Opinions on Best Engine to put in 71' Chevy 4x4 1/2 ton pickup

[josh_solheim]

Does anybody have any opinions as to the best engine and accessories to put in a 71 chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 with the engine gutted...starting from scratch... Complete Package higher horsepower deals are what I am looking for. I want at least 300 horsepower and a good warranty would be nice. Also, opinions on the best trannies would be helpful.

My goal is to have the most horsepower possible. Noise isn't really a concern. Better gas mileage would be a plus but not super important.

What I am currently considering is a 350 Chevy Crate GM Engine package deal and a 700R4 tranny...

Is there a better tranny than the 700R4?

Would I be happy with a 350 Crate GM Chevy Engine?

Maybe one like from the following site????

http://www.high-performance-engines.com/vc01.html
http://www.psiflex.com/chevy_crate_engines.htm
http://www.rebuiltcarengines.com/ce01.html

Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated. I don't want to spend more than 7,000 dollars under the hood including the transmission. Thanks!!

[rage'nrat638]

383 STROKER

[jorgensensc]

383= poor gas mpg
lt1 or ls1 with 4l60e or 4l80e overdrive tranny= much better gas mileage.

[rage'nrat638]

Better gas mileage would be a plus but not super important.

[krazy_texan]

i say go with a 350 or 383 just because for the most part you can go into any parts store and get parts for them relitivly cheap. plus you can get decent gas mileage on the 350 and lots of power on both.

[miket]

Contrary to belief, you don't really want a bunch of horsepower....I would be buying a torque motor with an overdrive.

You could buy a good 350 crate motor...ZZ3/4 or others...383 too for that matter....get as much torque as you can...these trucks are heavy.

[cdowns]

it really depends on how much cubic dollars you're willing to spend

[josh_solheim]

Is this a reasonable 383 stroker package deal?
http://www.dallasexportsales.com/377LB.htm
if so, what kind of mpg you think I could get out of this w/ 700R4 or similiar transmission?

The same goes for this ZZ4
http://www.gmpartsdepot.com/store/pr...&kw=zz4&src=kn
http://www.goautocenter.com/zz4_350.htm
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/gofast/gmcrateengines.html



Also, what does the 350/383 have over the ZZ3/4 or vice versa?

I am considering spending 3-5,000 dollars on the engine...
I want at least 350 horsepower, and possible the ability to upgrade my power easily if I need more later...

[josh_solheim]

Also, would a 390 horsepower 383 stroker engine package
just leave me wanting more? If so, is there anything to do to gain more?
So far I think this looks like the best 383 stroker...
http://www.dallasexportsales.com/377LB.htm

I drive a 2000 Chevy S-10 ZR2 currently w/ headers, dual exhaust, power chip, and air intake kit... I might have 250-275 horse now.

I wonder what the difference would feel like or if I would even notice. If so, I may have to go w/ a 454 you think?

Has anyone felt the difference on motors like this?

[miket]

Josh,

If you buy a built motor make sure you know the details of the warranty...see if you can have it dynoed BEFORE you put it in the truck.

So you're budget is $5000 for the motor itself....does this include accessories? do you have a new radiator for your new motor?

If you have 5K to spend on the motor itself (meaning you have another budget for misc install stuff....etc.) I would look at a big block...you are not that far away....and you can do alot with a big block...

Just my opinion.

[BAD4X4]

why is everybody so happy over 383s I had a 355 I built in a 69swb 4x4 with a 4spd and I beat all kinds of 383s. I would go with a GM crate motor. I have bought tons of big blocks and small blocks this way and never a problem. Just my 2-cents

[breeh]

I've got to say that I have been pretty happy with my 427

[josh_solheim]

In your opinion, what is the best Crate GM Motor package to get for my 71' Chevy C-10 4x4?

For a 454, does this sound competitive?
http://www.streetrodstuff.com/Products/177/

For a 350, does this sound competitive?
http://www.streetrodstuff.com/Products/168/

Better yet, what would you recommend for getting a package deal GM Crate motor. Do you have any links for me?

Thanks a bunch, what are you doing special to beat 383's w/ 350 crate engines???

I appreciate any guidance, I would like to learn from other people's mistakes/experiences and do it right the first time...!

[cdowns]

www.enginefactory.com that's where i purchased my engine they have a 435hp turn-key engine for about 5thousand, and they're neg on the prices give them a call

[JimKshortstep4x4]

I have a 400 sbc in my shortstep 4x4 and I love it. Decent mileage
(14-14 1/2) and it has good power. Compression is 9.5 with a mild cam.

As they say, "just my .02"

Jim

[palallin]

I would bet that some people who have 383 gas hogs are running them too high in the power band. That kind of engine ought to be built to keep the torque peak low and geared to turn slow.