Need to rebuild 2 K5s... Where to start? Reman? Rebuild? 350, 383?

[caveman.b]

Anyone in NO CO/DENVER want to get together and talk trucks? Is there a place already that this happens?

To the point...
Long time lurker..first time rebuilder... I am lucky? enough to have to replace motors in my 2 K5s. One will probably be a show truck/street/daily and the other will be a daily/some trail (maybe a crawler in the future). I'm kind of stuck on which way to go with these (so many options). I could rebuild the motors I have or buy something different and swap. Do I go for something with a vortec head? Keep it 350? Upgrade to 383? Do I buy a reman, crate, fix the one I got (probably cheapest but more difficult option, I think)?

Where to start?

For the white 85 K5 (see pic - currently 9" lift, 41" IROC, 350, carb, hedman headers, nice interior) I was thinking something like this: https://westcoastengines.com/383-stroker/ - in a TBI version a little dressier for show. TBI since I am in CO in the hills. Or I could put something together from the block I have (see pics).. I also have parts to add the heater back (don't really need a/c..but heat up here is a must).

For the blue beast (1988 6" lift, stock motor, recently rebuilt trans, beater/daily/trail... might spruce it up one day in the future) - I could go any way. It is a TBI truck already. spark plug detonated and blew shrapnel everywhere, shredded valve, etc. Might be better off getting something different. Should I go cheap like this? https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/059/8758/10002/-1 (how fun is that :/ ?)

I know opinions are plenty, so let's hear what you guys have done or like...

What vendors should I be looking at?

 

[kennyw]

Small block create engines are so cheap, no reason not to go that route. Power level all comes down to budget and how you like to use them.

Despite my advise, I'm building a motor for my shortbed. I was not in a hurry and can be sure it's build the way I want with the parts I want.

 

[jimmyleetn]

He's right. At the end of the day if you aren't all about building one yourself a crate engine is hands down the way to go. Plus, you can drop it in and drive. The warranty is important too. Let's say you rebuild one and something breaks or you throw a rod or something crazy. You're down and out money and time to fix it. That west coast motor you showed had a five year warranty. Blueprint has a pretty good motor with a warranty to look at instead of that measly 250hp one from jegs. I don't know your budget but here's a link.

https://blueprintengines.com/produc...ck-gm-longblock-bp3503ct1?variant=38880811154

 

[Bent77]

Anyone in NO CO/DENVER want to get together and talk trucks? Is there a place already that this happens?

To the point...
Long time lurker..first time rebuilder... I am lucky? enough to have to replace motors in my 2 K5s. One will probably be a show truck/street/daily and the other will be a daily/some trail (maybe a crawler in the future). I'm kind of stuck on which way to go with these (so many options). I could rebuild the motors I have or buy something different and swap. Do I go for something with a vortec head? Keep it 350? Upgrade to 383? Do I buy a reman, crate, fix the one I got (probably cheapest but more difficult option, I think)?

Where to start?

For the white 85 K5 (see pic - currently 9" lift, 41" IROC, 350, carb, hedman headers, nice interior) I was thinking something like this: https://westcoastengines.com/383-stroker/ - in a TBI version a little dressier for show. TBI since I am in CO in the hills. Or I could put something together from the block I have (see pics).. I also have parts to add the heater back (don't really need a/c..but heat up here is a must).

For the blue beast (1988 6" lift, stock motor, recently rebuilt trans, beater/daily/trail... might spruce it up one day in the future) - I could go any way. It is a TBI truck already. spark plug detonated and blew shrapnel everywhere, shredded valve, etc. Might be better off getting something different. Should I go cheap like this? https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/059/8758/10002/-1 (how fun is that :/ ?)

I know opinions are plenty, so let's hear what you guys have done or like...

What vendors should I be looking at?

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Ya gotta figure out where you're at though, NoCo is a long way from Evergreen!

 

[dyeager535]

To eliminate problems, if you plan to go with, or stick with, TBI, buy a crate replacement made for that. Otherwise you get into tuning, and that's not a particularly easy endeavor.

I far prefer injection, however if you go with a Vortec crate, you will be forced to tune or stay carbed. Dollar for dollar (or dollar per HP) the crate GM L31 is probably the best option out there. No provision for a fuel pump, but roller cam, one piece rear main and pan gasket, centerbolt valve covers, etc.

 

[ZooMad75]

Crates are the way to go for price. Anything more than the basic stuff will require tuning which is a pain on the TBI. Any thoughts to upgrading to a newer injection system to allow for a more than stock engine at the same time?

Since you are in evergreen (Jefferson county) you get the added joy of dealing with emissions testing so you need to keep that in mind also.

 

[Joel Wilson]

I have no idea what the emissions requirements are in Colorado, but in California, you can fudge a little. Not much, but a little. Depends on what engines were offerred in that year and what emissions it actually came with. Smog pump, AIR tubes, etc.

That being said, could go with a 400 engine. If you wanted to build your own, new heads, good 4wd cam, new intake, new oversize oil pan with crank scraper and windage tray, etc. I saved a decent amount by doing the work myself but the only warranty I have are my 2 hands.

Joel
norcal