383 rebuild vs new 350 crate engine

[bravo1616]

Hi,
I have an 82 GMC K1500 and i'm wondering what you all think about putting money into its 383 stroker that is leaking oil all over and probably burning oil as well. I would like better gas mileage and i'm just wondering if its worth putting money into this engine or get a new 350 crate engine.

thanks for any thoughts/opinions.
amy

[Jason S]

How much better gas mileage are you looking to get out of the truck?

Variables such as transmissions, axle gearing, type of driving (pulling a trailer, city driving, open highway, etc.) and terrain (hills or flat country) all go into the equation. For example, if you pull trailers a lot in hilly terrain, the 350 would be working harder than the 383 and likely get worse fuel mileage. 

Rebuilding the 383 with "stock" type parts (i.e., not race engine parts) should cost less money than even the least expensive new crate 350 (i.e., GM Goodwrench engine).   

[rich weyand]

Also depends on how many miles are on it.

I've done what I call a refresh on an engine -- basically a cheapie rebuild.  New main and rod bearings, new rings, grind and lap the valves and seats, new lifters, new valve retainers and seals, button her up and put her back on the road.  Got another 150,000 miles out of an engine with 100,000+ miles on it already.

[bravo1616]

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of history on the truck, but I think the engine has only between 3000-5000 miles on it.
Right now I just drive it locally not much highway, I am fixing up an old camper shell to go camping with so I'd like to travel with it so highway and off-road would be a factor and sometimes I would be pulling a trailer with quads.
A friend gave me the name of someone who I'll go talk to about a rebuild and see what he says, I'd prefer not to drop $2000 just for the engine.

Btw the tranny needs work too
Thanks for your replies.

[rich weyand]

Well, if it only has 3000-5000 miles on it, you don't need to rebuild anything just because it's leaking oil.  Soak the engine down with some warm degreaser and let it sit for half an hour, then rinse it all off with the hose.  Take some pics with your cellphone camera around the pan gasket, the rear seal, under the valve covers, and the front and back of the intake manifold.  Run it down the road a few miles and back and then see what you have.  Compare to the pictures to see where the new oil is.  You probably just need a pan gasket, or a rear seal.  Could be a valve cover needs straightening.  Or maybe the intake manifold is leaking from one of the corners, which seem to be the favorite spots.

heck, $50 for some nice gaskets and a couple hours work and you're probably good.

[bravo1616]

Hey thanks Rich.