What to look for? Craigslist block
Thread Starter
Teching In
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What to look for? Craigslist block 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?
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
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?
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 $$ back.
If he is honest and reputible, he will do it. A cracked block is no good to him than it is to you. I have bought SBCs in the past with cracks and spun bearings. CYA...
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2011
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Never! I say NEVER! Buy a used block without an inspection. Most cracks you cant see with the naked eye. Thats why there such a thing as die penetrant and Mag particle.
Get him to sign a "rebuildable" core guarantee. Basically, you buy the block from him, take it to a machine shop, if its cracked or not rebuildable you get your $$ 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...
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...
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2010
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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?
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?
At least if it turns up bad, you can recycle it.
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Verdad Gallardo Sometimes its cheaper to spend more up front.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...make/chevrolet
Last edited by badazz81z28; Dec 8, 2012 at 01:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Teching In
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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.
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.
