Need advice and opinion 1971 Chevy Restore

[GreyGhost85]

Good afternoon everyone,

I’m currently fishing for some opinions regarding my 1971 Chevy c10 restore. So here is what I’m workings with:

1. I currently have an extra vehicle on hand, a 2005 Chevy Tahoe with a 5.3 l vortec engine with transmission. Good reliable vehicle 200k miles still running strong and shifting smooth. 6 lug pattern disc brake all around.

2. Currently there is a 305/rebuilt TH350C combo running great. Leafs

What would you guys do? I’ve done research but can’t really make up my mind about which route to go. For example... should I sell the Tahoe and sell the engine and transmission in the c10 and buy a new crate engine (350, 427) and new transmission, pricier in the long run... or should I part out the 2005 Tahoe scavenge as many parts as I can, specifically the engine and rebuild it myself? Like I’m not sure if the rear end or disc brakes from the Tahoe will fit the 71 c10? Also I would like to pop a TH350 behind that vortec and ditch fuel injection to run a carb. Not looking to build a drag truck, just neat and reliable. Just kind of scavenging for ideas as I don’t really have very many classic car enthusiast friends. How much should I sell a running and driving TH350C/ 305 combo for? Summit or east wood sells and 5.3 vortec engine complete for like 3,000$ no alternator, power steering or ac though. Please throw me some bones here.

[GreyGhost85]

Like for example this option:

Chevrolet Performance GM 5.7L 350 Long Block Cast Iron Truck Engine 1996-2002 Chevy/GMC Truck/SUV/Van From Jeggs for about 1,900$ and move the intake manifold, and alternator from the 305 to this engine with a new TH350 or something and sell the Tahoe and current engine. I think I should actually profit a tad bit with this route considering I keep the carb and some other items.

[B. W.]

My opinion, drop a crate motor in. The LS is a great platform, it's just easier to swap one small block with another.

The engine you posted is a good one but your 305 intake will not fit on it. It has the newer vortec bolt pattern.

[fourspeedwagon]

If you have a good running 5.3— There wouldn’t be a question as to what I’d do. The smooth shifting transmission in the Tahoe is probably only good for fundraising right? I didn’t think they made those in 2 wheel drive so if you’re doing a c10 you’ll need to shop for a 2wd trans (4l60e).
I also wouldn’t consider removing the fuel injection for a carb on the LS. That’s half the reason to use the ls to start with.
But— if you want it driving in a matter of a couple weeks (or days) then a crate sbc will get you there shortly.
Wasn’t very helpful was I...

Check out the lsx swap section and see if it’s for you. I think that ‘05 would be a good donor.

[GreyGhost85]

Yea I’m leaning towards just grabbing another small block and TH350 to pop right in there and selling the Tahoe and current motor/trans to cover the expense. Less complicated and easier

[rpmerf]

I'd go crate motor. 350 or maybe even a 383 with Vortec heads. Find one in the power range you want. It will make it easy to reuse all your accessories and transmission.

I wouldn't expect the 305 to sell for much, but every bit helps.

If you would interested in going fuel injection, I might lean more toward the LS, as I feel they would be better setup for it with aftermarket standalone systems build specifically for those engines.

Here is something to think about. If you sell the Tahoe, you could get a couple grand, spend that on the crate engine, and maybe end up almost even. If you swap the engine from the Tahoe, you now have a near worthless Tahoe (scrap value), and you either put a 200K engine and trans in your truck, or you spend more money rebuilding them. Financially, selling the Tahoe makes more sense.

[GreyGhost85]

Originally Posted by rpmerf

I'd go crate motor. 350 or maybe even a 383 with Vortec heads. Find one in the power range you want. It will make it easy to reuse all your accessories and transmission.

I wouldn't expect the 305 to sell for much, but every bit helps.

If you would interested in going fuel injection, I might lean more toward the LS, as I feel they would be better setup for it with aftermarket standalone systems build specifically for those engines.

Here is something to think about. If you sell the Tahoe, you could get a couple grand, spend that on the crate engine, and maybe end up almost even. If you swap the engine from the Tahoe, you now have a near worthless Tahoe (scrap value), and you either put a 200K engine and trans in your truck, or you spend more money rebuilding them. Financially, selling the Tahoe makes more sense.

Completely agree. Do you think 1200$ is a fair price for the 305/TH350C/intake manifold/ carb/ alternator/ dizzy pictured? Pretty much complete engine without things like transmission shift bracket and throttle cable brackets?

[GreyGhost85]

Originally Posted by B. W.

My opinion, drop a crate motor in. The LS is a great platform, it's just easier to swap one small block with another.

The engine you posted is a good one but your 305 intake will not fit on it. It has the newer vortec bolt pattern.

So check this delux crate, 5000$. Doesn’t this seem a bit over price for what’s its worth? You can get the base turnkey with water pump for 2,500 and add your alternator, a/c, fuel pump, power steering pump, and flex plate for wayyy less than the 2500 additional cost. Only way I can justify this is that it is alread ready and a convenience factor.

[Sweeet67]

I’d do more research on the blueprint stuff. I’ve seen quite a few bad reviews on them.

[clay68c10]

I’m surprised no one else has suggested it here, but I’d go with the L31 Vortec crate 4 bolt. Cheap, powerful enough for a driver, and dead reliable.
And the 305/th350 isn’t going to be worth a lot. Maybe $600 tops around here.
I’d keep the th350, sell the Tahoe and 305.

[rpmerf]

Guess it all depends on what you want, what your budget is, how much time you have to swap everything. If you have more money than time, go with the turn key. If you have more time than money, go with a long block.

I think I'd go for something like this. I think this is what you posted in post #2.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/n...1432/overview/

Buy an intake and headers or exhaust manifolds for it. Swap over you accessories - distributor, carb, power steering pump, alternator, you can make a judgement call on the water pump. I'd leave the TH350 unless you are swapping to a 700R4.

One thing I notice with the turn key engine you have listed there is the serpentine belt. It does have it's own alternator, water pump, and power steering pump. For PS, you would likely need conversion fittings for SAE to metric threads. Could swap to a later steering box with metric threads. Would be a nice upgrade if you still have a 4 turn box.

How much the 305 goes for is going to be very much area dependent. Check craigslist and see whats out there for comparison.

[el_fantasma]

Originally Posted by rpmerf

Swap over you accessories - distributor, carb, power steering pump, alternator, you can make a judgement call on the water pump.

Distributor isn’t a direct swap, right? Doesn’t it need a “melonized” gear?

https://www.jegs.com/i/COMP-Cams/249/412M/10002/-1


I’m asking, not telling . . .

[OARNGESI]

Brand new crate motor sell the tahoe

[rpmerf]

Originally Posted by el_fantasma

Distributor isn’t a direct swap, right? Doesn’t it need a “melonized” gear?

Good point. Not sure on the specifics of that. It is true that the distributor drive gear needs to be paired to the cam. Depends on the metal the cam is made out of. You want the distributor drive gear to be a softer metal