I have pushed my 96 Z28 'vert to its limits and the rev limiter bounced the tach a few times at its upper end and the result is a rod nock that appears at 3000 rpms. I plan on a rebuild or replace. I craigslisted a 97 LT1 with 100K that is pan to intake all there. He claims it ran great when pulled last year and has it on a stand. Just never got to his project. If I go a straight swap, and look at this engine, what can I look for beyond oil and plugs to get an idea as to the condition of this engine?

 

A compression test will tell you what kind of condition the engine is in. Personally, if I bought the engine, the first thing I'd do is tear it down to the block and replace it with new gaskets unless you are confident after a few minor tests that it is indeed a good engine. You could even just replace your broken one with the new one and rebuild your old one.

 

The last engine I bought I went thru eBay to get it. At least that way there is some security so you don't get screwed. You can say anything on Craigslist so you really have to be cautious.