ok heres the deal. this guy i know from school has an LS motor for sale. it's just the block and head w/o valve cover. he doesn't kno what year it is but knows it's from the 94-01 integra. it has no:

-tranny
-ecu
-distributor
-motor mounts?

so when i go to look at this motor what kinds of things should i look for? (considering i can't start it up to see how it sounds). i also want to know how i can find out if this motor was stolen. wheres the location of the VIN # on the motor?

 

i know certain shops can hook it up and have it started, but that may cost to much. other then that, make sure its not cracked, obd1 and obd2 will determine what the year is.

 

Spin the crank and make sure the pistons go all the way up. Also, check the cylinder walls. If they are good you should see some diagonal scratches from when the cylinders were factory bored. If you dont see them, or see vertical scratches, then the walls are worn. Look for obvious flaws (cracks, chips, leaks, etc). Oh yeah, and bring a straight edge to make sure the deck is flat. You don't want to buy a warped shortblock. If he's local, you should ask him if you could pay AFTER it starts. But i don't know how well you know him, so that might seem rediculous. Good Luck.