Any disadvantage to building a forged motor from an older LS1 compared to a newer one?

 

Probably not a real big deal if your replacing all the internals. The later year ones have a better rear oil flow passage and better crankcase breathing.

Here's a good but outdated website that I learned a lot about LSX engines.
http://www.automotiverebuilder.com/ar/eb040538.htm

 

Great article, thanks Zick for passing that on. I think for my build I'd want to stay with a '99 or newer block/heads. The casting #'s in the article identifies the years and like stated earlier the valve covers will also.

 

I bought a "core" LS1 block that had a cracked cylinder. #7 had a crack through the liner and aluminum coolant jacket caused by running lean with an STS turbo. Look at #7 really close when you are there.

 

If your fingre nail hangs on anything walk away from it otherwise go for it IMO.

 

Thanks guys. I'll see tomorrow!

 

I agree about it being a bad oil ring, too. The cylinder walls should be spotless and just go over everything REAL carefully. The finger nail suggestion is always a good rule of thumb (or finger)...

 

man if you can feel a scratch its atleast .005 - .010

 

$350 is a good deal if it has center bolt heads.

Look around the head's valve cover sealing surface for scratches and nicks. Thats a sure sign that someone's been in there changing valve springs, which means they've had a cam. If they had a cam, then its completely possible they were spraying it and might be why the engine smokes. Most motors will rarely have their valve covers pulled and shouldn't show any wear.

 

853 head castings
378 block casting

He says he see's rust in the cylinders. I'll bring a strong flashlight, scothbrite and some wd-40 but it doesnt sound promising.