Time for an engine upgrade, opinions please!

[Desert Rat]

I've got a stock 350 GM crate motor in my 76 Blazer that has been there for a few years that I am considering upgrading for more power. The power isn't badf now, but I'd like to have more. The existing motor has a new torque cam, Edelbrock Q-jet on Edelbrock intake, Doug's Headers, and MSD ignition. I have been toying with dropping in a crate 383 stroker motor, a 454 big block crate motor, or a used 454. There are pro's and con's for all three. So far my thought process is that with the HT383 from GM I can bolt most of the existing stuff from my 350 right on. I put a serpentine belt conversion on the current engine so that will swap, as will the intake, carb, headers, and starter. Price would then be better as I'm only out the crate motor and labor. Crate HT383 will run about $4,400 or so.

Or, I could go crate 454 which runs about $7k or more and that doesn't include intake, carb, or exhaust. I have no idea about a used 454 and I guess that would vary. Opinions? Anybody do a swap? Costs? Headaches?

 

[tRustyK5]

454 HO crate thru Summit is about $5500, comes with intake...but does need dist, carb, and exhaust. 425 hp at 5250 rpm, 500 ft/lbs at 3250 rpm.

Rene

 

[Desert Rat]

Hadn't thought of Summit. They also have a 383 Blue Print stroker putting out 405 HP and 440 Torque for about $4k too.

 

[tRustyK5]

Check Jegs too. Edelbrock has a nice BBC you might like. Pat Musi and Edelbrock got together on a 555 inch BBC, injected, 675 hp, 675 ft/lbs of tq.

Should satisfy your need for a bit more power.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/46555/10002/-1?parentProductId=1042140

Rene

 

[Russellk30]

How about a rotating assembly 383 stoker kit and just keep your block. The kits go as low as $500. You can upgrade to a balanced or forged kit. The machine work will be a few hundred more. You can also bump up your compression if it is currently low. Everything is reused. If the crate is only a few years old, I imagine the cam and heads are likely in decent shape?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ESP-B13405E030/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SCA-1-92005-1/

 

[Desert Rat]

I believe the engine was put in about the year 2001 or so. It seems to be in pretty good shape.

 

[hoseman94]

Have you come to any conclusion on your motor choice?

 

[onetonbb74]

what do you do with the rig? mine crawls so a 350 was perfect, but if you do wheeling in high range, id go big block...

 

[toomany]

I voted 454 crate motor.

Your distributor and starter can be used with the BBC, so could the serpentine setup (with some aftermarket brackets). Depending on the size of the Q-jet, it could also be used untill you found a better carb.

My second choice would have been a 383. Either a crate or stroke your current motor.

Is the rest of your truck ready for more power? Trans? Axles? Driveshafts?

 

[4X4HIGH]

I would build the current engine you have. You could build a much nicer engine for close to or less than a crate and YOU get to choose the items you want. I would stay away from the crate HT383 though as it isn't the same as building a stroker engine with your existing block since the HT383 uses a 4" bore and a 3.8" stroke rather than the typical 3.75" stroke crank. I suggest shying away from this because i haven't seen any aftermarket pistons available for the use of a 3.8" stroke crank should you ever need to bore the engine in the future.