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Hi - I'm new to this group! I have a 1979 Trans Am that had a 403 in it, which I was going to rework, but now I have decided to do an LS3 swap. I've done basic wrenching before, and this is my project, so there are things I'm don't know.
I'm looking at an LS3 nearby that was pulled from it's original car with only 3200 miles on it, but it was 5 years ago. The engine has been sitting for 5 years on a rack. Should I consider purchasing this engine or is 5 years with no movement too much?
They will last forever, for all practical purposes, if stored in a clean, dry, climate-controlled environment.
They won't last a week sitting out in the rain.
Not sure where along this continuum "on a rack" fits; but "5 years" is not, in and of itself, a problem. Most likely, if you can turn it by hand and it's smooth, it's fine.
Replace the valve springs, seen them brake too many times on stored race cars.. Dune buggy's etc.. When parked for multi year storage.
Good thing is on most motors it can be done in place.. Still not a uber fun task.. YMMV
The seller is asking $3500 for this engine, which seems low, and I can't visit to inspect myself, so now I'm considering what you all are telling me and weighing the risk.
You'll be fine for years. I've left a freshly built engine sit on a stand with a tarp wrapped around it outside thru all the elements with all holes plugged and it was still brand new inside. Opinions are like ********, everybody has one
I have a radical sbc in a show-only truck I built in 96’. In a 22 year span I pushed the truck outside and started it twice, 11 years apart. Of course I had to go through fluids and all that crap, but it starts up and runs fine. Only has been 4 miles since 96’. By radical I’m saying it’s high compression, has a set of prototype Brodix heads that were ran on a Cup car in the 80’s with big valve springs, etc. Truck stays in a climate controlled basement garage, so there’s no chance of humidity or weather getting to it, but as far as a timeline goes, no worries. Shoot...I absolutely love to watch the YouTube videos of vehicles that have set for decades out in the woods that folks do a first start in years on. Cool stuff, especially the big diesel starts.
I have a radical sbc in a show-only truck I built in 96’. In a 22 year span I pushed the truck outside and started it twice, 11 years apart. Of course I had to go through fluids and all that crap, but it starts up and runs fine. Only has been 4 miles since 96’. By radical I’m saying it’s high compression, has a set of prototype Brodix heads that were ran on a Cup car in the 80’s with big valve springs, etc. Truck stays in a climate controlled basement garage, so there’s no chance of humidity or weather getting to it, but as far as a timeline goes, no worries. Shoot...I absolutely love to watch the YouTube videos of vehicles that have set for decades out in the woods that folks do a first start in years on. Cool stuff, especially the big diesel starts.
Dont mean to stray off subject, but that sounds like an awesome truck . You mind showing a (11 year cold start) vid just for fun. I bet it sounds pissed , in a beautiful kind ove way......
Dont mean to stray off subject, but that sounds like an awesome truck . You mind showing a (11 year cold start) vid just for fun. I bet it sounds pissed , in a beautiful kind ove way......
I will throw up a video, but I can’t get you an 11 year cold start unless you want to wait a while. She’s pretty rowdy. Has a 250 shot on it also just for grins. Actually going to put it on the market here as soon as I put the new wheels I just bought for it on. Went with a set of BilletSpecialties SLG55 Sweeps, 18” fronts and 20” rear.
Here’s the biggest rabbit trail, off subject post in Tech history...sorry OP!
I will throw up a video, but I can’t get you an 11 year cold start unless you want to wait a while. She’s pretty rowdy. Has a 250 shot on it also just for grins. Actually going to put it on the market here as soon as I put the new wheels I just bought for it on. Went with a set of BilletSpecialties SLG55 Sweeps, 18” fronts and 20” rear.
Here’s the biggest rabbit trail, off subject post in Tech history...sorry OP!
not to quote and make the topic go further away from the ops question but damn Chevelle that truck is sick!!! Can’t wait to hear it running
I'll take all the blame for thread derailment on this one. But it was wourth it, that truck is killer... Looks like a well put together pro street/show truck. And op I'd be Leary ove how it was stored and treated as well. I think for another couple thousand you could prolly buy a very nice long block from a reputable shop and have a fresh piece. Ok I'm done fubar ing your thread , I hope it all works out in your favor....
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How long can an engine sit unused? 
