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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: Orlando87Chevy on August 13, 2012, 06:17:38 pm

Title: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: Orlando87Chevy on August 13, 2012, 06:17:38 pm
I'm trying to choose between and 454 and a 383. I have limited funds so I'm trying to figure out what's the best bang for my buck. I have experience in engine rebuild so I was thinking about buying a performance short block and build it up. I'm having the hardest time choosing so I'm relying on everyone's experiences in what engine to use.
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: yellowk20 on August 13, 2012, 06:30:30 pm
5.9 Cummins or Duramax..........
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: jaredts on August 13, 2012, 07:55:06 pm
What vehicle for what purpose? 
Title: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: Orlando87Chevy on August 13, 2012, 08:10:00 pm
In my 87 half ton.
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: gildardo01 on August 13, 2012, 08:26:17 pm
with a 383 you pretty much made the limit on performance wise with the 350 block but if you get the big block you will have a lot to choose from later on.. you know what i´m saying... as in the 454 is just the tip of the ice burg for massive torque
Title: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: Orlando87Chevy on August 13, 2012, 08:45:18 pm
You make a good point.
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: yellowk20 on August 13, 2012, 10:42:38 pm
Have you considered an LS swap??? for the money your talking to build a 383 our a 454 you could get a low mile LS engine and do minor mods and get the same our more power.
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: slammed79 on August 13, 2012, 11:38:28 pm
^^^^ That^^^^
Title: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: Orlando87Chevy on August 14, 2012, 06:10:16 am
I'm keeping it carbureted. Im not looking to do a swap.
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: Jason Wiechec on August 14, 2012, 06:25:09 am
you can still gain a mass amount of power with a carbed ls1. they honestly offer the most bang for the buck.
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: Sartobuilt on August 14, 2012, 08:20:07 am
If its a 4x4 i'd go with a big block.
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: 454Man on August 14, 2012, 10:07:12 am
I vote 454 as there is nothing like having awesome low end tq.
Title: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: Orlando87Chevy on August 14, 2012, 05:43:17 pm
Have you considered an LS swap??? for the money your talking to build a 383 our a 454 you could get a low mile LS engine and do minor mods and get the same our more power.
How difficult would it be to wire up a LS motor with fuel injection?
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: yellowk20 on August 14, 2012, 06:20:39 pm
It all depends, I would think you could do the swap for under 4000.00  for everything if you do your shopping and research
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: yellowk20 on August 14, 2012, 06:30:47 pm
http://www.pacificfab.net/engine.htm

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=879952


this were I got my 6.0 from for 91 V3500 I have about 3000.00 total in my swap so far with a few more little things left to do . But i went with a Denali LQ4 with a few mods and new headers , ect I could have gone cheaper
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: Captkaos on September 05, 2012, 10:57:39 am
There is a couple of threads going on here with LS conversions:
Mine is here, although I am doing it on my spare time.  If you get a complete wiring uncut from the donor you can do it yourself.
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,12120.0.html
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: jamesk10 on November 06, 2012, 05:07:39 pm
duramx wont fit in our trucks right?
Title: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: Tx_Phil on November 06, 2012, 06:26:55 pm
What's that old saying?
"there's no replacement for displacement"
Or something like that?
If \ when the 350 goes out in my suburban I plan to go with the 454. I don't care to run a 4x4 suburban over 100mph so top end HP isn't a big deal. However, big reserves of torque on tab can be a lot of fun !!
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: DnStClr on November 07, 2012, 10:56:41 am
I hope you're giving some thought to a new tranny too, if you go with the big block. With limited funds I'd stay with the small block and build a 383 stroker. It'll have plenty of torque to keep a smile on your face and be a little better on gas too..
Title: Re: Need help choosing an engine.
Post by: Captkaos on November 07, 2012, 04:59:18 pm
duramx wont fit in our trucks right?

Anything can be made to fit.

Here is a duramax conversion: http://www.lonniesperformance.com/82chevyduramax.htm