Used Engine Block Purchase Considerations

Shopping for an engine block on the web can help engine builders quickly find the block they are interested in.  However, the engine builder must ask the appropriate questions before purchasing this often costly engine part.

There is no short supply of engine blocks being sold across the internet.  A good portion of these blocks could have defects or damage that makes them unsuitable, which is why it is so important to ask the appropriate questions before the purchase.

When purchasing a block online, it is extremely important to determine what size the cylinders are.  For example, a .030″ over-sized block may have no piston and ring purchase options available to an engine builder that would like a newly machined bore and hone on the cylinder bores.  Another important question to ask is if there was any damage to the rotating assembly, which could negatively impact the align bore specifications on the engine block.  Finally, the automotive enthusiast that is interested in buying an engine block should ask if it has ever been frozen.  An engine block that has been frozen could result in the engine block being cracked.  The state of the casting, and its present tolerances, directly decides how much machining will be required and if the engine block can even be machined.

There are many engine blocks being sold in online auctions that have already been machined.  Whether it’s a Ford engine block, or foreign made block, the automotive enthusiast should determine the quality of the machining that was performed on the block.  Most automotive machine shops can hold close tolerances.   But there are many that can’t.   In fact, there are sellers which will simply hone a few more thousands oversize to leave a fresh crosshatch in each cylinder bore.

The shipping fees for shipping a block may be more costly then one would expect.  Many V6 engine blocks weigh over 120 lbs.  The time in transit an engine block must travel between the buyer and seller also impacts the total shipping costs.  Buyers should anticipate spending a minimum of $80 for shipping and insurance.  If possible, buyers should attempt to negotiate free or discounted shipping with the seller.

Automotive enthusiasts buying an engine block online should expect to clean and inspect the engine block.  The inspection routine should include checking for cracks, in addition to determining the tolerances of each cylinder.  If the buyer needs to take the engine block to their local automotive machine shop for inspection, it is better then building an engine that only lasts for one hundred miles.