sniper214

Local machine shop is selling this block... Looking at the photos, it looks as if the area around the water jackets are pitted. Am I being to skeptical?

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Looks like they should have decked the block to clean off the corrosion and ensure a flat surface. Also does not look like they cleaned out the threads for the head bolts.

sniper214

Yeah, that's what I was thinking! I sent him an email earlier to voice my concerns... his reply:
"It has been decked. Their may be some discoloration around coolant holes, but I think you can see it has been decked."

Is it possible it is too deep? The block otherwise looks good; nice parts: KB pistons, Scat crank,... For 850 - is that a decent price? Or should I walk away with the obvious corrosion?

99olo

Do you feel that slight corrosion will make the head gasket fail?

sniper214

Exactly! All decks that have been rebuilt, that I have dealt with were spotless.

99olo

I don't think that the pitting around the water jacket would make the gasket fail. I'd go with it, but it's a gamble.

sniper214

Yeah, thanks. 850 is borderline what I want to pay for a gamble.. It is local, but I am contemplating a crate engine as well
... /:

99olo

It's your call, bud.

project89

iTrader: (1)

that block is fine , it looks just like every other used chevy block out there
u guys worry way to much about stuff that dont matter

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

My block wasnt decked and looked a whole lot better than that.

99olo

Electrolosis happens; as long as there's enough flat metal around to seal well, I wouldn't be too worried if I bought it.

sniper214

Perhaps I do worry to much... Just trying to be cautious; buying an engine from someone I do not know. I wish I trusted people to sell good products, but I do not.

project89

iTrader: (1)

is it a well known or reputable shop? or is it one of those places that everyone tells everybody else to not take there stuff

a reputable shop wont risk selling something that is iffy

sniper214

That's the thing... I found the listing on ebay; they are local though. I can not find anything about them really.

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

$850 is not a bad deal. its just a close to stock eng. (not a ricky racer)
have paid more for less and beat on it for over 10 years..

grab it.. and use it. use felpro head gaskets printo seal (i think they are called) about $35 ea and you will be fine..

Johnny Blaze

iTrader: (15)

Looks typical for a machined surface that has been sitting on the shelf collecting some moisture.

Johnny Blaze

iTrader: (15)

Are they calling it "zero decked"?

How much has it been bored?

What about the compression?

You're gonna have to run some big chamber heads with thos pistons if you want to run on pump gas.

Its a 2 piece ream main block as well, which means flat tappet or retro roller cam.

Personally I don't bother building with these old blocks anymore.

sniper214

Yeah, I just do not like the sellers attitude (really short with me and does not like to be bothered with my questions and that is probably why it is rusting), nor does the block look like it has been thoroughly went over. I have decided to spend the extra cash and bought a brand new chevy performance 350 .

anesthes

iTrader: (12)

Looks decked to me.

I'd run it with a .039 gasket without any concern. Even a shim prepped correctly would be fine.

-- Joe

anesthes

iTrader: (12)

I agree with you for the most part. Retrofit parts suck and are expensive, two pc rear mains leak.

I don't know about the pistons. To me they look like they have huge valve reliefs. Without the part # who knows.

I dunno. Price is probably fair if it's what he wants.

Is it even a 4bolt main?

-- Joe