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Buying ls1 block... What to look for?

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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 07:42 PM
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Default Buying ls1 block... What to look for?

I'm in the market for a ls1 block and im talking to a guy about one out of a 2000 camaro. He wants 225 including main caps. What should I check out on the block and is that a fair price?
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 07:55 PM
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The price is ok. Look over it for any cracks, marks from spun bearings and cylinder wear.....if possible see if you can take it to a machine shop and have looked over before you buy it.
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 07:59 PM
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what would the spun bearing marks look like would there just be scoring marks in the bottom end from it
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 08:24 PM
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Could be some gouging, scrapes, or black/blue heat marks
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 08:27 PM
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alright im going to look at it next weekend. Thanks for the help!!!
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Old Jan 23, 2012 | 02:14 AM
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As long as the cam bearings didn't spin, it should be fine even if it did spin a main bearing. An align hone will fix any issues caused by that.

To the op, I have a good stock 6.0 truck crank for sale if your in the market.
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Old Jan 23, 2012 | 04:04 PM
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well if i buy this i will build a 383 so i need a 4.00 in stroke crank
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Old Jan 23, 2012 | 04:09 PM
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Make sure you triple check it for cracks! Ie bought used aluminum manifold before only to find hairline cracks after getting it home...if you do make a 383 it will be a stump puller with its torque, good choice
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Old Jan 23, 2012 | 04:10 PM
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Don't forget that you ARE NOT in SBC Gen1 Land anymore! You can't bore an LS1 overbore like you can an Iron Gen1! Has to be resleaved or a light hone. If the cylinders are scored then it is junk....unless you want to fork out the $$ for a resleeve job which that kind of money would get you a brand new block at GM!

So look at the cylinder walls VERY closely!
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Old Jan 23, 2012 | 10:10 PM
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Ya i knew they could only be honed .010 over so I guess I should check the bore before I buy it too.
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Old Jan 24, 2012 | 12:06 AM
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.007 is max hone on ls1 blocks. .005 on older ls1's.
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Old Jan 24, 2012 | 12:08 AM
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Your best bet would be to find a machine shop and take it there before buying it. If the seller says no to that, walk. Ls1 blocks are more than plentiful.
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