88 K5- RED Rider

[Patrick5]

so I am new to the world of K5s as I recently got an 88K. It runs and drives pretty good with a 350 our of an early 90s model pickup and a 3 speed trans that is kinda a mystery. I would like to do a block up 350 TBI build, nothing crazy just something durable with a little cam to it. The truck was original an automatic drive but the previous owner did the transmission swap. I would also like to build a new transmission for it preferably a 4 speed. I need help with suggestions on good blocks to start with, decent heads, cam, and what trans to pair with it. I would like to build the motor and trans and just slide it on in place of the ones in there.

 

[Patrick5]

Just a side note the purpose for this K5 was to have fun with the family on the occasional weekend no heavy mud slinging just the occasional trail or so.

 

[Rat_Crispy]

I'm sort of an LS snob but I'd be a liar if I said that the 350's aren't incredible engines. With the main focus seeming to be on the LS family of engines now you could probably find a good 350TBI for relatively cheap! Maybe find a wrecked silverado and get everything you need from it do do your build and scrap the rest?
It should be pretty budget friendly and plenty stout. It normally is cheaper in the long run to get something that's all there than to piece it together yourself!

 

[Patrick5]

I'm sort of an LS snob but I'd be a liar if I said that the 350's aren't incredible engines. With the main focus seeming to be on the LS family of engines now you could probably find a good 350TBI for relatively cheap! Maybe find a wrecked silverado and get everything you need from it do do your build and scrap the rest?
It should be pretty budget friendly and plenty stout. It normally is cheaper in the long run to get something that's all there than to piece it together yourself!

I would love to do a 5.3 but it seems much more intimidating and expensive

 

[jekquistk5]

I would love to do a 5.3 but it seems much more intimidating and expensive

should be as complicated as a tbi with a cam. Actually would be way easier to flash the ecm rather than burning a chip, modifying the stock ecm to fit a new PROM/chip, then the tuning after that. Ls just thin the harness, remove torque management, vats, and you are pretty much done.

 

[Rat_Crispy]

This fella is right. They've made things so easy on those those engines, there are tons of threads and groups across the ether that have good information. Another possible avenue for you is to get a self learning/tuning EFI system if you don't have the want or means of tweaking the stock computer.

 

[Patrick5]

Ok 5.3 it is y'all talked me into it lol now what manual trans should I go with?

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

Late model nv3500

 

[Patrick5]

Late model nv3500

How many gears is that?

 

[Patrick5]

I know there are a lot of good adapter plates and stuff for the 5.3 swaps but what about the transfer case and drive shafts? Is there a stock one that would work with both or am I going to have to go with a custom one

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

4 with over drive making 5

 

[Patrick5]

4 with over drive making 5

Do they make adapters or conversions for the flex plate/ flywheel?

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

They bolt right up to a 5.3 as some came with them.

 

[Patrick5]

Does the 5.3 harness work with the stock 1988 gauges or will I have to buy aftermarket ones?

 

[jekquistk5]

A 5.3 harness when thinned is usually a 3 wire hookup. 12V constant, ground, and 12 ignition on. Gauges are on your stock body harness. The 5.3 senders maybe different.