Re: 4.3l vs. 5.7l in a commuter truck
I had a 1990 W/T with the 4.3/700R4/3.08's, run 235/75R15's on it to keep it in its power band. Would not go over 100mph, but then again it's a truck (I was younger and stupider then). 18mpg mixed, 21-23 highway, 217,000 miles, had to replace the alternator and rebuilt the trans at 195,000. Had to sell it when the 2nd kid arrived. Guy who bought it used it to haul drywall for his house, was so impressed that he fixed it up and kept driving it.
I traded my 1990 454SS for it. Best move I ever made. Towed trailer with C20 around, loaded it, etc. Communted up to 200 miles a day with it. If you tow, slow down and run in D (4th clutch is weak on a 700R4). If you over load it slow down. But in the end it's a 350 wit 2 holes missing, and the power and mileage adjusted accordingly.
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1987 2 ton 
1982  250/TH350 beater in progress
Dad's 1981  3/4 L6 3 on tree posi and no options, awaiting restoration or scrapping
Plus a mess o' tractors
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