Can this hole be fixed (cast iron block) photo posted
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Can this hole be fixed (cast iron block) photo posted Hey guys, I have a 5.3 cast iron block that has a hole the size of the tip of my pinkie finger. You are looking at the #7 cylinder, motor is upside down on the stand. Not sure if that is the water jacket or not. On both ends of the block there is a cap to this channel. Can this be fixed?? If so, can it be fixed correctly that I wouldn't have to worry about it. I would obviously like to salvage the block if possible. Please give me some insight and opinions. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
I know you guys said to scrap the block but.... I have a very close family friend that owns a machine shop and has been building race winning engines for many many years that said he wants to look at it first. I showed him the picture I have posted and he said that thinks he can fix it without to much issue. This guy has forgotten more than most of us will ever learn so I am going to trust his opinion when he looks at it in person. I will fill you in on what he says.
Trending Topics
Waste of time 5.3 blocks are cheap!! Why chance building it to have it fail again 100 miles down the road after you have a few hundred in bearings and gaskets in it. Spend 50-100 for a block and have no worries!
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?
Pouria Savadkouei
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
yes, the #8 rod broke and caught the block. You are right......no sense in taking a chance on it. My problem is finding just a block. I called several places today and nobody has just a block. I talked to Tick Performance and they have an LS1 block for $250 but he told me he doesn't know if the cylinders can be cleaned up so I surely don't want to spend that kind of money on something that I don't even know can be cleaned up. If anyone on here is in the NC/SC area and have a block let me know and I will contact you.
I know you guys said to scrap the block but.... I have a very close family friend that owns a machine shop and has been building race winning engines for many many years that said he wants to look at it first. I showed him the picture I have posted and he said that thinks he can fix it without to much issue. This guy has forgotten more than most of us will ever learn so I am going to trust his opinion when he looks at it in person. I will fill you in on what he says.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
You are 100% correct.....he can do both. I am still going to get another block regardless. Do you guys think I should go with a cast iron 5.3 block bored to 5.7 or just go with a LS1 block to start with. My ride is a 02 Tahoe 2wd.....
