How's this block look?
 

Hi, I'm looking at buying a used built bottom end. This engine has only a few thousand miles on the build and has supertech parts. How do the pistons and cylinder walls look? I don't have much experience with engines so any input would really be appreciated. I hope to run up to 500whp on this block...

Here's the pics:

The scoring on 4 would disturb me.

500 whp? I do have some magic beans for sale that might help you out...

Can you take it buy a machine shop. If #4 has issues they may can hole it and you throw new rings on it. Or it may not be bad. But from pictures it is kinda hare to read. That is more of a feel it type deal.

Good luck.

mmm... 500whp on used parts? take those magic beans - you will need them!

Maybe he meants 500 on the block, not bottom end. I dont think it looks terrible, but not good either. My 110k mile stock block had zero scoring, and still had hints of the stock cross hatching. That having only "a few thousand miles on a rebuild" worries me.

since when did we stop considering bottom end a part of block? anyways... i would take it to machine shop for expection although it doesnt look that great to me from pics.

also... why is that guy selling bottom end? did something happen to the engine?

500whp haha that thing better be built with some hardcore shit, not to mention have a helluva valvetrain/head to rev high and flow ungodly amounts of air, because 500whp will require a large ass turbo.

anyways, I think the statements "I dont have experience with engines" and "aiming for 500whp" are ironic

But it has studs!

BTW, whats up with that crooked ass dowel near #1? Looks like its still pressed into the block, but its very crooked. Maybe its just resting on the block.

Was just being optimistic. The block itself is the only thing shown that looks to be 500 capable. What looks to be stock pistons isnt a good start. I would pass myself. Depends on what he wants for it too. I myself wouldnt give over $250 for it, and thats even a bit more than I would want to give for a block I had no idea about, especially since its "built". But then again, does it come with everything in the picture? Might be worth it for the accessories.

threads like this frighten me.

for comparison:

http://boostedmiata.com/blown_engine...8Medium%29.JPG

unknown mileage, overheated motor..... hasn't given me an ounce of issue, compression is great and doesn't eat a drop of oil.

vs.

notice the piston here.... and the walls:

http://boostedmiata.com/blown_engine..._piston001.JPG

this motor ate 1qt every 500-1000 miles and had horrible blow-by...





now look at this, brand new hone....probably <200 miles on the block. Ring didn't seem to set well and it lost compression...but look at the piston top...

http://boostedmiata.com/random/hone.jpg





if i were you I'd want to look at it in person, I know the vertical scoring can look much worse in pictures....

I'm going to leak my motor when I get it back...or take some paxil.

This is not something you want to take anyones advice on from looking at pictures, take it to a reputable shop and they will tell you right away. Have them also check for warpage...it is less apparent than than scoring and just as likely on a used block.
What is the story on the block anyways?

hone it and install it. and use fucking MACRO on your damn camera.

if you cant catch a finger nail on the score marks dont worry its normal to have some scoring as long as you cant catch a fingernail or feel them in anyway, but 500 come on you would want new pistons and a fresh bore

well that's the point. $500 for something loaded with new pistons and rods already. New Supertech pistons and rings will cost him a minimum of $500 in parts, plus the effort taking it apart, plus the machine work cost...

I got a smokin deal on rods and supertech pistons from Belfab. I don't know if he still does it, or if I should publicly discuss it, but the deal was so good that I couldn't resist.

PM me if you're interested and I'll tell you what I gave for them.