Do New Blem engine blocks = big problems?
Well I have an ls6 block from valvegod. I was unaware they are blem blocks until now LOL! Mine has been bored and honed as well. I guess thats why I had a snapped main cap bolt right out of the crate. Guessing that was my blem. Other than that my block is just fine and was no big deal to fix.
I sell surplus (over run stock) or Reclaimed (cosmetic blems, part number change, damaged packaging etc.) and also used parts. Out of approx. 75 surplus/reclaimed complete engines I have sold in the past 5 years, I had one that GM didn't install the center cam bearing and had low oil pressure. I sent the customer (Allen Nelson of LS1truck.com) a new engine at no cost. I have never had a single issue with any of the blocks, heads, cranks etc.that I have sold over the years, except for shipping damage which I have always replaced the item and deal with UPS or freight company myself. Although these parts DO NOT CARRY A GM WARRANTY, I back all the parts I sell.
If there is failed product or complaints, I have never heard about it.
Shaun (valvegod@aol.com)
SMC Performance, Inc.
248.276.0483
If there is failed product or complaints, I have never heard about it.
Shaun (valvegod@aol.com)
SMC Performance, Inc.
248.276.0483
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,055
Likes: 1
From: Hartsdale, NY
I can't beleive a board "director" would stoop so low as to change the title of my thread from:
"New Blem engine block - big problems", to:
"Do New Blem Engine Blocks = Big Problems?"
*****
...and without my express permission!!!!
CENSORSHIP, CENSORSHIP, CENSORSHIP
"New Blem engine block - big problems", to:
"Do New Blem Engine Blocks = Big Problems?"
*****
...and without my express permission!!!!
CENSORSHIP, CENSORSHIP, CENSORSHIP
I'm sure the reason he changed the post, is becasue people like you get on here making accusations with no facts at all about other board memebers and venders. Just like the way you came off in your E mail several weeks ago. I would expext someone that is a CPA to act more proffesional.
Shaun (valvegod@aol.com)
Shaun (valvegod@aol.com)
The post title was misleading. I thought you were gonna be posting that a blem block you bought had serious structural/functional deficits. I never would have guessed you were asking whether anyone had ever had problems with blem blocks.
Originally Posted by robertbartsch
...you guys are taking this board WAY too seriously!
I thought the sme thing. I figured the 'revised' title was more fitting myself.
You have to think .. this board is some people's life. Valvegod for instance makes a living doing this stuff, as well as Nelson Performance who he mentioned in his post. Some of us on here take out hobbies seriously. This is a large chunk of change we fork into our vehicles with new motors, parts, etc. I don't know about you, but I tend to treat large purchases like that seriously on a regular basis.
Valvegod, thanks for replying to this thread. I was wondering which vendor you actually were. I remember the thread where someone flamed you for selling funky blocks which turned out he was just paranoid and wondered about your site then.
Anyways ... I hope no one gets annoyed by this post, it wasn't meant in a 'serious' manner if whoever does get annoyed.
EDIT: Quoted the wrong post.
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Originally Posted by robertbartsch
JMX:
My patended thread naming convention is designed to attract as much interest as possible; therefore, please don't kill the messenger!
...any news on the guy who broke the hardened crank bolt; man, what a bad break! I've busted a couple of bolts in my time but that one is the worst I could imagine...
My patended thread naming convention is designed to attract as much interest as possible; therefore, please don't kill the messenger!
...any news on the guy who broke the hardened crank bolt; man, what a bad break! I've busted a couple of bolts in my time but that one is the worst I could imagine...
Adkoonerstrator
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 21,420
Likes: 0
From: Deep in the seedy underworld of Koonerville
Robert - One thing you need to understand is that bad publicity on a public forum like this can really hurt peoples business. Another thing is that some people won't read through the whole thread to find out the scoop, they may see bad blocks and valvegod and think...Man, I'm not buying from him.
A threads title should reflect what the thread is about. There is no need to use Jerry Springer tactics to get views/replies especially with a very valid question like you've asked.
I don't see people being overly sensitive. I see people standing up for a business they feel is getting undeserved bad publicity.
Just my $.02, maybe you could turn it into $.04 for me.
A threads title should reflect what the thread is about. There is no need to use Jerry Springer tactics to get views/replies especially with a very valid question like you've asked.
I don't see people being overly sensitive. I see people standing up for a business they feel is getting undeserved bad publicity.
Just my $.02, maybe you could turn it into $.04 for me.
Originally Posted by robertbartsch
I can't beleive a board "director" would stoop so low as to change the title of my thread from:
"New Blem engine block - big problems", to:
"Do New Blem Engine Blocks = Big Problems?"
*****
...and without my express permission!!!!
CENSORSHIP, CENSORSHIP, CENSORSHIP
"New Blem engine block - big problems", to:
"Do New Blem Engine Blocks = Big Problems?"
*****
...and without my express permission!!!!
CENSORSHIP, CENSORSHIP, CENSORSHIP
Originally Posted by XLR8NSS
Robert - One thing you need to understand is that bad publicity on a public forum like this can really hurt peoples business. Another thing is that some people won't read through the whole thread to find out the scoop, they may see bad blocks and valvegod and think...Man, I'm not buying from him.
A threads title should reflect what the thread is about. There is no need to use Jerry Springer tactics to get views/replies especially with a very valid question like you've asked.
I don't see people being overly sensitive. I see people standing up for a business they feel is getting undeserved bad publicity.
