Which engine, need help, some opinions needed

[Slik69]

I have a dilemma guys. I am trying to figure out which motor to buy/use. I have available to me a

1. 5.7 Vortec engine, would need to get intake, carb, distributor. Was told this block only has 35k on it and it has been sitting for 10 years. Would I need to worry abotu seats going bad or anything else. It is a dusty mess though. Would probably need to dissasemble/clean/put back.

2. Another block I came across today which I will pay $200 if I decide to buy it. Casting# 14093638 5.7 LG SGI Ebgine only had about 10k on it. Came out of a light duty Van. Needs a rebuild/bore because it ran hot and the owners ignored it. The piston on #5 cylinder, was starting to melt and left some residue in the top of the bore, so they cannot be used. Machine shop said if it weren't for that, the block would have taken a hone job. I had this block maged today and it checked out fine. Crank is in good good shape (by eye) have not had it checked out. The cam looks like it has very little wear on it. How does a motor so new run hot?? The heads are being maged tomm., so I will learn more about them. This block can also be made a roller. I hear these are good. Same as vortec?

3. The machine shop has 2 010 blocks that have already been machined. One is .030 overbore (but has sleeves in cylinders 1&2), they look good and the slugs are not going anywhere. This block has 010 in the timing cover area Very good machine shop, does grade A work. The other 010 block is .040 overbore and has 020 in the timing cover area. I think this is a high nickel block. Can someone confirm. Both of these block need cranks (which I can get for $50) and a rebuild kit. Do not have heads for either of these blocks and would need them. The thing is I cannot get a kit until I figure out which heads to use. Will be going over to a core yard in the morning to look for heads. Can someone throw out some sasting no's for heads to use, or I can get them from pick part.


This motor is going into my 69 C10. I am looking for economy gas wise.. and some performance. Will be adding a 700r4 to whatever engine.
Thanks

[wHATANERD]

with the 40 over block I would worry about over heating issues.

[CgSimms]

I would go with the Vortec, probably cause thats what i did. I had it bored and stroked, then added the edelbrock pro-flo fuel injection system. I get 12.5 mpg everywhere i go and i only have it backed by a th350 for now. I'm sure once i get my 700r4 working i will get much better. Its also a good thing to consider since the vortec blocks are rollerized and the roller cams are generally cheaper in price, and they can get a steeper lift on the cam. Another good thing about the vortec is how well the heads flow. With the 1.94 intake valve and the design of the head its said that the vortec heads will out flow 2.02's. just my 2 cents. let me know if you have any questions about my setup.

[Slik69]

All thing beings equal, it came down to a numbers game and overall performance, so I have decided to go with the Vortec. I think this will be good and a fun truck to drive. I hear these things rock bone stock.

I liked the nostalgia part of wanting to do the other blocks, but this one has the added advantage already which is roller and better breathing heads.

[hotrod 80]

My choice would be either #1 or #2 due to the roller cam and 1-piece rear seal . Just my opinion .

#1 would be my first choice , but may not have a mechanical fuel pump provision , something to think about . These heads will fow way better than the TBI heads on the other motor . This motor will also have the roller cam and lifters in it already . Some of these motors cam with powdered metal rods as a bonus .

#2 Is roller capable also . I have a 2 bolt 638 in my race truck . Depending on the year of the van it my be set up for a fuel pump . You could always replace the expensive metric ring pistons for a conventional sbc piston on the overbore and will be able to choose your own cam . The TBI/193 heads have a sort of "guide vain" in the port that makes them not flow very well .

[Slik69]

The 638 block I have is a 4 bolt main. It was a tough decision.. still is. With that block, I was thinking I could always roller it down the line, but then you still do not get the heads on the vortec.

On the roller block, I believe it can be machined to accept mechanical fuel pump.

[hotrod 80]

Yes it can be machined , but my machinist hates doing it and told me i could buy 2 blocks for the cost of machining the fuel pump boss .

[wHATANERD]

If you didn't want to have the fuel pump boss machined you could also use an electric fuel pump.

[Slik69]

Originally Posted by wHATANERD

If you didn't want to have the fuel pump boss machined you could also use an electric fuel pump.

Yeah.. have one of those too. Will probably just go with it.

[CgSimms]

Thats what I ended up doing on my truck, the only problem that i've had with it is shorting of the wires. Not a huge deal if you just use some chafe wrap or something.