Engine information/help please

[Kyle21nluvnit]

Hello everyone, I am looking for some information about the engine in my truck. I am the proud owner of an 81 k10 that I bought in what I would consider fair condition. It has a 4sp manual trans with granny low, a np208 transfer case, I don't know what axles yet and a decent crate 350. The engine is what my questions will be about. What I know is the casting number is 10066036, I have a changed a couple things so far. I put an edelbrock performer intake on it, edelbrock 600cfm electric choke carb and an msd distributor. It has stock exhaust manifolds going to Cherry bombs with lots of holes lol (this is my next fix). the engine currently runs "good" with a slight miss under load and a slight lack of getup I think this is from the holes in the exhaust and me not fine tuning the ignition since installing the msd.

I would just like some information maybe about personal experience with this engine. I don't want a big build, this is just a reliable farm/project truck. What size exhaust should I put on? I was thinking 2 1/4" dual with an x pipe and flow master 40s. My end goal is a reliable engine with 350lb ft of torque as low as I can get it. Is this a good engine for my build or should I get rid of it and change to something else?

[1980c10]

Your engine is a crate 350 and is very good for your application. As a crate motor It is probably rated at about 250 hp and 350 tq or better from the crate.
Your limiting factor in this equation is most likely the stock exhuast manifolds. Get some headers and put them on with your exhuast. 2.25 or 2.5 duals are fine.
Then replace plugs(gap them properly) and wires if you haven't done this yet.
Then check your vacuum lines, route or re-route them correctly or more efficiently.
Then check the rest of the hoses and belts.
Then set your timing.
after this is all in order make the needed adjustments to your carb.
As for exhuast; mufflers are pretty much a personal preference based on sound.

[Kyle21nluvnit]

Thanks for the info. Yes I have replaced the plugs and wires, I did those when i replaced the distributor. Now with the manifolds, I would like to upgrade to headers when I do the exhaust and knock it all out together. However I have heard from people that they tend to have clearance issues with the headers on the K10's. Is this really the case? I got a great deal on a set of new black summit headers for the K10 so im hoping I can use them without to much tweeking.

[Grim 82]

I have used the Flowtech headers without any clearance issues, and now I have Hooker Comps that fit fine with the exception of some interference with the shifter linkage rod from the column to the trans if you have an automatic.

[Kyle21nluvnit]

I have a manual, so hopefully I will be good then. Thanks for the help and info im hoping to get the exhaust and stuff on this upcoming weekend and finish my timing and such. Next project, fix the gov-bomb before it goes boom!!! lol