Author Topic: Whats better for the money???  (Read 3439 times)

Offline Combat Veteran

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Whats better for the money???
« on: January 22, 2018, 10:56:56 PM »
Having a discussion with another truck guy, what's better on our old trucks, fixing a numbers matching engine block, (if possible) or getting a new one. I think once it's been changed at all, i.e. lifted, new tires/rims, intake, etc. originality in numbers won't mean much. What do you guys think?
1987  slightly modified Custom Deluxe V10, 350TBI, 700R4,  NP208, 4X4,  4.42 gears,  33" Firestone Destination M/T

Offline rwjjr

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Re: Whats better for the money???
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2018, 10:22:25 AM »
Nobody ever buys one of these trucks based on original engine...go with new.  Original is overrated. People don't want to cut there dash for a DIN stereo either, yet will lift/lower, change wheels, seats and everything else. Cracks me up!

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Whats better for the money???
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2018, 11:05:21 AM »
If you find an unmolested truck, you should seriously contemplate swapping this for it. Most of the trucks out there have been through the mill so changing things isn't a big deal. Assess what you have and what your end goal is before deciding. There's something to be said about retaining some of the factory originality that appeals to you.
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline FlatBlack77

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Re: Whats better for the money???
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2018, 06:40:02 PM »
In my opinion...

Unless you have some kinda super rare or custom ordered engine/trans/vehicle combo and have the build sheet or other documents to prove it then its nothing special and you shouldnt think twice about swapping it for a better running/performing engine
 
but if your engine aint half bad and just needs a freshening up or you want to build it up then thats cool too
« Last Edit: January 23, 2018, 06:41:45 PM by FlatBlack77 »
"When you are a hammer, everything looks like a nail"
'77 C/10 - 350/350 mild street motor

Offline Combat Veteran

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Re: Whats better for the money???
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2018, 07:44:13 PM »
After the third time of having the intake manifold off, they are telling me there is a hairline crack on the block under or near the intake manifold. They can't stop the leak, which is not just a few drops, it's bad. What choice do I have?
1987  slightly modified Custom Deluxe V10, 350TBI, 700R4,  NP208, 4X4,  4.42 gears,  33" Firestone Destination M/T

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Whats better for the money???
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2018, 08:23:49 PM »
Be certain that's what it is before you trash it. If it is then time to replace
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline FlatBlack77

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Re: Whats better for the money???
« Reply #6 on: January 24, 2018, 05:30:12 PM »
are they using those garbage gaskets on the valley walls? or are they putting a nice bead of RTV to seal it the correct way?
"When you are a hammer, everything looks like a nail"
'77 C/10 - 350/350 mild street motor

Offline Combat Veteran

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Re: Whats better for the money???
« Reply #7 on: January 24, 2018, 09:24:42 PM »
They used RTV three times on two manifolds and that did not work. They took the throw away end seals and put them in and what do you know, no more leak. What can I tell you.
1987  slightly modified Custom Deluxe V10, 350TBI, 700R4,  NP208, 4X4,  4.42 gears,  33" Firestone Destination M/T

Offline carlnelson

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Re: Whats better for the money???
« Reply #8 on: January 26, 2018, 05:46:54 PM »
Hairline crack my :(, you really have to question and push people sometimes! lol
Carl