LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Does this used engine look like a good buy?

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Old Sep 16, 2011 | 07:41 AM
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Default Does this used engine look like a good buy?

I need to buy a replacement engine for my TA.

I'm just going to swap it in to get the thing moving. I found a replacement on craigslist, does it look like a good buy?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/pts/2590967677.html
His HP numbers seem padded, you guys let me know. For $600, assuming it does look good in person and spins freely, does this look like a good buy?


Another thing I wanted to ask is, I'm going to take the engine out the bottom.
Will this be a good time to do my LS1 brake swap (spindles included), or would this make stuff harder on me?
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Old Sep 16, 2011 | 07:42 AM
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Here is how the ad reads, in case it goes away.


LT1 Camaro Vette Impala Firebird 330HP Engine & Aluminum Heads Rebuilt


Corvette Engine 355
330hp 360Tq -- Rebuilt less than 1000 miles
Don't buy a junk block with low power iron heads.
This engine with stock head gasket will give you 10:8.1 -- 11:0.1 (Corvette Compression)
All stock computer will automatically adjust to this using their 02 sensors fyi.

Engine:
Tanked & Baked, Board 30over, New Pistons, Decked 10, Crank polished, Rods peined, etc..
Heads:
Tanked & Baked, Shaved 2, Valve job, Crane Triple springs, Crane 1.6 Roller Rockers.
Ported Intake -- 58mm (supports stock TB), Stock Throttle body


Only used for few years driven summers.
Does not include: Timing chain, Timing cover, Waterpump drive, Fuel Rail
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Old Sep 16, 2011 | 08:18 AM
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Worth $600 sure, but I would guess the pistons are junk a step backwards from stock.
Basically I am saying worth it as cores with decent rockers and springs, I assume the guy is stupid and thinks double springs with a damper are triple.

330hp is super easy flywheel, even with a complete retard at the head of that "build" that number is doable seeing as a bolton LT1 will exceed that number, even the ones with the iron heads that happen to flow MORE than the stock aluminum ones.

I would not trust the compression ratio the pistons look like they have a LOT of relief to them.

I don't think I would buy it and use it as is though.
Seeing as he is keeping the timing cover and rails and such I bet he realizes what a frigging POS he had built and is trying again.
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Old Sep 16, 2011 | 08:53 AM
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call the guy up and talk to him is the first start and see what he has in it, etc...

There are a lot of parts there for $600 as stated above.

Also - going out the bottom- you can change the ls1 spindles anytime, out the bottom or not. When you have it all out, you will get easier access, but it's not bad on the car either.
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Old Sep 16, 2011 | 02:08 PM
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So I called him, he said the defunct shop did the machine work and build. THey're just "stock heavy duty" pistons from a rebuild kit. He didn't remember/know the brand they were.


He replaced the engine because he found a built 383 for a good deal.
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Old Sep 16, 2011 | 02:48 PM
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i was looking at the same enigne. Its listed of Chitownracing too. Did he say what size lift are the valve springs good for?
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Old Sep 17, 2011 | 07:34 PM
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I wouldnt trust anything he says if he doesnt remember what pistons he bought. However it looks like an ok deal if your gonna use it to keep building it yourself.
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Old Sep 19, 2011 | 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Bumper Dragin Bird
i was looking at the same enigne. Its listed of Chitownracing too. Did he say what size lift are the valve springs good for?
No he didn't say what size lift those valve springs are.

I wound up not buying the engine. I needed a straight drop in, to get my car moving. It's been sitting right in front of my house in Chicago since March. It's not like I have a drive way or a garage that'll fit my car and my brothers.

Since I wasn't gonna build it I took a pass on it. When I have the money I'll have Clayton Racing supply the block and handle the build.



I wound up buying another one on Craigslist, real nice guy and about 4 blocks from my house. Guy was going to swap an LT into his Blazer, but never moved ahead, said he just couldn't do it anymore. He didn't look to old or in bad health, but who knows.
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Old Sep 19, 2011 | 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by zlow28
i wouldnt trust anything he says if he doesnt remember what pistons he bought. However it looks like an ok deal if your gonna use it to keep building it yourself.
this!
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Old Sep 22, 2011 | 09:16 AM
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Yea looks like a decent starter build
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Old Sep 22, 2011 | 11:01 AM
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I would have bought it.
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