What to inspect/look for 2004 LQ4 145k miles

[softballnrd27]

It is getting close for me to come home and start working on my truck. The 2004 LQ4 that I bought was a running engine with 145k on it. I am trying to avoid a rebuild bc I will be doing a stroker kit in the near future. I want to run it stock until I get all my parts together bc the 305 in it now is toast.

Compression Check and Leak down test. Can I turn it over by hand or bump the starter on an engine stand to get the appropriate readings?
Oil, clean not "burnt", no metal or water.
Plugs I will just have to find a guide to "read" them
Bores I will have the heads off to inspect bores
Bearings Can I pull off a rod cap and look at the bearings w/o replacing? Same with Mains.

What else should I inspect/check?

Just trying to get my game plan in order

[Clyde65]

I wouldnt pull anything apart unless I found something real bad in the oil. check that first, if it is clean and free of metal, cheange the oil and filter, throw it in the truck and continue the build. These LS motors will run fine for over 200K with normal maintenance and not beating them to death. this way it will allow you to keep money in your pocket and finish the swap quicker so you can enjoy and save strocker parts faster.

just my opinion....

[BR3W CITY]

You should be able to do a comp check just by bumping over with the starter.

I wouldn't bother checking the bearings or pulling the pan, since you didn't find any shavings in the pan, the bearings should be fine. Even with a good filter, if you lost bearings, you'd find a sign in the pan.

I'd flush out the water jacket if its been sitting empty, just to get any scale out that might have built up. After its running, Id get some seafoam through there to get the inevitable carbon buildup out. I took my intake mani off and cleaned it as well, since its really the only time you have the chance.

[softballnrd27]

I haven't done any thing with the motor yet. It is still sitting on the tire in the garage.