rms25thta

Hey guys, I have a 5.3 cast iron block that has a hole the size of the tip of my pinkie finger. You are looking at the #7 cylinder, motor is upside down on the stand. Not sure if that is the water jacket or not. On both ends of the block there is a cap to this channel. Can this be fixed?? If so, can it be fixed correctly that I wouldn't have to worry about it. I would obviously like to salvage the block if possible. Please give me some insight and opinions. Thanks.

LS1MCSS

iTrader: (18)

Considering how cheap a 5.3 is, I wouldn't take a chance on it. You're better off finding a different block.

Big_Bird_WS6

iTrader: (7)

^^^ what he said. you will have couple hunderd in fixing it right.

and i just bought a complete 5.3 picked up at junk yard for 225

rms25thta

ok....thanks.. I appreciate the advice/feedback

rms25thta

can one of you guys tell me if that is a water jacket or if it is a oil galley??? Trying to figure out what that channel is. Thanks.

blackLS1m6

iTrader: (14)

it appears to be an oil passage, i have a similar dillema with a 6.0 that only has 3k on it and it has a hole by the oil passage too.

rms25thta

I know you guys said to scrap the block but.... I have a very close family friend that owns a machine shop and has been building race winning engines for many many years that said he wants to look at it first. I showed him the picture I have posted and he said that thinks he can fix it without to much issue. This guy has forgotten more than most of us will ever learn so I am going to trust his opinion when he looks at it in person. I will fill you in on what he says.

MUSTANGBRKR02

iTrader: (91)

Waste of time 5.3 blocks are cheap!! Why chance building it to have it fail again 100 miles down the road after you have a few hundred in bearings and gaskets in it. Spend 50-100 for a block and have no worries!

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

that is the main oil gallery front to back. something goes wrong with your repair and your oil pressure is gone.

JFM-jr

iTrader: (23)

How does an oil galley get a hole in it like that?

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

looks like a rod let loose at idle or something like that...

rms25thta

yes, the #8 rod broke and caught the block. You are right......no sense in taking a chance on it. My problem is finding just a block. I called several places today and nobody has just a block. I talked to Tick Performance and they have an LS1 block for $250 but he told me he doesn't know if the cylinders can be cleaned up so I surely don't want to spend that kind of money on something that I don't even know can be cleaned up. If anyone on here is in the NC/SC area and have a block let me know and I will contact you.

02gmc5.3

iTrader: (11)

I have a block just like that, I sold the main caps on ebay and plan to scrap the rest. I have 3 good 5.3 blocks as well for $125ea and I'm not far from NC.

rms25thta

where are you in VA??? Send me a PM with a number for me to contact you. Thanks.

LS1MCSS

iTrader: (18)

The only problem is, there is a big difference in building race winning engines and knowing how to weld cast iron, so it won't crack or break later.

rms25thta

You are 100% correct.....he can do both. I am still going to get another block regardless. Do you guys think I should go with a cast iron 5.3 block bored to 5.7 or just go with a LS1 block to start with. My ride is a 02 Tahoe 2wd.....