Do New Blem engine blocks = big problems?
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,055
Likes: 1
From: Hartsdale, NY
Do New Blem engine blocks = big problems? A well known vendor who is not an LS1Tech sponsor is selling Gen 3 aluminum blocks for approximately $600.
My understanding is that these are blem (blemished) blocks that did not pass the GM inspection after manufacture.
Is this correct; if yes, I assume deferrent blocks will have different blemishes and, therefore, it may require machining (decking, cylinder boring, honing, align honing, etc) to bring them to the point where the rotating assembly can be installed?
Is this worth it, or is it better to buy a new block from GM?
My understanding is that these are blem (blemished) blocks that did not pass the GM inspection after manufacture.
Is this correct; if yes, I assume deferrent blocks will have different blemishes and, therefore, it may require machining (decking, cylinder boring, honing, align honing, etc) to bring them to the point where the rotating assembly can be installed?
Is this worth it, or is it better to buy a new block from GM?
Last edited by jmX; Dec 10, 2003 at 02:54 PM.
If you are purchasing it for the purpose of a core then i dont see no wrong in it. Assuming it needs to decked honed or cleaned up
Last edited by HumpinSS; Dec 10, 2003 at 01:52 PM.
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,055
Likes: 1
From: Hartsdale, NY
No; I would not be buying the blem block as a core.
It would be used to build a 383 short block with a stroker crank, new pistons, rods, etc that would I would install in my own car..
...the holes would NOT be re-lined and the bores would probably only be honed to match the new "stock-sized" pistons... essentially, all the new short block components would be purchased so my car would not be out-of-commission for an extended period of time...
...a new GM block is about $1,200 Vs. Valvegod's blocks at $600....
It would be used to build a 383 short block with a stroker crank, new pistons, rods, etc that would I would install in my own car..
...the holes would NOT be re-lined and the bores would probably only be honed to match the new "stock-sized" pistons... essentially, all the new short block components would be purchased so my car would not be out-of-commission for an extended period of time...
...a new GM block is about $1,200 Vs. Valvegod's blocks at $600....
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,055
Likes: 1
From: Hartsdale, NY
...I'm really not sure of the real or percieved defects (cracks, structual defects, cosmetic blems, if any)...the vendor is advertising the blocks as new overstocked units....i merely assume they are GM rejects since they are being sold at 1/2 the price of a new block directly from GM....
Is this a correct assumption?
...Some others here claim to have purchased crankshafts and heads from this vendor at very reasonable prices without any problems...
Is this a correct assumption?
...Some others here claim to have purchased crankshafts and heads from this vendor at very reasonable prices without any problems...
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?
Pouria Savadkouei
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,055
Likes: 1
From: Hartsdale, NY
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
I've never heard of any problems with a block from Valvegod. I think most of the blems are cosmetic and not structural from what I've heard. 
LOTS of people have bought from Valvegod because his prices are damn good and you RARELY ever hear of any parts having problems. The times I've seen people did have some sort of problem with a motor they purchased from him Shaun(Valvegod) took care of them.
Maybe you should call him up and see what he says before saying BIG PROBLEMS.
LOTS of people have bought from Valvegod because his prices are damn good and you RARELY ever hear of any parts having problems. The times I've seen people did have some sort of problem with a motor they purchased from him Shaun(Valvegod) took care of them.
Maybe you should call him up and see what he says before saying BIG PROBLEMS.
I have a 6.0 crank from him and one of the rod journals is rusted and he sent it to me that way. Im going to wait and see if a polish cleans it up first. I also have a LS6 blem block that Im using right now with no problems, I think
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,055
Likes: 1
From: Hartsdale, NY
OK...I thought this guy is ligit, I just thought I would get some independent views on whether the stuff is OK...
...I never said or implied the blocks had big problems...I was just inquiring from independent sources. In this regard, I'm somewhat cautious since I believe you can't always rely on statements or claims from a particular seller or vendor....
...just a good idea; right?
I can't believe how touchie you guys are!
...I never said or implied the blocks had big problems...I was just inquiring from independent sources. In this regard, I'm somewhat cautious since I believe you can't always rely on statements or claims from a particular seller or vendor....
...just a good idea; right?
I can't believe how touchie you guys are!
My Valvegod block & crank are both working just great (along with all the other parts I bought from him, like oilpan, valley cover, valve covers, blah blah blah). Thunder had them machined just like you'd do on any normal rebuild.
-Andrew
Thunder had them machined just like you'd do on any normal rebuild.-Andrew
6600 rpm clutch dump of death Administrator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4,983
Likes: 13
From: Texas
One thing you must understand is that GM's Q/C standards on what is acceptable and what isn't are pretty tight. For instance, the pororsity spec is something like .1 MM. In other words if there is a visible defect in the fact of the head that is .1 MM across the head is junk.
Since most of the machining process is automated, and is in dedicated stations, my guess is that most of the blems are from casting issues rather than being mis-machined. Core shift, porosity, excessive flash...
I think most folks have been fairly happy with valvegod's stuff. In fact I think his (valvegod's) advice to anyone who has an issue with buying a blem is to buy a new block.
Since most of the machining process is automated, and is in dedicated stations, my guess is that most of the blems are from casting issues rather than being mis-machined. Core shift, porosity, excessive flash...
I think most folks have been fairly happy with valvegod's stuff. In fact I think his (valvegod's) advice to anyone who has an issue with buying a blem is to buy a new block.
Werd. ^^^^
This is the same route I am going. Which crank are you going with....Eagle? I need to consult w/ Valvegod to see what he offers in cranks.... It is going to be a well needed winter project
How much should I expect when I sell my short block? I am thinking of selling the long block...... how much?
This is the same route I am going. Which crank are you going with....Eagle? I need to consult w/ Valvegod to see what he offers in cranks.... It is going to be a well needed winter project
How much should I expect when I sell my short block? I am thinking of selling the long block...... how much? Last edited by BLUEBYU; Dec 10, 2003 at 03:17 PM.
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,055
Likes: 1
From: Hartsdale, NY
Is it correct to assume that if the defect is so sever (significant core shift, for example) that it could not be fixed through machining that GM would not resell it to Valvegod ot another vendor?
In this regard, I have noticed that other vendors LPE, ARE, MTI, etc. are offering core blocks to those who purchase a re-lined (bored) block for approximately the same $600 price.
I suppose this gives me some comfort since these cores are probably GM blems too; right?
In this regard, I have noticed that other vendors LPE, ARE, MTI, etc. are offering core blocks to those who purchase a re-lined (bored) block for approximately the same $600 price.
I suppose this gives me some comfort since these cores are probably GM blems too; right?
I am about to purchase a 6.0L block and 6.0L crank from him - he described them to me as surplus. Maybe I'm wrong, but to me that doesn't mean blemished, that means extra from GM's assembly line run.
Even if it was cosmetically blemished, I wouldn't care about something like that.
I'm not hesitating to buy from him, he seems like a real honest and good guy. He has taken a lot of time with me changing my mind and trying to decide exactly what I want to do. What I see here just reinforces my decision.
Even if it was cosmetically blemished, I wouldn't care about something like that.
I'm not hesitating to buy from him, he seems like a real honest and good guy. He has taken a lot of time with me changing my mind and trying to decide exactly what I want to do. What I see here just reinforces my decision.