I just purchased a 96 SE-R. How do I check for a cracked block? Engine is currently not in the car.

usually blocks dont crack unless the engine is damaged. If the engine is amaged it wont rotate or it will make weird noises when it rotates/runs....

I'd imagine the block would show some serious signs of trauma if it was cracked, but anywyas
Can you do a compression test?

Umm, cheap n nasty - pour petrol or oil into the cylinders and see if it leaks out into the water jacket or slides down to the sump. This will also diagnose ring problems.

Cheers
T