Looking for opinions!

[Effeckt]

SHORT Version - Swap my TH350 for a TH700R4 and keep my 350V8 or swap it all for a 5.3l V8 and 4l60 out of the newer model Chevrolet trucks?


I've been struggling to decide which direction I want to go with my K5. I have already decided that I am going to get a new transmission. The only I have currently (TH350) leaks big time and my mechanic basically said it needs a full on rebuild. It is not the transmission that I want since I do a fair amount of highway driving and so I originally planned to swap it for a TH700R4 rather than invest in the transmission that I don't really want anyways.

Lately I have been considering getting the 5.3l V8 with the 4l60 transmissions that accompany them in the newer model Silverado's and Tahoe's. It would give me the same end result but also give me better gas mileage while I am at it. Not to mention that my existing motor runs but not perfectly. It backfires occasionally and would need some work regardless.

I am not mechanical and would be farming out this work regardless of which route I go. I wanted to get everyone's opinion since I know a lot of you are more knowledgeable than I and some of you have even done this. Let me know what you think, pros/cons, etc. Thanks for all of your help. I love this forum and the ability to see what you all do and getting your expertise on this type of stuff.