Engine Swap Everything about swapping an engine into your Third Gen.....be it V6, V8, LTX/LSX, crate engine, etc. Pictures, questions, answers, and work logs.

Tips on buying an engine

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-10-2005, 04:53 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (7)
 
colonboy14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Trans Am
Engine: 305
Transmission: T56
Tips on buying an engine

I am looking at buying a LT1, and was wondering if anyone had tips on where to look and how to make sure you're getting what you paid for. How can I be sure that an engine is still in good condition, and are there any specific questions I should ask?

Thanks
Old 04-10-2005, 06:36 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Spectre's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Montreal\Quebec|Canada
Posts: 968
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Camaro Z281991 Engine: 5.7L/350 TPI Transmission: TH700R4 ··································· Car: Acura CL 1998
Engine: 3.0L/183
Transmission: 4 spd auto/OD
check the casting # on the block and heads ..

When I got my vortec 350, it was on a stand, I told the guy I wanted to see in turn ..the harmonic balancer has the 3 bolts, so valve covers off.. he put the pry bar in between the blots and I could see the rockers-springs compressing ..

dont know how much insurance that gives .. as the engine could need an overbore .. the only way to be sure is to have the engine apart, then inspect\mesure the cylinder walls .. combustion chambers (blueprinting)

Hope this helps , others will shim in im sure

Last edited by Spectre; 04-10-2005 at 06:55 PM.
Old 04-10-2005, 08:46 PM
  #3  
Supporter/Moderator

iTrader: (7)
 
ShiftyCapone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 13,247
Likes: 0
Received 392 Likes on 299 Posts
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
If you can't see the motor in person that you will have to take a risk. Have the seller send you all casting numbers so that you can varify the engines identity. Chances are the more complete the motor comes, the less likely you need to have it rebuilt. Running motors are often sold with everything you need to make the motor run. If the motor is bad the seller typically parts it out and sells that bad part as a core. I would expect the worse case senario though and expect to have to have the motor rebuilt. When you have the motor in your hands you can tell for sure if it is good to go.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jake_92RS
Tech / General Engine
8
01-28-2020 10:37 PM
italiano67
Tech / General Engine
8
12-11-2016 09:21 AM
NinjaNife
Tech / General Engine
27
08-23-2015 11:49 AM
Zachattack0925
Transmissions and Drivetrain
4
08-12-2015 09:52 PM
bradleydeanuhl
DFI and ECM
4
08-12-2015 11:48 AM



Quick Reply: Tips on buying an engine



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:13 PM.