The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine and tranny in storage

I purchased an LT1 and a 4L60E last July from a running car.The car was a 1995 model year with a 118,000 miles on it...well taken care of until someone tried to pass another car by utilizing the ditch!

How long can I store the combo, i.e., special provisions needed and what should I do to circumvent future storage issues? So far, only the oil has been drained. A couple more years are probably in the picture unless some of you would like to move in!

If it was still running you could use some fogging spray on the engine before storage. Best to store engines and transmissions in climate controlled environments. If I was in your position, I would sell that drivetrain and save up for an LS version, when the time comes, rather than store it in less than desirable conditions for years.

SimS

I agree with Sim...take the money from selling the engine and trsnny and put it towards that future project vehicle. A year from now a buyer will consider it as scrap and won't want to pay anything for it as the true condition of it is unknown...

Mike B

The trans will store pretty much forever as long as all the holes are plugged- - - -fill tube, case vent, and a slip yoke plugged into the back of the case to seal the output shaft hole.

Here's a trick for long term engine storage- - - - -drain as much oil as possible, seal off the intake and exhaust with wood or metal (not duct tape) and turn the engine upside down. The residual oil will creep past the piston rings and keep the combustion chambers wet, preventing cylinder rusting and other nasty stuff caused by a few valves being open to the atmosphere.
Jerry

hmmm. I never heard of the upside down engine storage. Learn something new everyday.