Paul Y

So...

I have been looking for a T56 for my LS conversion for the past few months. Never seem to be quick enough to get the 'good deals'...

Today, through a friend of a friend I have been offered a complete LS6 and T56 that was removed from a 2002 Trans Am. Yes I know the LS6 didn't come in the Trans Am but apparently this was a dealer installed crate engine and has 44K miles on it.

This is where I need the advice.

From the picture I have been sent I think the car was a 'Flood Victim'. The engine and gearbox are quite heavily stained and the exhaust manifolds are very...crusty...

If it was a flood victim, what should I be looking for that would make me walk away?

Obvious stuff is water in the oil and electrical connections but what else.

If it has been in a flood would that really affect the drive train? I suppose it depends on how long and how deep..(narf, narf)

For the price (it is very cheap) and bearing in mind I was only looking for the transmission I am tempted to take a risk. I have a good LM7 here that was my original planned transplant for My C10 so, as long as the gearbox is good I am ahead.

Problem is that my 'if it looks too good to be true...' spider senses are tingling.

Bit of a rambling thread but would appreciate any pointers.

Many thanks,

P.

slogo

If you can get your hands around engine and trans, look at the engine oil and trans fluid,
check to see if the fluids are brand new, and you can check to see if the drain plug or however you drain the trans has been removed lately, (Detective work) if it has, and fluid is new, theres a red flag. Seems to me if it had a bunch of water in there and set for awhile,
the water and oil would separate and some stuff could have rusted.
That is just a thought I don't know that for sure.

Paul Y

Thanks for the reply.

Engine and gearbox now sitting on a pallet as the Transam was scrapped due to an accident.

My thinking is that if an engine can hold oil in it should keep water out!

Going to have a look at the weekend, still would appreciate input.

P.

HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

Good find. Hopefully no water got in it. Ls6's are nasty little motors.

Cpt.Derrek

iTrader: (13)

Well 01 and 02 Fbodys received LS6 blocks and intake manifolds... though a true LS6 is going to have 243 heads, LS6 camshaft, and the LS6 PCV. If it has 241 heads its just the LS1 with the LS6 block then. If I were you I'd see if you can easily turn the engine by hand (well for the normal amount of force to turn this engine by hand, basically you don't want it to be stuck, looking for rust in cylinders and hydro lock) and pull off the valve covers to see what it looks like there. If it can turn easy and no rust under valve covers and no mixed water in oil you should be good to go.

Paul Y

Been sent a picture of the heads showing that they are indeed the 243.

Pretty sure I am going to get there and find out it is junk as it must be worth more in scrap than they are asking for it.

But! I am the eternal optimist so will let you all know.

Thanks for the input.

P.

HotRodLS1

If it's such a bargain, I would just do it.
Even when it's filled with water you've got some nice engine parts.

SgtSkid

If the car was in an accident it means it was running and driving, right? So the flood damage would have been previous to the accident. Unless they crashed it into a puddle. If it's a good deal, go for it. As others have mentioned it'll have some good parts worth tossing on feebay.

Paul Y

Oh I do love those that think they can take others for a...Ride...

The LS6 turned out to be a a Lexus LS400 engine with a, well I think , an RX8 6 speed gearbox.

The pictures sent where off the internet and I think the guy was not expecting me to turn up before sending the money...

Anyway... Not a complete loss as I got to see some of the best 'Reality TV' in real life as he tried to tell me I didn't know what I was talking about...

NEXT!

P.

HotRodLS1

Luckily you didn't send him money. Thnx for the update and better luck next time..

Zlow28

iTrader: (11)

wow, im glad you didnt send a dollar until you saw what you were buying

Paul Y

Yup, Too many lessons learnt.

Still looking for a good T56 if anybody has one?

P.

dailydriver

Yeah, he probably thought he could lure in an unsuspecting S13/14 swap drifter, power hungry for an LS6.