the trigger in the future.

Lastly, I ordered a new pulley from Brute Speed. The pulley was chirping again, and it looks like the pulley itself is shot. It's not the actual bearings chirping but the outer race wore against the pulley and widened it by maybe .5mm so the bearings are just a cunthair loose. Ordered a shirt for my wife in the spirit of Christmas from Bob. Least I can do since I get to drive her Escalade until my truck is repaired.

 

Yes genuine LS2 trays with the GM Performance part number is a must!
Never use the China trays... they're infected with Corona and may cause a lifter to rotate.

 

I read too many stories about 'cheap' trays, aftermarket trays, etc not fitting properly, and crap on Amazon being advertised as genuine but not being so come delivery. Made sure to order from a reputable source.

I don't want Miss Rona or any of her friends from ChyNah having any part in this repair! Mr Busch already lent a hand creating it.

 

I used whatever trays came with my Delphi knock off LS7 lifters. ~10k miles no problems so far

 

If it was my Z28 I'd go that route. Murphy likes to throw his law at my junk often and hard. With Murphy's tactical and strategic prowess I'd have issues first time I go out of town for work or take the girls to one of their cheer competitions.