Long Block checkup for new engine.. a few q's

[Pablo]

I am looking at purchasing a 4.1 long block with low miles (around 1000) that has billet center caps. To be sure it is in good condition I wanted to do a few things. Please give me any suggestions. Here is what I plan to do, let me know if I am going about this the wrong way or not. I also have some questions along the way.

Just wanted to go over the basics on this:

First thing I was planning on pulling all of the spark plugs and inspecting them for obvious signs of detonation, overheating, or oil fouling.
Would there be any oil on them because the rings were in the process of seating?
I am expecting to just find clean plugs.

Then I was going to do a compression check to verify that all cyls were even.

I would then drain the oil into a clean pan and using a strong light to look through the stream of oil.
This is to check for metallic particles. Then I was planning on pulling the pan and checking the pan and the pickup for any metallic particles.

Would I find any metallic particles on a new build with 1000 miles?


I was then planning on removing just one main cap. Is it ok just to remove the #3 cap? I figured that would be the cap to see the most abuse if the engine were hammered. Good plan?

If all is good I should just see a solid and smooth grey bearing face, correct?

The engine was built by a reputable turbo buick builder so I wasn't planning on checking clearances (I verified it was built by the builder with the builder)

Then of course I need to retorque the cap. The mains are studded..

What is the torque spec on main studs?

The engine is in the car but unfortunately can't be run because it is missing quite a few parts. Any other suggestions on things to check?

I'm planning on going to inspect and hopefully purchase the engine tomorrow. Just want to be sure I'm spending my money wisely.

Thanks for any advice.