Engine Choice

[deadinthewater]

Was wondering, if you had a choice of engines for an 86 full size blazer, what engine would you go with, a 383 Stroker or a 455?
The truck has a 400 in it now that has gone south
It has a TH400 trans and 3.08 gears
35X14.5 tires
This truck is used for off road only other than getting to the trails
It has a 2" body lift and 4" sus
Any help would be great
Thanks Bruce

 

[Blazer79]

In this case, of course, bigger is better. Only the 455 is a big block and will be a bit more complicated to install. The 383 will give you lots of torque and be fine for a Blazer. I suggest you change your gears as well. 3.08 with 35" tires is too hard for the engine.

<font color=black>//////
What the heck!...Drive it like gas is $0.50/gal!!!</font color=black>

 

[Emmettology 101]

383 would be nice since you could use the same tranny. But the 455 would be great for the gobs of low end torque!
However the 455 would require a stout drivetrain and I dont know if yours would be up to the power(dont know what drive train you are running other than the TH400 which would handle the 455)
If you have a 455 and the tranny that was behind it and that tranny is a TH400, then you can have someone swap the output shafts and tailhousings, and you willhave a bolt in 455 and tranny(other than you may need to change the motor mounts)

Although one drawback, you will be able to find parts for the 383 easier than the 455 since the 383 is based on a 350 and parts are easy to find.

But if I had the choice, i would go with the 455!! That is the way I was going to do it about 2 months ago, but my money situation changed...

Mike
82 GMC Jimmy "Emmett" "Built for function, not for beauty!"
IN TOO DEEP Off-Road Club

 

[BurbinOR]

Stay with the 400, if possible. Rebuild it, they kick tail.........

'79 - 406 w/IROC TPI - K5#5 - a <font color=orange>sickness

<font color=blue>you never get enough of!!

 

[BigBadBowTie]

Check out the talk that's been going on on my post

http://www.coloradok5.com/forums/sh...er4x4&Number=20961&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5

If I had a 400, I'd build the 406, Since I have the 350 going to build a 383. I'd stay away from the Big Block, as you don't "really" need it. And finally yes loose the 3.08's. I'm running 4.11:1 with my 700r4 & like it a lot, I think if I had to do it over again I'd go a liitle lower but what the hay, paid $250 for a 12 bolt rear, Dana 44 front, & traded my old 10 bolts.

Rick
86 K-5
http://www.coloradok5.com/RMcPherson.htm