Which crate engine?

[Magic1]

Hey guys. New to the forum. Got an 82 gmc Sierra. 350/350 4x4. The engine is pretty much shot and I'm looking at several replacement or crate engines. Not wanting something that will pack the front end but will be able to get out of it's own way. I've looked at a few from gm performance, and blueprint. But I've seen mixed reviews about the blueprint engines and am wanting basically something that will be very reliable and drivable. Any suggestions would be welcome. And it will be carbuerated if it makes any difference. Thanks.

[cvbear]

Here is my 2 cents:  We have an 84 SWB Silverado.  When we got it the engine was a very tired 305.  We replaced it with a GMPP Crate 350.  The engine we got came with the serpentine belt setup which was nice and moves the AC Compressor to the passenger side so the hoses do not run across the engine.  The reliability and performance is much better than before.  However, if i had it to do over again, i would get a newer fuel injected engine.  It would cost a bit more, but if you plan to keep the truck for a long time (and you are not restoring it for sentimental reasons) I think you would be happier with it. 

[Magic1]

Yeah. I did consider that. But as stupid as this may sound I kind of like the simplicity of having as little electrical components as possible. It won't be a daily driver by any means. Just something for hunting and to get to and from work in bad weather. I think the tbi would definitely be a reliable addition but I'd rather just find a good reliable carbuerated setup that will work when I need it to

[Captkaos]

When Choosing, look for reputation and warranty and warranty limitations.  If you just want something simple with a good warranty, I found the GM crates to fit the bill well.

[Magic1]

Think that's what I've decided on. Only real decision now is which one. Kinda debating over the 260 and 290 horse. The first has about 30lbs of torque over the 290 where the 290 gains on horsepower but gives up some on torque. Don't really know how much difference it will make but the 290 is about 500$ more. Seems like a lot for what looks to be a one piece seal and a cam. I do think I'm gonna go with an edelbrock performer intake/600 carb. From what I've read I'm sure I could do better performance wise with a different carb but I see a lot of happy people with the edelbrock for the reliability and the "set and forget" aspect which is what I'm after. I'm content trading some performance for reliability. I just want to be able to fire it up and go without constantly having to adjust things.

[codyC10kid]

Think that's what I've decided on. Only real decision now is which one. Kinda debating over the 260 and 290 horse. The first has about 30lbs of torque over the 290 where the 290 gains on horsepower but gives up some on torque. Don't really know how much difference it will make but the 290 is about 500$ more. Seems like a lot for what looks to be a one piece seal and a cam. I do think I'm gonna go with an edelbrock performer intake/600 carb. From what I've read I'm sure I could do better performance wise with a different carb but I see a lot of happy people with the edelbrock for the reliability and the "set and forget" aspect which is what I'm after. I'm content trading some performance for reliability. I just want to be able to fire it up and go without constantly having to adjust things.

Edlbrock is what i use on.my 83 olds,77 K10,brothers 82 C10,And very soon my 84 s10 with a 2.8Lv that knocks....time for a 450hp 355ci ,Id go with the one with more TQ. not HP and cant go rouge with a edelbock.and I built up a motor from a 95 K1500 200hp 300ft lbs stock ,cammed it higher compression edelbrock EPS intake 600 edelbrock carb...pushing maybe 260hp 350ft lbs and in 4lo can burn the tires down main street....77 K10 full time 4x4 3 inch body lift with 33mud diggers.Torque is what turns ur tires...

[Elpresidente]

I got the 260hp GMperformance crate 350 and Edelbrock 600, I'm very pleased with the combo. Had no issues with the engine, finished building it and it ran like a top. The carb was the same way, literally just bolted it on and that was all I had to do (granted that I changed the rods & jets anyway for a little bit of a leaner AFR).

[Magic1]

I got the 260hp GMperformance crate 350 and Edelbrock 600, I'm very pleased with the combo. Had no issues with the engine, finished building it and it ran like a top. The carb was the same way, literally just bolted it on and that was all I had to do (granted that I changed the rods & jets anyway for a little bit of a leaner AFR).

So do you feel like for the money that engine has the power to do what you need it to. I don't plan on hauling anything with it. Just want to feel like its got adequate power and not regret not going with a more expensive performance engine

[Fairlane514]

My 84 C10 short bed has the Goodwrench 350, 260 hp version with Q-jet, shorty headers, 2 1/2 exhaust, no smog, straight HEI, 3.08 gear or 2.79 (not sure haven't checked but its for sure one or the other) and 700R4.

I would say it feels pretty decent off the line and cruises well. I have other muscle cars and I'm tempted to put some better heads and cam in it, but its my daughters truck and she doesn't need anything more than what it is.

[81_Chevy]

im my 81 ive got an Goodwrench 350 crate engine with the Q-Jet, shes good on gas milage, runs good, no problems what so ever. pretty simple.

[Magic1]

Sounds good y'all. Thanks for the input