Sleeved LaSalle 322 flathead

[z3skybolt]

Looking for opinions,

I am considering a 1940 Cadillac with an overhauled LaSalle 322 engine.  The owner states that it has been "sleeved" and bored out to Cadillac 346 specs.  I am aware of sleeving but always thought that it was only used if the block was thin or perhaps cracked and repaired.

Appreciate comments from those with experience or technical knowledge.

Thanks,

Bob

[wheikkila]

Hi Bob
That is true for the most part. But, anytime you bore a cylinder you run the risk of having a bad spot in the block casting. Blocks rust from the coolant side out. The older the block the more imperfections you may find.  I'm currently having my 322 engine rebuilt for my 1940 La Salle. I'm having all the cylinders sleeved and then bored to 346. This will ensure a long life of the engine.
Thanks Wayne   

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

G'day Bob,

I concur with Wayne.

Sleeving cylinders can be done to repair, and enhance engines, and you have to remember that the HT4100 engines were virtually a Sleeved Engine, albeit not a good example.

Years ago, I had an engine that had seen many hard miles on the racing circuit, that had been sleeved a few times, due to breaking parts, and the last time, it was sleeved with the thickest sleeves, which I think were "D" size for the bore, and then bored out to .065 oversize.

Bruce.

[fishnjim]

Anything can be messed up, but if done properly, it's the only way one has to repair some blocks.   If worn, cracked, or out of plumb can not easily add back/repair cast iron and remachine.   That's what the sleeve does.   
Always have a potential buy checked out by a mechanic, if you're not familiar.   Taking the sellers word for it, is iffy at best.   He should provide documentation, engine shop orders, pictures, before/after, etc,  if he's reputable.

[LaSalle5019]

I wouldn't let the block being sleeved cause you concern and prevent you from purchasing.  It is done all the time on most any engine.  If done properly, it is just as good as a non-sleeved engine.
Scott