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83 Jimmy build, what to do first?

I know, I'll get it base lined before I start doing big stuff. And with the engine, with the help of ck5 and replacing/upgrading parts, why couldn't i get an engine running? I'd take the time to do it right. I think the gamble would be worth it, I could build up my skills and get an engine built along the way!:thumb: But...that won't be anytime too soon. As everyone has said i need to drive it and base line it before i do anything major. Oh and can't a 350 be converted to a 383? just wondering!
 
Nice to see another CK5er down here in the oil patch. The other guys are right: baseline the truck first, it can take a lot more time and money than you might expect.But to answer your question:

K5trs said:
Oh and can't a 350 be converted to a 383? just wondering!
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Yup, you'd need a crank, rods, pistons, balancer and flywheel.

If it were me I'd look for a 5.3, they are really cheap down here with all of the company men destroying their trucks all the time. Between Lubbock, Midland and Hobbs craigslist I've seen several for under $800 with the electrics. Just look for one that hasn't been pulled yet so you can hear it run.
 
Wow didn't think I'd see another ck5er from here! How's it going? And isn't a 5.3 smaller than a 350? I thought they were 5.7's.
 
K5trs said:
And with the engine, with the help of ck5 and replacing/upgrading parts, why couldn't i get an engine running?
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multiple reasons. Most having to do with picking the engine to begin with. could have a broken crankshaft, scored bores, cracked cylinders, could have seized lifters, spun bearings, etc. etc.

rebuilding an entire engine may well require machine work, which aint cheap, so you have to be prepared for that. and even some of the work youll be doing yourself may well require you to spend even more money on specialty tools.

now you're interested in a 383 conversion, which involves a very involved process of selecting camshafts, calculating compression ratios, determining valve to piston clearances, combustion chamber volume, gasket volume, volume "in the hole" piston dish or crown volume, more block machining, etc. etc.

swapping in an engine can be a simple bolt in process... finding a junkyard gem and doing a full rebuild/modify project is a big bite to swallow if you're just learning the mechanical aspects of working on cars/trucks.

course thats all just my opinion.
 
All of that seems way out of my league. I guess I'm just stuck with my little 305, what would the be the best way of acquiring a new 350 or 383? what it be impossible to learn how to find a junk yard gem?
 
Removing an old engine and installing a new engine is pretty easy, and doesn't require a lot of expensive tools. I'd look into a crate 350 or 383.

This is a decent example of what can be had for around $3000

http://www.jegs.com/i/Blueprint-Engines/138/BP35511CTC1K/10002/-1?parentProductId=1197258

138-BP3832CTC1K.jpg


310 hp, 360 lb/ft of torque.
 
3000 is a lot of money for me right now. I can only work part time and I only have like 300$ saved up. I feel like a build could be cheaper, just more work.
 
The reality is a "build" isn't likely to save you any money. The parts you'll need to buy aren't cheap, the machining needed isn't cheap and you'll need to buy some special tools to do it...

With your current savings/budget you'd be best off keeping the 305 and doing maintenance stuff on the K5 at most.

It's a fun hobby, but it's not a cheap hobby...
 
Haha I realize its not cheap at all! I think I'll probably just repair things as I go, maybe lift and axle swap and just keep saving some money for the engine. What's the quality of crate engines like?
 
Typically crate engines are good quality, but usually at a cost.

Open a spreadsheet in Excel (get a notebook) and make a page for axles, another for engines, and write down costs and suppliers you can contact by phone or stuff you see online (insert hyperlinks of the site so you can retrace your steps)

Consider also if fuel injection will be used on any new engine you do, as the vacuum parameters of each fuel inj system may not work with each engine.


If you junk yard, most ring gears have a number stamped on them like 41-11, 41-10 or 41-9. 41-11 is a 3.73 (41/11) and 41-9 is a 4.56
 
My buddy is hell bent on getting a junk yard motor and rebuilding. He says he'll put all new parts in and get it machined for a total of 1500$. That's crazy right? I have no idea what I'm going to do with the engine, would 3000 buy a good crate?
 
3000$ will buy a very decent crate motor, wont buy a 502 BBC or anything, but it will buy something capable of putting out quite a bit of ponies. On the other hand, you could probably build something for 3k that will put out more HP than the crate motor, but again, no warranty or anything. If I had to redo it, I woulda saved the extra few dollars and bought a crate 454 instead of building my own just for the warranty.
 
How much does a decent 454 crate cost? I may go with that if its not too bad, how much better is a 454 compared to a 383 for the price?
 
Im confused, the OP said he had $300 to play with.... why on earth are we discussing crate engines??:dunno:

the 305 is a great truck engine so long as you aren't actually climbing sand dunes, racing on a mud track, or drag racing. If its running fine, enjoy it, modify it over time, and then when funds are more available in the future, get a 350, or 383 short block, and swap over all the parts from the 305.

Not to sound like a prick, but stop worrying about what your friend is doing with his jeep, and focus on what you can afford to do with your truck.

and keep in mind, this is coming from one of the most immature, impulsive and unrealistic dreamers on the forum. :whistle:
 
K5trs said:
My buddy is hell bent on getting a junk yard motor and rebuilding. He says he'll put all new parts in and get it machined for a total of 1500$. That's crazy right? I have no idea what I'm going to do with the engine, would 3000 buy a good crate?
Click to expand...

The machining is likely to cost $1500 alone. Most long block 350-383s are going to be around $4K, but you'll save a bunch over a big block because you have all the acc. already. Remember that there are many costs when it comes to swapping motors beyond just buying the engine. The little things add up quickly, which is why I said to double what you *think* it will cost.
 
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