[styx169]

I have a Pontiac 400 that I had stored (unfortunately outside in the elements) for the past 8 years. It was covered, but after ripping the motor apart, I found rust on the walls of 2 of the 8 cylinders. I do know that work was done to this motor and it is pushing a decent amount of HP. What was done, I have no idea. At the time I had no clue what the guy was telling me about what was done.

My question is this: What are my options with this block? I would like to keep everything(crank, cam, etc.) the same, if possible.

[Jeff Walker]

How bad's the rust? Has the engine been bored, and if so how much? More than likely you will need to get it rebored if there is enought meat left in the cylinder walls.

[styx169]

I'm pretty sure that it has been bored. It is pushing too much power not to be. The rust doesn't seem too bad, but is raised compared to the cylinder wall.

What is the easiest way to remove the surface rust? This way I could see if the rust pitted them.

[smagnotti]

If cleaning off the walls with the stochbrite side of a new dish washing sponge and some ATF will not remove all of it, then its time to check the piston to will clearance on a no rusted cylinder to find out if you can hone in another .002" or so of clearance.

[70judgeconv]

I have a 455 with some pitts on the cylinder walls and it runs great. As long as the rust is not raised like you say it might be then it should be fine. more than likely you are looking at a total rebuild.