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risk of buying a 2008 SS due to porous block?

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Old 12-19-2023, 01:42 PM
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Question risk of buying a 2008 SS due to porous block?

half tempted to get back into getting another SS after i recently sold my 2010 ss with one that is a manual. the downside inoticed is this is a 2008, which i recall from the factory a bunch had the known porous block. i checked its carfax history and did not see any note of the engine being replaced nor whether the timing chain serviced. the odo currently is at 184k and the current owner (#7) is asking for $4800. its red and started its life in in indiana and basically been passed around south east PA, NJ, DE, and now in south VA. thoughts?
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Old 12-19-2023, 02:55 PM
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IMO, if it's still running at 184k, it's probably good
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Old 12-19-2023, 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by mongo
IMO, if it's still running at 184k, it's probably good
thats what im thinking too. only things left is the timing chain and wp and whether theres rust underneath.

edit- whats everyones thoughts on the sellers asking price? was thinking starting low at like $4k
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Old 12-19-2023, 03:14 PM
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Inspect the ball joints to ensure they are the correct size!
cloyes 9-4201SX timing chain kit and 9-4202SX balance shaft kit
ZZP front guide and replacement upper bolt

https://zzperformance.com/products/z...ng-chain-guide
https://zzperformance.com/products/e...ain-guide-bolt

And a water pump
https://zzperformance.com/products/ecotec-water-pump
Don’t forget the gasket kit
https://zzperformance.com/products/e...ump-gasket-set
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Old 12-19-2023, 03:41 PM
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Rust likely. Experience rustbelt owners develop a 6th sense about when the rust will erupt and that's when they unload it. Ask me how I know.
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Old 12-19-2023, 04:08 PM
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My opinion.
There are nicer SS’s out there to be had. Find a lower mileage one if you plan on keeping it for a while.
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Old 12-19-2023, 05:17 PM
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Re: porous block
A) it would have shown up years ago
B) it doesn't mean what you think. One of the water pump bolt holes was drilled through instead of blind; the fix is teflon tape on the bolt. The other thing sometimes cited is bubbles in the casting that get opened up by machining the head surface.

All of those states are "rust warnings".
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Old 12-20-2023, 06:17 AM
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Anyone curious here's the ad on fb
https://www.face book. com /marketplace/item/1731861850659194/?mibextid=dXMIcH
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Old 12-21-2023, 12:58 AM
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Originally Posted by donbrew
Re: porous block
A) it would have shown up years ago
B) it doesn't mean what you think. One of the water pump bolt holes was drilled through instead of blind; the fix is teflon tape on the bolt. The other thing sometimes cited is bubbles in the casting that get opened up by machining the head surface.

All of those states are "rust warnings".
I don't understand what you conveyed in part B?
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Old 12-21-2023, 07:47 AM
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Some 2.0 engine blocks had issue with the depth of a blind hole drilled and threaded for a water pump bolt, causing a leak , the fix was Teflon tape or sealant on the threads. I don’t remember which bolt of the 4 water pump bolts.
The other issue was residue casting sand in the block that was exposed during the machine process for the block to cylinder head surface allowing coolant leaking into a combustion chamber or oil gallery, bad news in any event.
These issues would have presented themselves years ago, so you should be just fine .
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