73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: fitz on July 13, 2010, 07:34:41 pm
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Driving home from work today on the highway moving along with traffic, I heard a bang and the rear wheels locked up for a split second then released.. My first thought was that the a rear u joint let go (it has a driveshaft loop in it). I coasted into the breakdown lane then onto the grass shoulder. Got out to look, oil pouring out everywhere.
Called a tow truck (who got to me in 12 minutes) and had it towed to a storage facility my friend works at and found an empty bay for it. The storage was close by, I will grab my tailer and take it to my garage.
Total time from destruction to getting it into storage was about 50 minutes. It cost $60 for the 9 mile tow and I gave the driver a $50 for getting to me so quick and taking the time to unload it inside the storage bay (it's a tight fit).
Now I have to figure out what I want for my new motor.
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That sucks. Was it knockin?
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No, it ran strong.
The only problem that it had was that the TPI set up used to set the code 33.
So now I have to figure out what I want for my next motor.
I'm not into car shows but I did like having something a little different under the hood.
Not sure if I should just buy a GM goodwrench 350 for around $1800 and keep the TPI and finally sort out the code 33 issue. Or maybe ditch the TPI for a weind under hood blower.
I've got a 350 with a mild cam (spare motor for my Camaro). Wouldn't mind putting a small dual quad set up on it and running that in the truck.
I also have the 454 from my 87 K30. It ran great but it is by no means a fresh motor.
I've got a few options. I just have to figure out what is the best realistic solution.
My long term goal is to set this truck up to tow my camaro to the track.
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Hate to hear about the troubles, but that is a nice little escape hatch you have there now.
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I'd use the big block, good for towing, or do a goodwrench 350. or even the 350 you got.
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I'd use the big block, good for towing, or do a goodwrench 350. or even the 350 you got.
The big block would be cool, but like I said, it has some miles on it. I want to start off with something fresh.
I have a rebuilt 350 with a mild cam. I'm not sure how the TPI would do with this cam.
I have another rebuilt 350 with a radical cam for it, too much for a daily driver, and not TPI friendly.
I guess my bid decision is wether or not to keep the TPI. If I do, a crate 350 may be the way to go. If not, maybe some dual quads or a under hood blower on the mild cam 350 would do.
I'm not out to break new ground with this truck. Just want something a little different thats fun to drive and reliable.
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I would think you could get a chip made for the tpi and have anything work, might have to change injectors or something.
I'd throw a rebuild kit into the 454 and be done with it.
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Ouch! That sucks! 454 would be cool next!
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For every door closed, another one opens.
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/RamJet-502-Crate-Engine-PFI-with-Aluminum-Heads-12499121-P8C2.aspx
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That Ram jet 502 is sweet but that motor cost more than I'm into the truck for.
I'm leaning toward another small block. I just have to decide wether or not to keep the TPI on it.
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I'd keep the TPI just for the drive-ability.
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get a new 400...
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What about one of those 427 small blocks out of a Z06. It's different.
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Oldwhitey, welcome back, it's been a while. I hope all is well.
I'm not sure what my next move will be.
I know I could put my spare 350 4 barrel in it as a weekend project and be done with it.
My 454 is tempting, but I think the truck deserves more than a well used (although strong) motor with unknown miles.
I've set a budget of around 5K on it to get it running again.
If I toss my spare 350 in it it would be back on the road quickly for just the cost of tune up parts and header gaskets.
I just want something a little different. I don't need a killer motor or something with the latest technology, just a cool daily driver.
Like I mentioned before , I can sort out the TPI issues, go with a underhood blower, or maybee a dual quad set up with some small carbs on it.
Any suggestions?
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Chuck the 350 in it and build the big block when you have the time and funds.
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I'm leaning toward another small block.
383 Stroker!
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Bummer dude.
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SGT, the 383 is definitely an option.
The only problem with running the big block is now your talking about changing the headers, modifying the exhaust, and I'm not sure how well the turbo 350 would hold up (unless it was a fairly mild BB).
I'm not looking to take the cheapest way out, but I would like to keep it around/under 5K.
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I'm leaning toward another small block.
383 Stroker!
To go from a 400 to a 383 is kinda lame don't ya think? All you're really doing is losing cubes. How about a 454 small block? ;D
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you could easily build a 400 horse 400 for under 5k.
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To go from a 400 to a 383 is kinda lame don't ya think? All you're really doing is losing cubes. How about a 454 small block?
