New Crate Engine or LS Swap. opinions needed!!

[Dave W]

I have a 1978 Chevy c10 2wd long bed.
Original V8 305 with turbo 350 trans.
Debating between a new, or rebuilt 350 crate engine.
Or a LS swap
It's to be a more or less daily driver.
Not looking for a muscle or show truck,
Just nice clean reliable old school truck.
Budget is around 2,500
Your opinion is appreciated,!!

[Smokehouse]

I'm going to do a crate 350 with vortec heads and efi it's just cheaper and it will come with a warranty. junk yard ls don't. now if a ls lands in my lap for 3 to 400 i might do it but i would go through it.  I'm sticking with the 350 parts are so much cheaper right now and i'm not a power junky so i don't care about 600hp or nothing like that. i just want it reliable and can tow when i want too.

[Irish_Alley]

how much is your budget?
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=22442.msg185460#msg185460

for around 2k you can get a 290hp/420tq motor

[Dave W]

Budget around $2000

[Irish_Alley]

well there you go. thats not a bad setup for 2k. wont be the fastest thing but will put a smile on your face

[Dave W]

Any specific brand crate your thinking of?
There's one online close to me that a guy
Bought from summit it's from ATK
He paid a little over 2k wants $1700
Never uncrated.
Not sure of the ATK place

[Irish_Alley]

the link i posted theyre talking about a gm 350/260 crate. if you buy used you might not get a warranty but then again changing the cam might void that also.