302 Block

Can they approximate the year car is it out of. Do you want a late model 302 or an early model 302?

Obviously after sitting exposed to the elements, it's going to be pretty rusty. Look for pitting on the cylinder walls and lifter bores, since you don't want to pick it up and find out that it's worthless because it would take too much of an overbore to true up the cylinders. If you have an inside micrometer, or access to one, bring it along and mic the cylinders and mains. Also, if you have some sort of straight edge, you could bring it along and check the deck for straightness. If it's tapped in the lifter valley for the spider hold down, chances are it's a late model roller block. If it appears that it would accept a one piece rear main seal, that's also an indication of being a late model block. Aside from that, look for any obvious cracks anywhere along the main webbing. The inconspicuous ones would probably be found after being magnafluxed, if you opted to have that done when getting the block hot tanked/machined.

Sitting in the weather on a stand like that is only going to "season" it. Not going to hurt anything. Only if it was something special would I ever pay $95 for it. It would have to be an 86-2001 roller block, a D8VE block or a Mexican block

D.Hearne said:

Sitting in the weather on a stand like that is only going to "season" it. Not going to hurt anything. Only if it was something special would I ever pay $95 for it. It would have to be an 86-2001 roller block, a D8VE block or a Mexican block

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I agree with D.Hearne that even with a $30 engine stand included it isn't worth $95. Maybe $50-70 if everything is in good condition.

Possibly in the south sitting outside like that won't hurt anything, but in my part of the country even sitting inside a garage without a liberal coating of grease the block could get ruined with deep rust. I would check the bores with a fingernail and make sure nothing catches your finger. Also bring something to check and make sure the block has never been bored. If the cylinders are already 0.030" over, pass!