I am going to check out some used parts to maybe build a new motor. The guy has a 350 4 bolt main block with supposed forged crank rods and pistons in it. I dont know how to actually tell if they are forged or not or even if its not trashed. Also included is a stroker crank and a set of oversized pistons not sure if they were ever used. The asking price is $500 for all of it.

So is it worth that much and what should I look for?

 

Not much of a visual check will tell you anything but you should learn how to identify a forged or cast crankshaft. The only way to tell if anything is really worth it is to have it magnafluxed.

Blocks can get cracks in the main webbing that can't be seen. They could be overbored to the maximum. They could have been line honed too many times which moves the crank slightly higher up into the block.

Crankshafts, even a forged one can have hairline cracks that can only be detected by magnaflux. They could even be slightly bent.

Used pistons could have collapsed ring lands. Con rods may be slightly bent or need to be resized.

With pistons and rods included, there should be a balance sheet also. Without it, everything will need to be balanced.

In the end, buying something like that is really buyer beware. You might be getting a great deal if you know exactly what you're looking for. You might also be getting someone elses junk. What may seem like a deal now may cost more than buying new or preassembled with a warranty.

Unless it's all assembled with a build sheet, I wouldn't pay more than $250 for what you're described. "Stroker crank", "oversized pistons" etc mean nothing. Collecting all those parts, you'll still spend at least $1000 to have machine work done and finish assembling it. Bearings, rings, gaskets and all the other small things all add up.

 

Also, Check the casting number just to be sure that it is a 350 and not a 305. People do lie about this, I found out the hard way

 

Alky thanks for the advice on that. I will do a little research on how to tell if its forged or not.

I was planning on trying to get all the part numbers and look them up before I decided anything on used parts like this. Like you guys said it could just be someone else s junk