Better choice 502 or 350?

[shockline]

I have a delema, I have a 502 just sitting in my shed, and I got a 305 in my blazer that is a dissapointment to say the least.

If I put the 502 in will i start breaking parts and have to replace my drive train?

I got a "friend" that wants to trade me a 350 with aluminum heads and approximately 400 hp, install and give me 1500 in cash.

What should I do? I am leaning toward the 502 but I dont have lots of part money. The 502 is rated at 450 HP and 550 torque. It is a marine engine and has not been used before.

 

[78Suburban]

What do you want to use this truck for?
MUD=502
Rocks=350
Sand=502
That's not for sure, but just the more practical appications. Personally, I would be all about the 502. What drive train do you currently have? It may be kinda parts hungry.

 

[cegusman]

502

 

[RootBreaker]

no replacement for displacement...

id say 502......

 

[BranndonC]

do you even have to ask? You wont break parts if your easy on it! Plus its 50hp difference, not much.
edit
the logical side of me is thinking
the 350 is lighter, 50hp less, and probably better gas mileage. plus you'd get some cash in your pocket.... I'd use the 502, but I just like big engines

 

[shockline]

Thanks for the quick reply, my 84 k5 has a stock drivetrain with a 350 turbotrans. I am not so much worried about the HP as I am the torque. As far as going easy on it I am not good at that. In real life I need it to pull my boat and the 305 does not pull up a mountain very well. In my dreams I want to get crazy with it.
I live just down the road from Bodacious and I went to the meet last weekend and now I have the fever for 4X4. If you want a good competition ralley on private property where ANYTHING goes, you should check it out.

 

[cbbr]

Put in the 502 and put a lag bolt under the skinny pedal to limit its travel like U-Haul.....

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

If you wanna tow with your truck run the 502. It won't care what you put behind it

 

[Eric M.]

I woulda said go with the 502 until gas hit $3.50 a gallon!


Eric M.

 

[JEBSR]

If torque is what you want then the answer is obvious.502

 

[MTMike]

I say go with the 350 and I'll "dispose of" the 502 for you.

 

[bigbadchev84]

another vote for the 502, lots of torque and plus you will have the bragging factor

 

[blazinzuk]

502 the 350 will never make the tourque this thing will. It will sure make it fun to drive

 

[1985_K5_Silverado]

If you can afford to put the BBC in - and do it right - then do it.

However, if you can just barely afford to do the BBC, then stay with the SBC, and do that right instead.

 

[jekbrown]

x2.

if they are both FI'd... and you can afford to upgrade the parts behind it... 502 all the way.

j

 

[shockline]

The people have spoken; its going to be the 502. I have the complete marine engine and all the parts except exhaust. Do you know of anyone that makes a set of headers for the 502 and 84 blazer?
How do you think the turbo 350 will hold up against 550 ft lbs of torque? or the rest of the drive train for that matter?

 

[78Suburban]

The people have spoken; its going to be the 502.

If you enjoy the skinny pedal, go ahead and start looking for a tougher drivetrain. I would get a very heavy duty tranny cooler at the very least.

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

The people have spoken; its going to be the 502. I have the complete marine engine and all the parts except exhaust. Do you know of anyone that makes a set of headers for the 502 and 84 blazer?
How do you think the turbo 350 will hold up against 550 ft lbs of torque? or the rest of the drive train for that matter?

The TH-350 will live. Its a pretty tough transmission. Your 10bolt axles will be the first thing to let go. If your going to tow with it regularly you might as well start looking for a 6 lug 14SF.

 

[shockline]

I live close to Norfolk Virginia and they have a military surplus yard for truck parts. Cost not being a factor, what rear and front should I look for. I am pretty knew to the chevy family, all my other projects had been ford cars.

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

I live close to Norfolk Virginia and they have a military surplus yard for truck parts. Cost not being a factor, what rear and front should I look for. I am pretty knew to the chevy family, all my other projects had been ford cars.

Oh man you shouldn't have said that....


Go pull the axles out from under one of the 1 ton ex-mil chevy pickup's. Its a Dana 60 front and a 14bolt full-floating rear with 4.56 gears. (edit) The military designation is M-1008, utility truck.