454 tbi equipped C3500 worth it?

[Highpsi]

I know this probably belongs more in the ebay/CL postings section, but I have a few basic questions to ask about what looks like a good deal I just can't pass up.

I've been keeping my eye out for a 454 big block to put in my 86 k10 that I am swapping 1 tons and 38" tires on, and I think I might have just found the truck to take it from.

It is a 1995 C3500 dump truck and the dump is currently KO because the frame mounting is ripped out / damaged. PO says it tore a hydraulic line or something during its last use too. Miles are unknown but it was used as a feed truck for farming locally so it was never run very much over its life, the miles are suspected to be about 65k.

Aside from the needed fabrication repairs to the frame and the obvious rust on the dump box it appears to be in pretty good shape overall. The best part is I can pick it up for $1000.

My question is if that motor with what appears to be a serpentine setup is a desireable transplant? I know this isn't a simple drop in operation and there are difficult considerations such as fuel tank / pump setup, wire harness & ECM installation etc. However, going with a toilet bowl EFI BB over my current SB carbed setup sounds like a good option.

From what I read, the horsepower specs seem awfully low though at like 230 horsepower and 385 ft.-lbs. of torque. Is this motor a good candidate for basic mods and such? The VIN code is "N" so I know it is a TBI 454.

If I could fix the dump box, this thing would be awesome to have around my property for yardwork etc. I would put one of my 350's in it instead and call it a day instead and use the BB in my rig. I'd even consider putting it right back up and selling with the motor and harness removed.

What do you guys think?

 

[sweetk30]

fyi that's not a c3500 truck .

that's a c3500HD up to 15k gvw there a super hd 2wd truck . and some rare 4x4 versions.

the trucks could be had small block if I recall. so that swap is a option.

and don't forget that torqe is were its at on big motors in our 4x4 heavy trucks.

 

[Highpsi]

I was wondering what official badge that thing carries, but its a "3500" of some type the owner says. This is one of those things where the owner doesn't know much, thus he didn't really even know the value of that 454 in there. However, I don't guess that $1k for a used BB is a "great deal" that I just can't pass up.

Was reading in the injection section about 454 tbi and it sounds like the newer year models had smaller, more undesirable injectors so maybe I'd be better to just keep my eye out for a true K or C series 454 tbi, or a better price on a core from one.

I hear ya about the torque thing too - that's what I was thinking that mattered more. At any rate, it doesn't sound like I'd be able to fetch numbers upward of 500 ft. lb. of torque out of that thing without some major bucks being spent on it in the long run. Bet it would still out do my small block though!

 

[sweetk30]

those trucks when you go to get parts have to be looked up under 3500-HD or you will get the wrong stuff. there a 5lug front and 10 lug rear dana 80 with disk brakes.

there a super hd work truck if you need one .

 

[pvfjr]

My friend and I both had suburbans with TBI 454's. His was a 94, mine was a 91, and they were both DOGS. So slow and gutless. This is relative to my 84 carbed 454, and the crew cab it is in is WAY heavier. Just saying, that fuel delivery system didn't do it for me at all.

 

[Highpsi]

Looks like I'm better off to just pass on this one. Thanks for the input guys.