VIN #on machined block

[Troy R.]

New member probably old question?
carfax states only two previous owners
I recently purchased a 96 , LT1 straight body, dirty interior with usual issues ,normal weatherstrip issues, seized engine, oily engine suspected intake leaking excessively, and blown head gaskets found water in combustion chambers upon teardown also freeze plug above starter pushed out,sat for at least 4 years, tore down, drove pistons out with hammer,luckily heads pressured check ,guides good , seats within tolerance , new intakes because others rusted severaly on intake side , planed
Block cleaned up @60 k ,line bore , magna flux etc was , sludged up from previous owner Decked due to excess allowable clearences
Broach mark were deeper than the lightly stamped VIN#, and they were heavier on the bottom than the top of the numerial, unable to save , but did retain opposite stamped engine numbers , have pictures before numbers didnt come thru cleary

I know that this vehicle is far from the judging circuit , but do I have any options?????, what is recommended, what would the judges say to do
I am using a master engine kit , topshelf, after market componets including erson cam , better rod bolts and refurbished
Is there some stealership oem gaskets that I should use instead

Guidence Please

Troy Royalty
just noth of the Bowling Green Plant on 31W in Pleasure Ridge Park KY

[Joe L.]

Re: VIN #on machined block

New member probably old question?
carfax states only two previous owners
I recently purchased a 96 , LT1 straight body, dirty interior with usual issues ,normal weatherstrip issues, seized engine, oily engine suspected intake leaking excessively, and blown head gaskets found water in combustion chambers upon teardown also freeze plug above starter pushed out,sat for at least 4 years, tore down, drove pistons out with hammer,luckily heads pressured check ,guides good , seats within tolerance , new intakes because others rusted severaly on intake side , planed
Block cleaned up @60 k ,line bore , magna flux etc was , sludged up from previous owner Decked due to excess allowable clearences
Broach mark were deeper than the lightly stamped VIN#, and they were heavier on the bottom than the top of the numerial, unable to save , but did retain opposite stamped engine numbers , have pictures before numbers didnt come thru cleary

I know that this vehicle is far from the judging circuit , but do I have any options?????, what is recommended, what would the judges say to do
I am using a master engine kit , topshelf, after market componets including erson cam , better rod bolts and refurbished
Is there some stealership oem gaskets that I should use instead

Guidence Please

Troy Royalty
just noth of the Bowling Green Plant on 31W in Pleasure Ridge Park KY

Troy------


I wish you had asked this question PRIOR to having the block machined. It is rarely necessary to machine ("deck") the surface of a block. Even if thee engine otherwise requires a lot of machine work to "get things right", surfacing the block is usually not needed. However, sometimes machine shops do this as a matter of routine. I don't recommend it, though, even if "numbers" are not a concern. The proper thing to do is to check the block's deck surfaces with a precision straight edge and feeler gauge. Usually, this will reveal no problems requiring surfacing. Of course, if one side is out-of-spec, both sides have to be machined.

However, this is all, apparently "water-under-the-bridge" at this point. So, what are your options now? Well, I would say your best option is just to leave everything the way it is now.