[Cabnchassis]

Originally Posted by Pano

Once at speed and on level grade the 350 maintains speed fine. It is slow getting to speed and noticeably slows down on hills. It may be me but it seemed to be a bit more of a dog this year than last. It seems I need to have my foot in it most of the time.

I don't have anything to compare it with but if that is typical for a 350 maybe I could live with it until the engine gives me problems.

The trailer is 5600 unloaded so is more like 6500-7000 loaded. The truck is loaded too so probably close to 8000 lbs which is close to the truck rating.

I will post a pick of the combo later.

Every motor ages uniquely. Two of the same exact motor won't run exactly alike after 20 years. If I were sitting in your spot right now I'd run a compression test to get an idea where you're at there. I had a mystery stumble that almost drove me to sell my truck but I though well let me just run a compression test and see how she's faring. I've never tested a 20 year old engine that hadn't lost a decent amount of compression but mine came out 2-3lbs under factory. That did a lot to help me realize that I was just expecting too much out of that motor.

I know when I lived in the midwest I got used to people's 350s having some power since they have no smog and trucks and cars with good running gear rust apart by the day out there. A lotta guys with cams with and heads and such so there are a lot of high 200 low 300hp trucks running around out there. Truck variant 350s were never built like that though.

When I got into a TBI 350 first it was a rcsb 2wd my aunt loaned and the disappointment was immediate. It was a 91 so gen V but just a turd. It sounded good and ran well but I have no doubt the same engine in my current truck runs better and makes enough more hp that you notice, even though they are identical in build.

So i guess my point is maybe you have a decent motor that you just expect more from like I was geared to in the past or it is entirely possible it's just aged in a way that sapped more power.

Honestly I prefer detroits to small blocks so I don't take it easy on that 350 pulling with it cause I'm not afraid to blow it up and go diesel. Not suggesting a detroit as a solution to you just sharing my experience and pointing out I may not be as bothered by mine cause i keep it wide open a lot.

Another factor at least for me using them for work is mileage. The 5 mpg you'd lose swapping is about what the difference is in mileage in my two. Basically the only time I pick the 350 truck is when I want power windows and A/C or need 4wd. Basically the difference in power output and mileage in my trucks is what you'd be looking at in a swap. If I could only pick one no way i'd take the 50 more hp gm says that gasser has over 5+ better mpg the detroit gets. And the detriot is in a lot bigger heavier truck.