Ha, no not confused. I didn't even start the thread! Ha, hope I haven't butted in too much. The reality of my situation is that my K20 has a pretty raggedy replacement engine in it, couldn't even trace the numbers on it, but am guessing late 70's/early 80's passenger car. I've stumbled onto a no-kidding running 72 350 with all the a/c goodies attached that I could make a deal on - but it has a little over 200k on it with 1 rebuild about 40k mi ago. Nothing wrong with that - I'd get what, to me, would be what I'd have been dealing with when new - just not new. I'm not worried about numbers matching - but I am kind of on the "period correct" bandwagon. Anyway - the availability of the local 72 350 has kinda forced my hand even though I'm nowhere near tearing down the K20 for a rebuild. But - a bird in the hand... I should either crap or get off the pot with this engine. So, it's forced me to think about crates now rather than when I'm ready to install in the future. And, while I enjoy rebuilding old engines, if I went with the 72 350 and redid it, I'd still have a 200k+ motor (and that's ok) but likely with a .060 overbore by the time I'm done. Not too concerned with that, but a brand new crate might be a better approach. Am guessing rebuild of the stock 350 would yield similar #'s to the 195/260/290 Gen 1 crates. nothing to write home about, but a capable driver. Since I intend to stuff a camper on the K20, it would be nice to get a bit more than what the stock 350 (or a crate 290) would provide. Although I really do like the 195 with a cam swap approach. Still, probably not much better than original stock 350.
So, my initial aversion to one piece rear seals and vertical intake bolts has subsided a bit (as long as I use the perimeter valve cover bolt adapters). I really think it will come down to either the HT383 (if times are good) or the L31 HD (if things are just what they are today). I'd be happy with either. All said and done, it's really only about a $1K-1300 difference once you add in the flexplate, fuel pump, intake, etc. So, would I spend that for an extra 100+ lb ft of torque. Hmm. Maybe!
Appreciate all the insight from those that have installed either of these engines - very helpful. I'm gonna think on it a little bit longer and perhaps let my procrastination on the 200k mi 350 make the decision for me
EDIT: Thanks Gary - yes, I have checked out summit - was just posting specs from GM sites. Summit is where I go first to buy IF they have it - they tend to have the best prices. They beat Scoggin Dickey by almost $200 on the L31R. And, they just opened a store in Arlington, a hop skip and a jump from my house
They do have deliv service with a tommy-lift or whatever you call that thing.