Help inspecting short block, please

[Schmieder]

I am considering buying a short block built for boost. A 3400 LA1. Roughly 120k miles. Includes head studs, no cylinder heads.

The car had a history of overheating. They tried to fix it but couldn't. I suspect one of two conclusions.

1 - typical problem that wasn't fixed such as bad head gasket, water pump, clogged rad ect.

2 - the block is cracked or there is a cracked piston.

But for $300 it is a steal?

How can I inspect for cracks that I can not see with the naked eye?

Unless I can prove the block is good, I won't buy it.

But if the short block IS good, it would be a GREAT addition to my turbo project. I would love to be hitting 15-20 psi boost.

Only problem is getting a new tranny at those boost levels. But if I am going to swap the short block, I would do it then as well. Otherwise, I am just sticking to my stock block, tranny and 5-8 psi boost.

Any advice on how to inspect the block? It seems like to good to be true for such a price?

btw, it is a friend of a friend transaction, so the trust factor is iffy.

[Weatheralls Auto]

$300 seems over priced for a block you suspect there is an issue with

[bszopi]

Only way to really do it GOOD would be to get it sonic checked, but then it has to be down to a bare block. I would look at what parts are included in the short block, look at the prices of the parts if you bought the separate, and then the cost of a different block. It still might be worth it even if the block is bad.

[Schmieder]

$300 seems over priced for a block you suspect there is an issue with

Even if it included hardened internals that can handle boost? Such as stronger pistons, rods and crank?

I believe it has a double timing chain or whatever its called. The timing chain is doubled up.

Ehh, I'm going to probably pass. Especially since I want to rebuild a short block myself in the coming year or two. And take my time at it. Get a known good block bored/honed, stronger pistons to match. Basically build the short block to handle heavy amounts of boost. I would like to get 30-35 psi. But I need to investigate parts and what not. The goal is to have a well built car with lots of boost, NOS and not have any issues. It will be my mechanical pet.

[Schmieder]

Only way to really do it GOOD would be to get it sonic checked, but then it has to be down to a bare block. I would look at what parts are included in the short block, look at the prices of the parts if you bought the separate, and then the cost of a different block. It still might be worth it even if the block is bad.

It is worth considering. I have some investigating to do.


Thanks guyz

[geoffinbc]

A 3X00 short block here is only $99 so I would say you are getting ripped