How safe are used vortec engines?

[pontiacgp]

If I can't hear the engine run I always check an engine to see what the torque is to rotate the engine with the plugs out. That'll at least tell you if something is wrong like a bent crank or problems with the valve train..with the plugs out it should be 25~35 ft pounds to turn it over

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

That is a good tip, thanks.

 

[Yav8]

If I can't hear the engine run I always check an engine to see what the torque is to rotate the engine with the plugs out. That'll at least tell you if something is wrong like a bent crank or problems with the valve train..with the plugs out it should be 25~35 ft pounds to turn it over

The L31 vortec motor use the light metric rings so they turn over quite easy with the plugs out. That light ring package is one reason these motor make so much power in stock form.

 

[pontiacgp]

If I can't hear the engine run I always check an engine to see what the torque is to rotate the engine with the plugs out. That'll at least tell you if something is wrong like a bent crank or problems with the valve train..with the plugs out it should be 25~35 ft pounds to turn it over

The L31 vortec motor use the light metric rings so they turn over quite easy with the plugs out. That light ring package is one reason these motor make so much power in stock form.

I don't know how much the rings would reduce the torque since there is still the rotating mass and the valve train. What are the specs for the L31?

 

[Yav8]

You do understand that the more drag on the cylinder walls the more power it takes away from the total hp output. The metric rings are 1.5 1.5 and the bottom ring 4mm. Along with the lighter rings and pistons the rotating mass is also reduced. The motor in stock form makes a lot of power for just a little money. I always suggest that people just do a simple rebuild using the stock pistons and ring package and up grade the cam. The big thing is the heads, for just a $100+ you can get a used vortec intake or for a little more a new one. Even the stock factory roller cam with only a upgrade to 1.6 rockers will put most any gbody in the 13s with ease.

 

[pontiacgp]

I am well aware of drag, if you don't know what he actual specs are for the torque to turn the engine over all the info you post is irrelevant