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.
Considering how cheap a 5.3 is, I wouldn't take a chance on it. You're better off finding a different block.
__________________
Law of Mechanical Repair, After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.
Law of Probability, The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.
LS3 418, 248/254 615/595 with XER and XE lobes. AFR 225, 1 7/8 Hedman headers from BRP. 200-4R. 9" Ford rear with 3:50 gears.
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.
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!
How does an oil galley get a hole in it like that?
__________________ , Factory LS2 (364) crank, rods, pistons, N/A , A.S. 5.3 heads, LG G5X4 camshaft, FAST 90/90, Performabuilt level 3 4L60E, ARH 1 7/8's, Circle D 230mm converter, full lineup of Spohn hardware out back -- P.B.= 9.87@134.8 - 60'= 1.30 10/19/09
Speed Density Tuned by Kaltech tuning on Long Island www.kaltechtuning.com
Did this with a GM head and pump gas!
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 have a block just like that, I sold the main caps on ebay and plan to scrap the rest. I have 3 good 5.3 blocks as well for $125ea and I'm not far from NC.
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.
The only problem is, there is a big difference in building race winning engines and knowing how to weld cast iron, so it won't crack or break later.
__________________
Law of Mechanical Repair, After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.
Law of Probability, The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.
LS3 418, 248/254 615/595 with XER and XE lobes. AFR 225, 1 7/8 Hedman headers from BRP. 200-4R. 9" Ford rear with 3:50 gears.
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.....
Can this hole be fixed (cast iron block) photo posted 
, Factory LS2 (364) crank, rods, pistons, N/A , A.S. 5.3 heads, LG G5X4 camshaft, FAST 90/90, Performabuilt level 3 4L60E, ARH 1 7/8's, Circle D 230mm converter, full lineup of Spohn hardware out back -- P.B.= 9.87@134.8 - 60'= 1.30 10/19/09
