longcut

Im about to drive 80 miles to check out an LS1 short block. He does not know what year car it came from but that it has a spun rod bearing. The guy says its not cracked but Id like to do a good inspection before buying it. Where are the key places to check for cracks and detrimental damage?

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

Just go over the whole block and look for cracks, although it will have to dye checked to know for sure. If it has perimeter valve cover bolts it's a 98, if center bolts then its 99-up

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

Never! I say NEVER! Buy a used block without an inspection. Most cracks you cant see with the naked eye. Thats why there such a thing as die penetrant and Mag particle.

Get him to sign a "rebuildable" core guarantee. Basically, you buy the block from him, take it to a machine shop, if its cracked or not rebuildable you get your $$ back.

If he is honest and reputible, he will do it. A cracked block is no good to him than it is to you. I have bought SBCs in the past with cracks and spun bearings. CYA...

2000PewterT/A

Agree 100%, always check what you are buying

ldyzluvdis06

iTrader: (24)

where are you from? i have one ill sell you if that one doesn't check out good, probably even beat his price if you are close enough

longcut

Im in NW Arkansas. I got the short block anyway, spun rod bearing but the mains look good. It was only 400$ ill get it to the machine shop for a good inspection and if its good ill have them get it ready to build. Its had some surface rust in the cylinders. How far can you bore the sleeves if a good hone is not enough?

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

Thats the problem. Thats why you need to have a block inspected BEFORE you buy. You can't overbore and LS1 much more than .007"...For your sake I do hope its free of cracks and the rust isnt worst than on inital look.

At least if it turns up bad, you can recycle it.

longcut

I don't think it will take more than .007 but if so i can always Re-sleeve. Just have my fingers crossed there are no hidden crack I can see. Thanks for the input

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

Yes, you can, but it will cost more than the block did.

Sometimes its cheaper to spend more up front.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...make/chevrolet

longcut

I thought about buying a new or reman block but I didnt want to spent 1500-1700 and still only have a 5.7. Here I took a chance at a possibly build-able 5.7 and If I have to re-sleeve then I can use that extra $ to do it and also increase the displacement with a larger diameter sleeve up too 4.125. (LS7 bore if I remember correctly).

http://www.erlperformance.com/gm-ls-...-block-sleeved

Plus I dont know if the summit blocks come with darton sleeves. Ill take my Craigslist block to the shop tomorrow for inspection.