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Need Help Choosing New Engine

joshone

joshone

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Jun 1, 2005
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Location
Inglewood, California
I have a 73 k10 on 38s with 4.10 gears, th350, np205. The old 350 is shot and I am pretty sure I want to get a 383. I thought about a 454 but I want to be able to reuse alot of the same equipment from my 350 under the hood (like the ac) to save $. Can anyone recommend a good engine spot in the L.A. area for a rebuilt 383 installed? Also, will I need a high stall converter? Will I have to change my gear ratio? I want to be able to drive on the freeway and around town, as well as off roading.
 
It is not, and will never be, my only truck. I just want to drive it around my neighborhood a little on the weekend. And when I have time, take road trips to the mountains or Pismo to go offroading and get a little crazy. So I need it to be a little bit streetable, good on freeway, and offroad capable (not offroad insane).

Thanks for your help, Josh
 
for around 3000 you should be able to have any decent motor shop turn your current motor into a reliable 425 or so horse 383 installed. dont know about the prices in your area, but thats common in the cornfields of iowa:pimp:
 
I think you have the right idea Shady. I found a spot that can install a rebuilt 383 with 375hp for around $2200. But what will I need to do to my 350 trans to make it work right with all that new power?
 
the th350 should be fine with 375hp. If you can get your motor done for 2200 you'd have the cash left to rebuild the tranny too for good messure. I just had my sons th350 rebuilt and slightly worked over, plus a new converter for 650 at the shop by my house. He told me I will be alright if my kid warms his motor up to 400-450 later on.
 
in order to validate warranty you have to have receipts for a new or rebuilt water pump and radiator. which is still not that bad. I bought the gm 260hp 350 for my kids blazer. havent ran it yet, but 1400 dollars for a brand new not rebuilt motor is definatley worth it. new 4 core radiator was like 180 bucks at autozone.
 
If you want a big project I would go with a Cummins 4BT Diesel Can't beat it getting 25+MPG in a k5.
 
sweetk30 said:
best part of a brand new gm crate motor is = WARRENTY :waytogo:
Click to expand...

^^ This is 100% true. The warranty is the best part. I would go 355 over a 383 simply because of reliability. My 383 runs warm. Warmer then i would like. Probably because of the thinner cylinder walls but my neighbors 355 runs just as good as the 383 but stays cooler. In a truck i think that is key. Especially if you want to drive it hard.
 
87 and newer block is roller cam compatible, and has a 1 piece rear main seal. that means no leaks. 87 and newer heads have a much better valve cover sealing surface. again no leaks
my vote

87 and up tbi block from a truck.

383 crank kit

new vortec heads from pace performance that are modded for a big
roller cam. the gm roller cam conversion kit with lifters is only $239 from summit
 
scottsdale86 said:
^^ This is 100% true. The warranty is the best part. I would go 355 over a 383 simply because of reliability. My 383 runs warm. Warmer then i would like. Probably because of the thinner cylinder walls but my neighbors 355 runs just as good as the 383 but stays cooler. In a truck i think that is key. Especially if you want to drive it hard.
Click to expand...

Doesn't a 383 have the same cylinder wall thickness as a 350? Same block right, just clearanced for the 400 crank? Longer stroke though.

Pushing more gas = more power = hotter.
 
Yes they are both 4.030 i think i would have to check my build sheet but for some reason my 383 runs warmer then the 355 i linked to but makes the same power. You may be right blazer bones. Now the powerband is a bit different which is another reason why i think the 355 might be better. I think its a bit more torquey on the low end, the 383 i have is a 4000rpm+ motor and in my chevelle (heavy sucker) it needed more low end grunt. I can only imagine the problem compounded with larger tires and more weight like a truck would have.
 
I ran a GM crate 260 HP and it was great. A little under powered but with 5.13's and 40's it was impressive
 
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