What is it that attracts us to these trucks?

[123 pugsy]

 Crate motors are not the only thing out there. Check the different combos here:

http://ryanscarpage.50megs.com/combos1.html         

[eventhorizon66]

But what next?  For instance, i think these heads:
http://www.araoengineering.com/Chevy/chevysmb.htm

And this induction system:
http://www.inglese.com/Products/ChevySmallBlock.asp

would be the ultimate street engine for me.

If your goal is to have an end product which is exotic, unique, and showy, then you have a winner.  But the dollar per hp is absurdly high with such items.  Did you happen to notice the prices of those 32 valve heads start at $6000?  You would be much better off, performance-wise, spending that money on a supercharger, turbo, or stroker.

[lowbucktruck]

The more I consider my options, the more I think that I should just take the 1972-vintage 350 block I have (the worn-out one) to my local machine shop and turn him loose on it.  At least I know where the block came from.  Then Vortec heads (or comparable performance heads) and a cam upgrade at the least.  I keep thinking that block could make a sweet 383-stroker, but will have to consider if my budget will allow for it.  Fortunately I don't have to spend much time or money on body work, the truck is fairly straight and seems rust-free.  I'd really like this project truck to be fun to drive when I mash the pedal to the floor, know what I mean? 

[Stewart G Griffin]

Like i said, i will be turning the truck loose against the clock pretty soon.  i have accurate means to verfiy--see post in interior section.  And a few less traveled backroads. And remember, i have 2.56 gears so this will be a real test for the engine.  i think it's a case of time vs. money;  If i were wanting to go fast(er) i think, at this point, it would actually be easiest and fastest to plunk down $4-5K for a crate 454.  This is after figuring out all time and effort it would take to build an engine myself-----the time would be better spent at work earning money.

..........  But the dollar per hp is absurdly high with such items....................

i see your point as neither the air nor fuel, in my dream case, is under pressure.  But for me, this would be an enjoyable motor because of the responsiveness.Total HP, if both of these items were installed on a basically stock crate 350 might only be around 300-450 hp.  And, spending $11,000 to make 300-450 seems rather high, but with this approach the power band is smooth and consistent at all rpms.  i've driven the 16V 4 cyl mercedes;  Not big-time power but lots of fun.

Plus, i look at it as if i were to buy a new corvette, "G8" or maro (i don't like the new one, subject to starting another thread) i would be spending 25-50K for something within the same (ballpark) power range.  So here, the $11K doesn't seem so "heavy."

Also, turbos and superchargers (i love them both) might be a little tricky to set up properly (esp. turbo).

But this is just my "dream" engine;  i'm not saying it's the best way, just my way.  P.S. i would also have 180 deg headers so i can get that Ferrari sound (do we see a pattern here?)---there's enough room.

[Captkaos]

For the money, you can't beat the power and efficiency of a LS motor (4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L) Installed in a lighter 73-87 it makes for a pretty nice motor.  Iff you need more you can turbo them with one of the kits we sell and have a new motor for roughly $5000 that will put down 350 hp on a 5lbs. 

[Fordeatinz71]

yea, i'm strongly considering one of those in the future...a 5.3 would work nice in my truck...

[eventhorizon66]

yea, i'm strongly considering one of those in the future...a 5.3 would work nice in my truck...

I wish I had done it.  Low-mileage used 5.3's with 4L60E's are so easy to find in almost any part of the country.  There are tons of people who have done it successfully, so there's no need to be intimidated.  As far as bang for the buck goes, they're a steal (don't just think hp, think sequential MPFI, hyd roller cam, some of the best production heads chevy's ever made, etc).  If I could turn back time, there is no question I'd have one of these engines under my hood.  In fact, one of the things I'm considering is selling my brand new engine complete with trans and picking up a used 6.0L with 4L80E.

[Fordeatinz71]

yea, i'm most likely gonna go that route

[Bitzer!]

I went for the Chevy/GMC thing over here 'cos there aren't that many about. I like that something different look and never been one to follow the crowd. As Overthepond said its also the overall size of the thing- compared to compact stuff here its already a monster truck