Blew up my SB 400 today.

[fitz]

  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.
 

[VileZambonie]

That sucks. Was it knockin?

[fitz]

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.

[Psycho71]

Hate to hear about the troubles, but that is a nice little escape hatch you have there now.

[Swims350]

I'd use the big block, good for towing, or do a goodwrench 350. or even the 350 you got.

[fitz]

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.
 

[Swims350]

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.

[greatdane]

Ouch! That sucks! 454 would be cool next!

[Grim 82]

For every door closed, another one opens.
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/RamJet-502-Crate-Engine-PFI-with-Aluminum-Heads-12499121-P8C2.aspx

[fitz]

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.

[TexasRed]

I'd keep the TPI just for the drive-ability.

[Layne]

get a new 400...

[oldwhity]

What about one of those 427 small blocks out of a Z06. It's different.

[fitz]

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?

[VileZambonie]

Chuck the 350 in it and build the big block when you have the time and funds.