Well, I said I'd share what I've been going through since things were looking sketchy in this thread: http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=498697.

I bought a 383 block in the group purchase that VRE held back in May or so of last year. I had them send it to Haddad Motorsports where I intended for them to install the heads and cam in my sig, plus the Milodon oil pan that I bought from VRE. I eventually got the assembled motor from Haddad in September. Along with the help of my good friend who is also on this board, we slowly began the process of installing the motor back into my car. It took a while because of waiting for parts, work, school, and everything else going on that my car had to take a back seat to.

Fast forward to Jan. 16, the night that I expected to start the car up for the first time in eternity. Everything is buttoned up, all that is left is to drop in the coolant, and tranny fluid. I pour in the coolant and a few minutes after I top it all off, I realize there is a leak beneath the car. Thought it would be a hose. But no, my friend spots the leak coming from a crack in the shortblock! All I could do was laugh and stare, with my luck, I don't know why I would ever expect the car to start again.

The crack is horizontal, less than an inch in length. It's on the pass. side, number 2 cylinder. It's not easy to detect, aside from when the coolant drips from it. I will post a pic or two when I can figure out how to do so.

I figured I was sold a bad block. VRE countered that they magnaflux the motors they build, that it could have happened anytime between when it was in my hands. So, I begin to wonder if the motor was either negligently or maliciously swapped at HMS. Fortunately, and wisely, VRE engraves serial numbers on their blocks. After looking, I realize that it IS my block.

I am stumped as to how a brand new IRON LT1 block can have a horizontal crack, in the spot that it was found. What I do know is, I did not cause the crack. I did pick it up from HMS, loaded it into the back of a truck, safely delivered to my garage where it sat suspended by the lift and supported by a car tire (the same one I transported it to my garage in) until it was finally put into the car. I (nor others that have seen it) cannot see this type of crack in an iron block being created from a simple drop, but maybe I'm wrong

I'm tired of working on this thing, yet I'm going to have to pull it out again . I don't feel like I should have to come out of my pockets again for this, especially when it's practically a brand new setup. Yet, VRE and HMS have their sides, both have been communicative, Eric from VRE has been very helpful. What are your conclusions on a crack like this? I've searched and have yet to find someone with a crack on the outside of the motor. Is the method of maganfluxing 100% in detecting cracks? Can this type of crack (based on its location, size, and direction) be a result of being dropped? What are your suggestions?

 

Daniel,
As I had said on the phone previously:

1) All our cores are mangnfluxed and checked for physical inperfections.

2) Because your engine is stroker clearanced your engine was pressure checked for 24 hours. If there was a crack in the water jacket it would have shown up in this process.

3) There was no crack when we shipped Haddad Motorsports the engine 8 months ago. (Not saying they did anything wrong, but just stating the facts)

I have offered differenct options of repairing the problem, but have not heard back from you. I have also been in contact with Mike from HMS, on your behalf, regarding this issue. As I told you previously we will be closed next week, but if you would like to contact me on Monday the 12th I will work with you to come to a conclusion.