Which motor would you use?

[fitz]

Now that summers over it's time to think about replacing the junk SB 400 TPI motor in my truck.
I've narrowed it to 2 choices (although I'm always open for suggestions).

#1 Would be a 454 BB TBI motor converted over to a 4 barrel. It's a used motor but it runs great. I would detail the motor,all new gaskets and timing chain, and maybe a edelbrock torquer cam/manifold/carb package.

#2 Would be a new GM Goodwrench 350 and keep the TPI set up.

I know neither of these are going to make killer HP, but if goes as good as it did with the SB 400 I will be happy.

[Swims350]

might want the big block then. I'd think the 350 would make less power the the 400 tpi and the 454 might make close to it if not maybe more and should be more torque. I'd use big block, I don't like computer controlled stuff and I'd just like to have a big block.

[zieg85]

Depends on if you have all the right brackets and exhaust for the big block.  Hope gas don't go back to $4/gal again.  The 350 would be my choice because of the ease... My $.02

[Grim 82]

This is going in your blue stepside?         Big Block.
Zieg has a good point about having the right stuff to make the swap easier, but if you aleady have the 454 you might already have most of what you need, or could get it for less than a new Goodwrench 350 would cost.  Unless you do some building and bolt-ons with the 350 I doubt that you'll make the power that you were used to with the 400.

[fitz]

 Yes, it's for the blue stepside.
 I figure money wise it will be about the same.
The Goodwrench motor is around $1900. I figure if I go with the 454 by the time I get headers, matching cam/manifold/carb, modify the exhaust, and get new sheetmetal for the motor it will be well over $1000 (and we all know how those estimates work out).
 I figure the Big Block is mild enough that the turbo 350 will hold up.

[mountaindrew]

I love a big block in anything you can squeeze one in.  BUT...for ease of swap, 350, not to mention gas mileage and longevity of your th350.

[fitz]

I love a big block in anything you can squeeze one in.  BUT...for ease of swap, 350, not to mention gas mileage and longevity of your th350.

The gas mileage does not bother me but I am a little concerned about the turbo 350. I was thinking that it would hold up behind a mild big block. It's a fresh tranny, the 205 has been gone through, and the truck has had new driveshafts made for the 6" lift. Not sure if I want to change all of this stuff out,

[Psycho71]

For fuel mileage and expediency, the small block would be the way to go.

For low end (usable) torque, nothing beats the cubic inches.

[76 k10]

350 with a big cam headers intake and msd will do you good.

[fitz]

350 with a big cam headers intake and msd will do you good.

I already have 1 of those waiting to go in my camaro. That "big cam" may not do to good in the truck towing a car trailer.   

[76 k10]

i ran a 1959 283 with a comp cams 292h in it and it would tow 12.000 pounds with no big problems. just run a stall

[novamike66]

Why not just rebuild your 400?
If your 400 hasn't already been bored, I'll sure will take it off your hands.

[TexasRed]

I think a rod exited the 400 block while the engine was running.

[Layne]

I think a rod exited the 400 block while the engine was running.

Na it'll be okay running on 7 cyl.  Techincally it's a 350 now...

[fitz]

Why not just rebuild your 400?
If your 400 hasn't already been bored, I'll sure will take it off your hands.

I'm guessing my block is junk.