Eastern Members - Looking for an UN-CRACKED aluminum stock bore block.

Well, during assembly, I discovered that the block I bought had a crack in the ear where the starter bolts up to right along the block on both sides of the ear. Needless to say, at this point, my machinist and I both agree it's better to just get a new block. So I'm looking for an aluminum stock ls1 bore (3.898") block. I don't care if it smokes, has rod knock, just no cracks.

I'm willing to drive upwards of 200+ miles to come pick it up as well. I'm about 30 minutes north of Philly, so anyone in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware etc etc is fair game. Sponsors, if you have people doing new motor builds, let them know I'm interested in their block.

Thanks guys.

ugghhhh that sux..

That does. I think if I ever bought a block I would get a couple cans of brake clean and spray down the block and get one of those Magnaflux kits that can see if there are cracks in common areas.... Bout the only thing you can do.

Sorry man.

Yeah it sucks, but I might be in luck.... well, more luck that I currenlty have been having recently..
Here's the crack I found...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/578884_3451504199202_1018675813_3097847_216241149_ n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/523033_3451506159251_1018675813_3097849_1655614350 _n.jpg

I'm a little upset at my machinist for not catching it prior to prepping the block, but to his point, he wasn't checking every inch of the block for imperfections or cracks. He was just checking the critical surfaces he was machining.

Oh well, shit happens, you learn, you grow, you move on.

i would run a weld over that crack and probably run it.

Only issue Fran is it's cracked on both sides and you can see the crack in the bolt hole for the bell housing. My machinist is concerned with how much the block might distort from welding it that close to the cylinder liners.

The block is ready to go for 3.905 pistons. Been line honed, decked just enough to clean it up, it was literally ready for final assembly.

Want the block in exchange Fran???

Damn that sucks, one just sold in pa the other week for 250. I was too late for it, I would of grabbed that quick. I'll keep an eye out for one.

jesus H christ man. i am so sorry. id be takin names of whoever sold it to you. And I would not pay the machinist for not catching something he is paid to find. get you an lq9 and be done

i have a stock block for you, you can check it out, the block is 6 mins from the commadore barry bridge

-brandon

What does anyone else think, can it be welded? My machinist sounds like he doesn't want to do it, he's concerned about distortion from the heat, and then having to clean up the bores if they rust from sticking the block in the oven, I just don't know.

That is a mutha-f*ck.

I feel your pain man. Basically its your money. I would give it a try and see if there is any issues. If there is, well back to the drawing board or just spend money for a new block, inspection, machining, and assembly. Gotta weigh it out.

Take it to someone who welds for a living.
They just have to weld a little at a time to keep heat down.

I would weld it and run it.

I know 2 welders if you want to go that route

I got a guy that runs his own fab shop and even runs mobil so if you didnt want to go to him he'll come to you. pm me if interested, he said its a cake weld job for anyone that has a clue of how to weld.

You guys have convinced me. I'm going to talk to the machinist, and have the block welded and go from there.

I know 2 welders if you want to go that route

I got a guy that runs his own fab shop and even runs mobil so if you didnt want to go to him he'll come to you. pm me if interested, he said its a cake weld job for anyone that has a clue of how to weld.

Thanks guys, definitely interested.

Fact is, he's an engineer turned machinist (15+ years experience) so his first concern was the impact to the tolerances that welding the block would have. He's worried about distortion ect in the block. Granted, he's not a full time welder, but he's fixed heads and such. This might be why he's leary to weld it himself.

Please feel free to PM me any info. These welders, are they familiar with welding on cast aluminum blocks?

Thanks guys.

I have the block in hand (nice thing about your machinist being 1000 ft from your front door) and just need a welder....

I'll find out today if either one wants to do, one is really good with aluminum.

Cool. The block is in my garage right now.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/543523_3511708864281_1018675813_3118972_1550223647 _n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/556224_3511711224340_1018675813_3118975_76038569_n .jpg

Call Joe and J&E Performance...
JMHO :)