350 or 454, carb or EFI?

[Morrow]

Hey guys, new to chevy trucks, currently in school for automotives, picked up a project truck ('85 K10) to completely redo while im learning everything in school.  It has a 305 in it currently which still runs but would need to be rebuilt, so I would rather buy a 350 or 454 to rebuild and put that in instead.  The truck will be for driving in the winter, and offroading/camping, so i plan on doing a lift, suspension, bigger tires and the works, later on.  Question right now is should I go 350 or 454 if i can find one?  Is there a huge difference in fuel economy from small to big block?  Will it be a lot easier rebuliding one than the other (finding parts, etc)?  Is it better to get just the block or an assembled engine and strip it from there?  Next question (s) is whichever engine i decide should I go carberated or fuel inj.?  What are the pros/cons?  I don't no a lot about the history of the engines and will be looking into it, but what are some good years to pick from for the two engines, keeping in mind im on a student budget lol.  Lots or questions sorry guys, just want to hear some opinions from everyone, thanks a lot! 

[Captkaos]

the 454 will cost more to build and cost more to drive.  Gas mileage is going to be down automaticaly if you use one. 
If you are going fuel inject one, you can get an engine and complete harness from an 87-95 TBI truck and put it in there.  Personally, I would go fuel injection due to better throttle response, mileage, engine life, better cranking in differening temps, not affected by severe inclines, declines, etc.

[Morrow]

Thanks for the info, just wondering why it would cost so much more to build a 454 than 350, is that just cuz its harder to parts or just bigger more expensive parts, i always thought a lot of parts from a 350 could be used on a 454? 

[VileZambonie]

What parts from the 350 did u think u could use on the 454? It's basic economics. Supply an demand. 350's are everywhere and parts are cheaper. Big Blocks aren't as common and are more expensive to build for mainly that reason. Not many parts are interchangable from bbc to sbc

[loudnlow87]

EFI 350 

[1976Scottsdale]

Set yourself up with a 350, or if you really want to show what you know, rebuild the 305.  I know it sounds backwards, but with the parts stores buying up all of the engines now, the 305's are getting left in the junkyards and are getting to be really cheap cause nobody wants em'.  I just rebuilt one for my 1976 K-20 and power-wise, it is outperforming the 350's that I used to build.  I did a real rebuild too, not new pistons, rods, crank, heads, etc.  I rebuilt my heads after having them magged, cleaned the pistons and rods, installed new rings, polished the crank, installed new bearings, cleaned the block myself, and put it all back together in two days working by myself.  I have about $300 into the whole motor.  As for your first question, buy a complete engine, whatever route you choose, that way you can be sure that your main caps are in order, rods in order, and that you have everything.  If you need any hard to find stuff or advise, just ask, we are all here to help however we can.  These guys have helped me a lot lately.

[loudnlow87]

car craft mag built a mild 305, it blew up on the dyno.

[1976Scottsdale]

Guess they did a poor job on assembly/break-in or got parts that had poor workmanship.

[Lt.Del]

All frequent readers of this outstanding website knows what I think....any guesses?

http://www.delbridge.net/install

[eventhorizon66]

I second the 383.  Big Block torque (almost) without the big block weight and expense.

TBI would be your best bet for an offroad rig, especially anything that sees rock action.  But if you do go with a carb you may want to check out this article...I believe the Q-jet is the clear winner.

http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/techarticles/off_road_carburetor_review/index.html

[1976Scottsdale]

All frequent readers of this outstanding website knows what I think....any guesses?

http://www.delbridge.net/install

*Bows humbly at the sight of the awesome 383*

[Lt.Del]

I have to say that the ole' 79 Green Monster is sooooo much fun to drive.  I simply can't help going over the speed limit, always!  She just wants to go. 
And with those dual exhausts emptying out before each rear wheel, Man! Gotta drive w/ the windows down too--the music is better than listening to Pachelbel's Canon in D Major at 1,000 watts.

I'm getting carried away here.  I wouldn't trade this ole piece of metal in for a new truck any day. She aint the prettiest thing right now, but, man she will take off leaving corvette drivers looking twice.
http://www.delbridge.net/chevy