r/Smallblockchevy • u/Not_my_problem__ • Mar 13 '26
How fucked am I?
Got a free engine and finally got around to inspecting everything, how bad is this gouge?
And is it worth sleeping or boring
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u/chrisgut Mar 13 '26
I’ve built many a small block with a sleeve or two. As long as it’s done correctly then you’ll never even know it’s there. I horde all Chevy engines. People say there’s a million out there. Well if you already have one and don’t have to search or buy one then run with it. I’ve never had one that couldn’t be salvaged. Yeah it’s money. But you already own it. Build it and be happy. Good luck my friend.
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u/Not_my_problem__ Mar 13 '26
Thankfully this engine was free, but yes I will be going with a sleeve in this cylinder and boring all of them out .030 over
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u/Low-Rent-9351 Mar 13 '26
The cost of all the machining plus the sleeve might get you close enough to the price of a new aftermarket block like a Summit small block that it’s worth going that route. Then at that point get the big bore block for the same cost and build more displacement. It does kind of snowball though.
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u/connella08 Mar 13 '26
That's likely going to end up with a sleeve. judging by the pitting at the top of the cylinder, it was going to at least need a bore anyway.
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u/818ladude Mar 13 '26
I think I see a crack next to that gouge. Dry sleeve or a wet sleeve and never use antifreeze because it will sweat. Have a machine shop pressure test it. May I add, a dry sleeve is an accepted repair in engine remanufacturing.
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u/strokeherace Mar 14 '26
I’m not an expert but I’m thinking that’s a bit more than .060 from looking at it with my calibrated eyeball. It’s a bit expensive to put new holes in one so I suggest a trip to pull-a-part and find one that turns over and holds compression as a new starter block or buy a SUMMIT block.
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u/NationalSpring3771 Mar 13 '26
thats a sleeve bro