spent21

iTrader: (3)

My neighbor has an early model (97 - 98?) Ls1 with a spun bearing. The engine is complete with less than 100k on it, 806 perimeter bolt heads. He's had it for sale ~$400 for awhile, but nobody around here wants it. He asked me to help him rebuild it, but we have no way of test running it unless we swap it into my truck which ain't gonna happen.

So, what am I looking at? I got the pan off, but haven't pulled the crank yet. I'm unfamiliar with the aluminum bottom end. Does a spun main mean the block is junk or can it be line bored with oversize bearings?

I suggested he could part it out and get more than the $200 he was offered, and that people would be leary of buying a rebuild that has never been cranked. I know the later model blocks are more desireable, so I don't expect a premium for that, but what should I be able to get for it if it's rebuildable?

silver-mod-o

iTrader: (15)

Line boring and over size bearings may not be necessary. Just need to tear it down and take some measurements and see what you're dealing with. The bottom ends of any of these engines are easy to find your way around. I'd suggest checking it out, giving it a hone, fresh rings, bearings, find a cheap clean used cam and some later heads and either sell it or run it. Just remember, those early heads and blocks do not like MLS gaskets, they require the graphite gaskets. They'll leak coolant. I've seen plenty of those with a set of 243 or 241 heads dropped on them and sold for just as much as the later model engines. It's worth looking at anyway IMO

spent21

iTrader: (3)

Well, I got the bottom end apart. #1-2 and #5-6 rod bearings spun. Crank is junk. 2 of the 4 spun rods look bad, but the other 2 may take bearings. Cylinders still have a cross hatch and appear as though they would take a hone. Pistons look mint.
Guy said he was running about 160mph and it just quit running. No clue on oil pressure or rpm.