So I was presented with this engine. It's from a 87 IROC-Z and supposed to have 86k miles on it. The guy claims it all ran fine, still turns over but it's been sitting in his garage for about 2 years on a engine stand. I know it's vague, but what can you guys tell by the pictures here? My biggest concern would be the rust that's on the ports pretty bad and it possibly being on the cylinder walls. He's asking $350 for it with the tpi setup.

 

Look at the block casting #, on the top of the bell housing flange, behind the driver's side head. If it's 638 it's a 350; anything else, it's probably a 305.

The rust is totally insignificant. Nothing to worry about in the slightest.

 

Exactly as you said. The guy took a wire brush for about 10 secs and the rust was gone. He's allowing me to pull the oil pan AND a head to ensure it's not a lemon.

 

Oil wasnt changed very often thats obvious but it could be Ok inside.
A core motor is worth 100 tops +whatever you think the TPI is worth

 

Yeah I noticed that as well. So he wanted $350 just how the engine sits. No tpi. What you guys think?

 

Got him to come down to $275 for the engine. I've called around all local shops and no one has a L98 and they rarely come across them. This guy has no doubts about the engine and stands by his word of it running about 2 years ago. Any input?

 

What are the block amd head casting #s?

None of the rest of that typical used-parts-seller runny-mouth makes the slightest difference IMO.