Just my $.02, maybe you could turn it into $.04 for me.
A threads title should reflect what the thread is about. There is no need to use Jerry Springer tactics to get views/replies especially with a very valid question like you've asked.
I don't see people being overly sensitive. I see people standing up for a business they feel is getting undeserved bad publicity.
Just my $.02, maybe you could turn it into $.04 for me.
TECH Junkie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,604
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Originally Posted by robertbartsch
CENSORSHIP, CENSORSHIP, CENSORSHIP
"New FAST intake manifold = modest gains"
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-external-engine/120123-new-fast-intake-manifold-modest-gains.html
Launching!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
Sorry to chime in so late...
Good to hear valvegod has "good" blems, not everyone does. What is key is that he backs them. As we've seen from some other (sadly) recent posts, guys are buying new stuff and not getting anywhere near the quality-of-support it sounds like VC is providing.
BTW, if the "new" block you're buying has a medium-light green paint mark on it (it might be a splotch or stripe) it's not only marking it as a blem block, it's also denoting WHERE the actual blem is. There are actually a couple of shades of green I've seen GM use on these, the darker of the two is what appears to be the one that designates some kind of actual metal flaw. In fact, two of the SMilies on this site are pretty darn close to the shades I'm talking about.
"Good" green -
"Bad" green -
I have seen them on virtually every surface of the block, including next to pinholes in the deck where the sleeve goes in. That was the single worst case I saw, yet the engine built with it is still going strong (I saw it, I didn't build it...
). The builder actually put a metal repair paste in it, can't remember the name. Just as well.
Good to hear valvegod has "good" blems, not everyone does. What is key is that he backs them. As we've seen from some other (sadly) recent posts, guys are buying new stuff and not getting anywhere near the quality-of-support it sounds like VC is providing.
BTW, if the "new" block you're buying has a medium-light green paint mark on it (it might be a splotch or stripe) it's not only marking it as a blem block, it's also denoting WHERE the actual blem is. There are actually a couple of shades of green I've seen GM use on these, the darker of the two is what appears to be the one that designates some kind of actual metal flaw. In fact, two of the SMilies on this site are pretty darn close to the shades I'm talking about.
"Good" green -
"Bad" green -
I have seen them on virtually every surface of the block, including next to pinholes in the deck where the sleeve goes in. That was the single worst case I saw, yet the engine built with it is still going strong (I saw it, I didn't build it...
). The builder actually put a metal repair paste in it, can't remember the name. Just as well. 
I also vouch for Shaun (valvegod). He has hooked me up a few times and has great service. I currently run a valvegod 6.0 block, 5.7 crank, and other add ons. He is not in the business of cheating folks. He relies on word of mouth for business, and you won't get that by ripping folks off. Keep up the good work Shaun 
Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Reckless
I also vouch for Shaun (valvegod). He has hooked me up a few times and has great service. I currently run a valvegod 6.0 block, 5.7 crank, and other add ons. He is not in the business of cheating folks. He relies on word of mouth for business, and you won't get that by ripping folks off. Keep up the good work Shaun
Having recently purchaced a block from Shaun, I have to say this thread title did cause me concern. He seems to be a stand-up guy though, and after talking to him, I had no concerns buying from him.
Near as I can tell, and I have not measured anything yet, the block that I got from him is most likely a surplus block.
That being said, whether you get your new block from GM or surplus, you would be crazy to just assume everything is right with it, and assemble your engine without measuring and checking everying carefully.
The significant variation in RWHP #s from LS1s tells me that GM allows alot of slop in their tolerences.
Something that alot of people don't realize is, that alot of the parts purchased through GM parts counters are production line blems or over runs. If you talk to a body shop, or repair facility you will hear stories of parts or assemblies coming through missing parts or pieces. I can't tell you how many repair panels, frame rails or other items I have purchased that are either damged or missing components (non of which casue any issue). Why throw away a good part for a little nick or cosmetic blem. From what I understand, GM parts has the option to buy lots of production over runs or blems before they go out for auction. If they don't buy, then the are sold in auction. Good example, all the surplus or line second LS1 Production Line LS1 that GM was selliing off 2-4 years back is now being sold to the Dealers on an Online auction. You will see dealers that have production line LS1/LS6 advertised for a lot better price then a crate engine. Nothing wrong with these structurally, just GM selling off what they have to much of or can't use.
Shaun
SMC Performance, Inc.
Shaun
SMC Performance, Inc.
Robert, I didn't change the title but it was a good idea whoever did it.
Sometimes titles have a 'wolf wolf' vibe and they can cause problems.
This board is in fact very serious, and our community is quick to react to problems or for example, problem parts.
This section has too much visiibility to let something like this go unchecked.
Also, I generally like folks to take a potential concern and make it a cause celebre when there is no need to do that. The nice thing about Sean is that we are fortunate to have someone as ethical as him being one of the biggest source of blem/overstock parts. Now I just need Sean to sell me back that pair of prototype LPE headers I sold him four years ago and we are fine.
Sometimes titles have a 'wolf wolf' vibe and they can cause problems.
This board is in fact very serious, and our community is quick to react to problems or for example, problem parts.
This section has too much visiibility to let something like this go unchecked.
Also, I generally like folks to take a potential concern and make it a cause celebre when there is no need to do that. The nice thing about Sean is that we are fortunate to have someone as ethical as him being one of the biggest source of blem/overstock parts. Now I just need Sean to sell me back that pair of prototype LPE headers I sold him four years ago and we are fine.