Expert: Dan Liddy - 1/11/2010

Question
QUESTION: Dear Dan,

I have asked you some question like 2years ago about books on car handling, perhaps you might remember a guy with Aston Martin N24 in Poland. I hope you are doing well and still are active on the allexperts... Unfortunately due to that crisis our client didnt have $$ to race the aston last year so she just spend all season under the sheet, what a waste, we had to run with some ugly 996 gt3 instead..
but to the point, we have this March 86a wildcat in our garage  and it is about to be sold(at last) but unfortunately we have noticed that the engine block has been cracked and welded. We have a client for the car but he asked if we could find him the block for replacement in case the welding job is poor. So here is a question for you- how hard it will be to find this sort of block in US it is v6 buick a310. We know that this engines were quite popular, the other bits ie crankshafts, cylinders, heads looks fine, but the detroit iron is needed.

Your help will most appreciated.
Yours faithfull
Martin



ANSWER: Hi Martin,

I'd been wondering how you were doing over there.

If you will do a Google search for Used Buick Parts, you'll find page after page of places that sell that kind of thing. I'm sure engines ar still available, though you might have difficulty finding a block only. The only problem remaining will be getting it from here to there- - -I'm afraid your wallet is in for a shock.

If your current engine is dis-assembled, take the block to an engine machinist and have him check the alignment of the main bearing webs. At the same time you can have him align hone the block .  If it's true there's no reason to question it's integrity. If it's a little off, that's what the honing process cures.

Also inspect the weld both inside and out for neatness and consistency. If it looks professional, it most likely is solid.

That's all I can suggest for now, but feel free to write any time !!

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida USA

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello,

wow, that was seriously quick!
The problem is that the welding is not looking that pretty. The car is in one piece as it is going for sale but our client is going to work on the car himself but he wants to start the season somwhere in april. So his concern was whether this blocks are easily available in case he needs one reasonably quickly. We have been told the engine is just after rebuilt so it should be ok it is just a precaution.
The last year was hard for us because of the crisis but this year looks nore promising - the Aston might just have a mate with a prancing horse on the bonnet;) I hope this time both of them will be out his year.
The highlight for 2009 season was a 1000km race (public road track) in 996 gt3 we have finished like 34 or 36 as we had lots os problems with the car, brakes, oil ducts, gearbox, wheel hub you name it!

For the rest of the season we  must have turn to rallies to make the living - how bad is that.  

Answer
Well then Good luck !!  

I'm sure engines and blocks can be found here, just a matter of doing the legwork.  It always amazes me that so MUCH junk stuff like that is still available. I have a neighbor up the street who wrecked his 1912 Ford Speedster. A custom race car of the era. He wasn't worried in the least about procurement of spares.

Best of luck with it !!  Rally on !

Dan