To rebuild or not rebuild, that's the question!

[markjohnson]

On the subject of these 1972 casting LS-6's, I have one and have seen several others so there are definitly a number of them out there. Mine is also gang stamped TO610CRR with no VIN #. The block is a #289 block, not the #512, and has a F-7-72 casting date. Even the cylinder heads are 1972 castings with the rectagular port/closed chamber configuration. This motor has never been apart until I purchased it and verified what it was. Don't forget that motor has factory forged pistons and they tend to burn a little until they warm up to operating temp. It's a hot rod, they require more maintenence than a regular car. If you feel that you have to rebuild that motor, just use a good Fel-Pro permatorque head gasket and you'll be fine. NO WAY would I ever attempt to deck that motor and have the machine shop forget to stop the grinder, answer the phone, pass on to another machinist, and lose those numbers on the front. It doesn't need it. Bad things do happen. Too risky.