New ls3 crate engine warranty/ block cracked... Feedback

[icemanrd19]

So i have a two week old ls3 480hp version new crate motor from pace performance. Today i went to install the engine to the t56 transmission and install it in my car. We installed everything to TQ specs and the right sequence. We then lifted the transmission in place and slid it into the engine. After some wiggling the shaft finally slide right in to the put the bolts holding the bell housing to the motor. Everything seems good so far. BTW we left the bolts holding the bell housing to the transmission little loose also. So after i made sure everything was pull up close against the transmission i then i loosened up some of the bell housing bolts to the motor so i can install some anti seeze on them. The bolts to the bell housing were already loose and had antiseeze on them so i started to tighten them all up using a 3/8s ratchet. First bolt was fine. i then went to tighten up the second bolt below the transmission tube bracket and all of a sudden a heard a loud crack. Someone while tightening the bolts to the bell housing to the transmission the edge of the block just gave away. Buddy of mine how has a full restoration shop and install plenty of LS motors in 1st gens said he has never seen anything like this before.

Would GM warranty this? Where do you go for the crate engine warranties? What caused this? Have you ever seen something like this? I don't feel comfortable getting the block welded and i don't think i should have to with a brand new engine. Engine was support by a engine hoist and a board under the oil pan. The transmission was supported by a small board where it would have bolted to the crossmember.

WTF do i do?


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/20150516_120128_resized-1.jpg (http://s30.photobucket.com/user/icemanrld19/media/20150516_120128_resized.jpg.html)
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[cactuss4]

Holy crud.. Could a cross threaded bolt done that, meaning someone went in crooked with an impact? oofda, hope you can get this resolved without visiting an ATM.. Good luck man!

[icemanrd19]

nope. that bolt was loose enough that i could screw it with my hand right before i started on the bell housing to trans bolts. That I'm 100% certain of. I didn't use a impact on any of that.

[another69]

Did it crack while tightening the lowest bolt? Sounds more like the trans/bellhousing was not fully seated against the motor than a hydrolocked bolt. Either way plan on using studs in the future. If GM does not warranty it you may be buying a new block. At least the machine work should be minimal. I'm sorry that happened to you!

[icemanrd19]

I noticed this thread. Same cracked area. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=212252

The pilot bearing was checked though and I'm using the stock ls7 clutch assembly that comes with the pace unit

[Mike52]

Warranty applies to defects in workmanship and materials, not your workmanship but the parties responsible for manufacturing the product. I would tend to agree with another69 in post #4, it sounds like the bellhousing wasn't completely against the engine and you attempted to use the bolt to pull the two together, it got in a bind before you realized it causing the block to snap(JMO!!). I've seen similar things happen in the past. Installation errors, if there was one, are not covered by warranty. You are going to have a fight on your hands getting this warrantied from GM.
BTW, I submit warranty claims 8hrs a day, 5 days a week at a large GM dealer. Good luck.

Mike

[Z06vet]

This happened to a buddy of mine when he started tightening the the bellhousing bolts all on one side instead of small increments, skipping around to opposite bolts so it gets drawn in evenly. It was his first time installing a trans to a motor. Before I could catch what he was doing, the damage was done. His was a hairline crack that could barely be seen... and we didnt until we started the car. The crack was in the oil galley on the side of the block and leaked oil. That really sucks, and I feel for you. Explore your options and try to make the best of the situation. Scott

[TheJDMan]

I have to agree it looks like the bellhousing was in a bind. It will be interesting to see if they warranty it but I suspect this is going to be on your dime.

[icemanrd19]

I was bairly tightening them with a 3/8 ratchet and just starting to tighten the first one on the bell housing to transmission. Theres no way something should have broke this easy. Both the bell housing to the engine and the bell housing to engine already touched and i was starting to tighten each bolt in order to tq them.

Sorry I'm not that strong sitting down tighten bolts that it should cause a engine to break.

Worst case if i have to buy another block whats the cost of swapping everything over to a new block or should i go a different route?

[Mike]

Man that sucks, Randy. I hope they help in some way.

[minendrews68]

yes, keep us up to date. it seems odd that cracked where it did, not to mention two of them. I would look at the cracked surfaces and see if there was any air pockets in it.

[icemanrd19]

claim in is. GM was actually pretty easy to deal with. A DM of GM came over and looked at the engine today. He thinks that GM will take care of it. I will keep everyone updated. If this all works out Im going to need a new car soon. GM helps me on this one ill end up buying a new 4 door truck off of them.

[cactuss4]

That sounds really promising.. Man that would be awesome!!

Oh and if they just send you another complete engine and tell you to do what you want with that one.. DIBS!!! :))) <scavenger!>

Tory

[D.Alman]

Man I sure hope they take care of it for you. I would be sick over this !! Keep us posted !

[icemanrd19]

GM is a no go. Trying to see if the DMA will help me out. Maybe cut me a break on something. That was GMs advice to contact the engine supplier.

Side note whats everyone think my best option is? New GM block and swap everything over is going to run about $1500 for the block and another $900 to swap everything in. Lets just call it $2400 to $2500 plus gaskets etc. For little more can i get a lot more? Stroker kit, Forge bottom end? whats everyones thoughts?

[icemanrd19]

Pace performance actually worked something out with me. Money has to come out of my pocket but i think this is by far the fairest deal that i could get. Honestly I'm pretty damn happy. They manage to help me with cost, time, and future warranty.

[Z06vet]

sounds like a stand up company. glad you were able to get this worked out.

[Mike52]

That's great news! I had a feeling GM would refer you back to Pace since that's where the purchase was made. Sounds like Pace is taking care of you which is sending good vibs to others that might want to consider them for a future purchase.

[cactuss4]

Fantastic!! Glad this issue is almost behind you and they mitigated the pain, way to go Pace!
Tory

[icemanrd19]

yes pace really surprised me. Another guy that i know needs to buy a lsa connect and cruise soon. I will convince him to get it thru pace now and hopefully all future LS 1st gen swaps

[garys 68]

I saw a similar break before. Was the oil pan aligned correctly? If it sticks out beyond the back of the engine, the block can crack when the trans is bolted on.
Best to loosen all the oil pan bolts before tightening the trans.

[icemanrd19]

pan doesn't stick out at all. autokraft oil pan

Engine is all crated up and ready to ship. I even asked them for a price on a lsa t56 package since someone i know wants to buy one very soon. I told him my story and he is going to buy the setup from pace