I'm convinced I have the perfect set up.

[garyd1961]

I know others will disagree and that's ok but I wouldn't change a thing on my truck if someone else paid for it.
GM crate engine L31-R, factory cam.
Summit stage 1 intake.
MSD 85551 Pro-Billet distributor, 6al box (over kill but it works)
Holley 770 Street Avenger carb(over kill but I had a new one sitting here)
Long tube headers, 2 1/2 inch exhaust, Thrust welded mufflers.
TCI Street fighter th350 trans, factory stall converter
3.07 Gears in the rear.
255/70/15 tires all around.
This set up has a lot of low end torque and will cruise the highway with no problem. I fool a lot of people at the traffic lights and if riding along you floor it, it will pull you back in the seat.
The best part is I rode around this morning for 2 1/2 hours and burned less than 5 gallons of gas. I was just cruising slow but my old motor would have burned way over double that.
I didn't check mileage but I'll bet it was at least 20 miles to the gallon.I believe the secret is in running the factory cam and factory torque converter. At 45 to 50 mph the motor sounds like it's almost idling.
I would recommend this or similar set up to anyone looking for a new motor and trans.

[rsgt]

I love it when a plan comes together. Sounds like a good combo.

[garyd1961]

Yeah, my first attempt didn't turn out so good so I did a lot of research before putting this together. I was looking for low end power with good gas mileage and I believe I found it.

[Custom/20]

Originally Posted by garyd1961

I know others will disagree and that's ok but I wouldn't change a thing on my truck if someone else paid for it.
GM crate engine L31-R, factory cam.
Summit stage 1 intake.
MSD 85551 Pro-Billet distributor(over kill but it works)
Holley 770 Street Avenger carb(over kill but I had a new one sitting here)
Long tube headers, 2 1/2 inch exhaust, Thrust welded mufflers.
TCI Street fighter th350 trans, factory stall converter
3.07 Gears in the rear.
255/70/15 tires all around.
This set up has a lot of low end torque and will cruise the highway with no problem. I fool a lot of people at the traffic lights and if riding along you floor it, it will pull you back in the seat.
The best part is I rode around this morning for 2 1/2 hours and burned less than 5 gallons of gas. I was just cruising slow but my old motor would have burned way over double that.
I didn't check mileage but I'll bet it was at least 20 miles to the gallon.I believe the secret is in running the factory cam and factory torque converter. At 45 to 50 mph the motor sounds like it's almost idling.
I would recommend this or similar set up to anyone looking for a new motor and trans.

You should post up some pictures man! I love seeing some photos.

[garyd1961]

Nothing special but here's a picture of the motor. I have added a new heater core and hoses since the picture but other than that it still looks the same. My truck is just a weekend driver, trash hauler truck. It will never be a show quality truck, not while I own it anyway.

Here's the truck.

I know these are the same pictures I posted before. I will try to get some new ones but I'm having a problem with Photo-Bucket. It takes me a very long time to post a picture and a lot longer to download a new one.

[Alex V.]

A man after my own heart - gradual and sensible, not just a hybrid of the biggest, baddest parts that'll work together. Sounds like a real nice combo!

[HeavyD]

Truck looks great, and combo sounds good for real world driver. Did you have to use an electric fuel pump with the crate L31?

[Steeveedee]

Nice combination! And a nice color combination, too!

[garyd1961]

Originally Posted by HeavyD

Truck looks great, and combo sounds good for real world driver. Did you have to use an electric fuel pump with the crate L31?

Yes I did and it was noisy until I hooked up a heater fan resistor in the line. Now it's barely noticeable. The guys at work thought I was crazy at first but what I did was to gut an old voltage regulator box, drill holes in it, mount the resistor inside, mount it on the inner fender so the engine fan would blow air across it and wire into my hot wire going to the fuel pump.
I've been running it for almost a year now with no problems.

My engine compartment was pretty dirty when I took this picture, mostly pollen.

[jessemthompson]

That's great! I believe it's perfect if it works well for you. Does t matter what anyon else thinks. As long as you're happy with it

[6T7 C10]

Thanks for the report. Glad that combo is working out for you as I am working on something very similar and am aiming for very good drivability and low to mid power. New crate L31-R, Summit stage 1 intake, Edelbrock 500 cfm carb, stock cam, 1.52 full roller rockers, .015" thick head gaskets, and a beefed up 200-4R transmission i did myself. Hope to have it on the road this fall so time will tell.

[6T7 C10]

I painted my engine Chevrolet orange as well and plan on using a black air cleaner. Picked up a mid 90's serpentine belt system. Don't know what I am going to do for valve covers but probably orange or chrome.

[Onebean]

That's really sweet! Finding a group of parts that work good together and increase power and fuel mileage is a trifecta. I like your truck just like it is.

Onebean

[TXBoudy]

Meh, no such thing as overkill!

[jfnar]

Please post some gas mileage numbers when you get them. I'm always interested in gas mileage. Thanks.

[garyd1961]

Originally Posted by Onebean

That's really sweet! Finding a group of parts that work good together and increase power and fuel mileage is a trifecta. I like your truck just like it is.

Onebean

Thanks, the only thing I plan to change is painting the top and changing the windshield. The top had several layers of rust and paint when I got it. Looks like the previous owner would just keep adding a new coat of paint and the rust would come back through.
The windshield I have isn't new but an original that's still in really good shape. I rather have it than a new windshield.

Quote " Meh, no such thing as overkill! "
I was trying to keep it simple. The MSD ignition was left over from the previous motor. Since it was already wired in I decided to keep it. I already had the carburetor and since it was a single pumper and a vacuum secondary I figured it would work.

Quote "Please post some gas mileage numbers when you get them. I'm always interested in gas mileage. Thanks. "
I really don't like filling to the top since it still has the original tank behind the seat but I want to know also so I will start the mileage check next fill up.