Hey Vile, he's the one considering a 350 or unusual other small block.
If I do, a crate 350 may be the way to go. If not, maybe some dual quads or a under hood blower on the mild cam 350 would do.
I just want something a little different. I don't need a killer motor or something with the latest technology, just a cool daily driver
His 400 blew up.
A 383 would be a great idea. He asked for input. I gave mine. Yeah, we know you are all for cubic inches. Lame? I'll match my stroker against a run-of-the-mill 400 anyday. ;D Let's roll!! On second thought, maybe not, i may lose my job if I drive over 120mph
How 'bout a stroked out 400?
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A stroked 400 sounds pretty cool! what is the displacement on a stroked 400?
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SGTDEL, do you take offense to that? I know you love your 383 but to go from a 400 to 383 isn't anything to get excited about as there is no advantage. He said he had a 350 kicking around to throw in there but he didn't say he had a 383 kicking around so that's why I said that. He also said as you quoted modifying a 350.
Yeah, we know you are all for cubic inches. Lame? I'll match my stroker against a run-of-the-mill 400 anyday
You all know I'm all for cubic inches? Yeah that's why I stroked my big block in my 74 right? ::)
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no offense taken, just doing as the guy asked...for opinions, and opinions they are. You have'm, I have'm. And a modified 350 could be a.......letme guess, a.....383? :D I don't call others' opinions lame, but, it's a free world. Just my $.02
again, I'll refer to his words...I just want something a little different. I don't need a killer motor or something with the latest technology, just a cool daily driver
;)
an equal or greater cid isn't the only remedy for his goals, as lame as others may think that reasoning might be.
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SGT, as far as setting up a race, I might have gotten away with it when I first bought the truck. This is how it was set up when it was used as a local show/parade truck.
This pic was taken the day I bought it. It towers over my 99 Dodge 1500 that had 33"s on it.
I'm not looking to set the world on fire with the latest/greatest hi-po motor. The Dodge had a 360/auto/3.55 gears and performed great until I sold it with 157K on it.
I figure with a good game plan I should get that kind of service/reliability out of my stepside.
I'm looking to spend a weekend installing a motor and hopefully get 10 years/100K out of it.
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sweet lookin' ride--i'm envious. Good luck with the project. You should achieve 100k pretty easily.
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I always wanted a 400sb stroked out to 427ci
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an equal or greater cid isn't the only remedy for his goals, as lame as others may think that reasoning might be.
Sgtdel, I'm not saying your opinon is lame.
I don't know why you think my only opinion is cubes either. If it was I'd build the biggest big block possible for my 74 hence why I didn't stroke it. I'm just stating the fact that reducing CID isn't anything to get excited about. If you've ever had a 400 you know they are torque monsters and on an equal playing field the 400 is a nicer option than a 383. The problem with 400's are they are becoming scarce.
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Sgtdel, I'm not saying your opinon is lame.
To go from a 400 to a 383 is kinda lame don't ya think?
hmmm...
i think the horse is dead, we've beat it enough. He doesn't want the most hp or to tear up asphalt. Is all....stepping down.
He has options and opinions.
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You're takin it out of context. I said going from a 400 to a 383 is lame. I didn't say your personal opinion is lame. Don't make it personal, I've respected you since day one around here. 383 is a great power maker and you know I'm all for them.
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I wouldn't even bother with anything under 600 cubes. Waste of time.
http://www.theengineshop.com/products/merlin-632-complete-engines.html
You did say you had $17K laying around, right.
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I'd spend the extra $59 and get the hydraulic roller cam set up for that. If'n your put'n that in a daily driver, you don't want to spend more time adjusting valves than you have to.
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same here Vile, water under the bridge. Keep the good ideas a comin' and your wealth of knowledge flowin'
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Thanks for the input guys.
You have come up with some good options for me (not so sure about the Ramjet 502 or the 17K BB, but they would be cool).
As far as big blocks, this is what I have to work with.
It's a strong running 454 TBI motor from my 87 K30.
Anyone familiar with these motors? Someone pointed out that the valve covers are newer than 87 so there is a chance it's a goodwrench replacement motor (maybe just wishfull thinking). I got the truck at the auction so I don't know the history of it.
I will grab the casting #'s off of it this weekend.
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My buddies 90 3/4 ton said tonawanda on it and that motor was original afaik