Okay, I am new to these motors ('92 3800 */c). I haven't gotten the car yet, but will have the motor out and on a stand.

Now I do NOT want to do anything I don't need to. I will check any obvious leaks, broken items, do the filter and plugs (probably wires too). Are there any things I should really investigate that may no leave any telltale signs?

The motor is 3 years old. It'* a GM crate, done at the dealer with about 90K kilometers on it. I am assuming that although it isn't old, it is still a Series I but will find out when I get it. It appears to run fine with no problems.

Thanks for your help.

Gary

There'* really no surprises with these. Good pushrod engines. You may consider adding a timing chain and gears to your list while you have it out, and POSSIBLY a water pump if it'* been sitting for awhile. This is a used motor? I'm not really sure......it depends on what they did. At least check for timing chain slack and free motion on the water pump. They may not have replaced the chain if it was 'in spec' and sitting for awhile can be bad for a water pump. It'* easier to deal with these things on a stand than later. Neither are expensive.

The typical long-term storage head gasket failures won't be an issue for you. With the cast iron block and heads, and metallic gaskets, you're good to go.