Engine Rebuild Companies

[76Scottsdale]

I have an old 400 in my 76 and would like to put in a more fuel economical 350.  This is basically my daily driver and has to be reliable, I'm not interested in a lot of power, I had a 69' Pontiac with 400hp and 500lbs of torque which I used for that .

The truck is a 1/2 ton, 4X4, Th-350 76 Scottsdale stepside shortbox. I want to buy a 350 that is already built, from a company that sells either new or rebuilt engines. What is the best fuel economy mpg wise I can expect to get? I'd like to have a little performance but don't want to be using 92 octane.

I'd like to get some reccomendations for online or mail order engine companies that have a good reputation for quality, and that don't fudge their warranty's.  

Thanks  

[bored and stroked]

You'd be better off [if only trying to get better milage] by switching to a 700r4 overdrive tranny. You wont see much of a difference going from the 400 to a 350. With a 350 and th350 tranny expect somewhere in the 10-14mpg range

[76Scottsdale]

What kind of a difference would the 700r4 make?  

[Layne]

Fourth gear on a 700 is overdrive, thus overdriving the engine giving you more mpgs

[Donut]

This thread is rustier than my truck!

[Stewart G Griffin]

1) my money is on jasper.   Also, i still trust gm goodwrench engines.

2) Tires make all the difference in the world?   What size are you running?   If it's just going to be your daily driver, i feel running 205/75r 15's or similar could do wonders for your mpg.  Also, the brand makes a big difference;  i would be looking at michelin x's.  Whatever the silverado XFE is running.

3) i know there is virtually a war concerning this next topic, but i really feel 305's and smaller can achieve good fuel economy;  Remember that these trucks were equipped with 262 v-6's and 250 staight sixes proving that 250 cid is enough to move the truck.


4) P.S. i got average 15.8 mpg in my 1/2 ton with the crate 350, but mine is 2WD.  17mpg was the highest achieved one week.   There is now a 305 in it's place and we'll see if it makes a difference.

[maddog]

Im with Donut on this wow

[VileZambonie]

lol, why are we offering advice on a 7 year old post?

[Layne]

My mistake! sorry, I didn't notice until I clicked post!!!

[Stewart G Griffin]

The subject matter is still relevant.   Doesn't matter if 7 yrs old or 70 yrs old.  i'm in need of this info myself as i'm not sure if i should rebuild myself or buy a reman.


BTW i didn't realize this forum has been around that long!   Congratulations!

[Captkaos]

Yeah, we have been around since 2000

[Donut]

Congrats on being around that long!

Stewart, your right, the subject matter is still relevant.  However it quickly turned from crate engines to turbo 350 vs. 700r4 
I originally clicked on wondering the same thing especially since there are as many companies as opinions.

[VileZambonie]

The subject matter is still relevant.   Doesn't matter if 7 yrs old or 70 yrs old.  i'm in need of this info myself as i'm not sure if i should rebuild myself or buy a reman.


BTW i didn't realize this forum has been around that long!   Congratulations!

Well when someone is pointing out to you that you are replying to the original poster who hasn't been on board since 2002 and are asking him questions I guess it is relative... Wouldn't it make more sense to start a new thread?

Name:  76Scottsdale
Posts:  5 (0.002 per day)
Position:  Newbie
Date Registered:  October 14, 2002, 12:48:00 AM
Last Active:  Never

[Stewart G Griffin]

i don't know; maybe i'm different---i look at it sometimes as responding to the question as much as responding to the originial poster.

2) As far as starting a new thread, i didn't want to waste space. (?)

[VileZambonie]

LOL, don't worry stewie, it's all good in the hood.