I have been searching for a rebuild-able 360/390 block on craigslist for a couple of months. This guy is asking $250, said it is seized. He got it at a swap meet so he doesn't know much about it. He hasn't touched it since he bought it in Nov.
Couple of questions:

• Is it a good idea to have a "siezed" block rebuilt?
• Can you help identify these numbers....Heads: C8AE-H
• C8TE9425A
• 311
• D2TE94*0AA

What else should I look at to see if this block is worth rebuilding?

Thanks

 

Casting numbers are garden variety parts for '68 (the C8... number) and '72, (the D2TE number). The D2 looks like an exhaust manifold? If so, it is simply an FE manifold for a pickup.

A seized block---well, it ain't so much the block as the parts moving around in it. What seized? If pistons stuck, then you have to examine the bores. Check the diameter, and check the depth of any grooves. If the undamaged portion reads out 4.050 or so, and the grooves are less than .025 deep, you are in good shape. Check for out of round, ridges, and check undamaged areas of the bores down in the middle of the bore.

If a main bearing seized, what damage was done to the main bearing saddles? Those can be resized and cleaned up, but I am not sure what amount of damage is considered fixable.

So then you have a block...

Seems to me just plain worn out 360s don't go for much over $250 but I'd have to search that out. I found some threads with showing a little over $400 as a core charge for an FE, another fellow paying $250 each for two bare blocks.

Anyway, the damage has to be fixable and if are still unsure after looking, ask the fellow if he will meet you at a machine shop for an inspection. (find a good shop first) Serving suggestion... Good luck.