What is the best bolt up powerplant for these trucks - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SilveradoDude · 10-10-2009, 10:39 AM

If I wanted to add more horsepower with little to no mods (ie: engine mounts driveshaft) what is the best bolt up powerplant for our trucks?

smashingchuck · 10-10-2009, 10:41 AM

The possibilities are endless. What are you goals, what are your skills, and what is your price range?

Tx Firefighter · 10-10-2009, 11:00 AM

What do you have now ? If you have a tired 305, it's going to be very easy to improve. If you have a strong 350 or a 454, much different options.

**N2TRUX** · 10-10-2009, 12:24 PM

Get a 100 shot on a plate. It's hard to beat that bang for the buck.

Seriously, we need more details.

SilveradoDude · 10-10-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

What do you have now ? If you have a tired 305, it's going to be very easy to improve. If you have a strong 350 or a 454, much different options.

I have a tired 305. But I was looking for something a little better than a predictable 350 upgrade.

Driveway Dreams · 10-10-2009, 02:29 PM

Big block will give you a good boost of power. Or, build a 350. If you want "easy bolt in" you will have "predictable" to a point. That is reality.

KQQL IT · 10-10-2009, 02:31 PM

A 383 would bolt in and work very well, And bolt in... But with any thing ther will be some fabrication i:e fuel ignition exhaust and so on

SilveradoDude · 10-10-2009, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

A 383 would bolt in and work very well, And bolt in... But with any thing ther will be some fabrication i:e fuel ignition exhaust and so on

That stuff is fine, I just don't want to get into fabbing motor mounts or driveshafts.

smashingchuck · 10-10-2009, 05:18 PM

ok, so do you want a big block or a small block?

LONGHAIR · 10-10-2009, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilveradoDude

That stuff is fine, I just don't want to get into fabbing motor mounts or driveshafts.

As long as you stick with a small block, that is a non-issue. You could have the wildest high revving unstreetable racing engine....and it would bolt right in. Until you get to 3rd generation (LS) engines, they all the same externally. Everything from the 283 up to 400 and even second generation (LT) engines bolt up the same. Motor mounts, bell housing and exhaust would all fit. You might have to deal with fuel lines, maybe alternator wiring and/or bracketry....serpentine belt? depending upon year, maybe A/C compressor and bracket?

All in all a long block or complete crate motor that is the most similar to what you already have is the easiest.

SilveradoDude · 10-11-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smashingchuck

ok, so do you want a big block or a small block?

I want more HP and torque with the least amount of hassle.

MudBug · 10-11-2009, 10:09 PM

Get a good 383 built in a late model roller block.Good torque,dependable , and drops-in using most of the stuff off the motor you already have.

78BO · 10-13-2009, 04:40 PM

Jegs and Summit both have a good deal on the Blue Print Engines 383. For 2995, 405hp and 440tq is pretty cheap. I have one and I've been pleased so far. There have only been a few things that have ticked me off. One the rear A/C brackets don't fix. You'll need to get a bracket from a truck that has a vortec engine. The altenator bracket wont fit right because the place it bolts to the intake is higher then on a stock intake, thus making it line up wrong and it will make you throw belts. I also say pay the extra grand and go with the dressed engine. It comes tuned and ready to run. Now if you've got more money to burn then there are even more choices.

Tony_SS · 10-13-2009, 05:51 PM

383 or even 406 if you can find one.

10-10-2009, 10:39 AM	#1
SilveradoDude Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: None Posts: 184	What is the best bolt up powerplant for these trucks If I wanted to add more horsepower with little to no mods (ie: engine mounts driveshaft) what is the best bolt up powerplant for our trucks?

10-10-2009, 10:41 AM	#2
smashingchuck It'd be alot cooler if you did Join Date: May 2003 Location: Three Rivers, MI Posts: 2,345	Re: What is the best bolt up powerplant for these trucks The possibilities are endless. What are you goals, what are your skills, and what is your price range? __________________ 78 Build Thread 4Runner Build

10-10-2009, 11:00 AM	#3
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: What is the best bolt up powerplant for these trucks What do you have now ? If you have a tired 305, it's going to be very easy to improve. If you have a strong 350 or a 454, much different options. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-10-2009, 12:24 PM	#4
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: What is the best bolt up powerplant for these trucks Get a 100 shot on a plate. It's hard to beat that bang for the buck. Seriously, we need more details. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

10-10-2009, 02:29 PM	#6
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: What is the best bolt up powerplant for these trucks Big block will give you a good boost of power. Or, build a 350. If you want "easy bolt in" you will have "predictable" to a point. That is reality. __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.

10-10-2009, 02:31 PM	#7
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,229	Re: What is the best bolt up powerplant for these trucks A 383 would bolt in and work very well, And bolt in... But with any thing ther will be some fabrication i:e fuel ignition exhaust and so on

10-10-2009, 05:18 PM	#9
smashingchuck It'd be alot cooler if you did Join Date: May 2003 Location: Three Rivers, MI Posts: 2,345	Re: What is the best bolt up powerplant for these trucks ok, so do you want a big block or a small block? __________________ 78 Build Thread 4Runner Build

10-11-2009, 10:09 PM	#12
MudBug Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: tennessee Posts: 159	Re: What is the best bolt up powerplant for these trucks Get a good 383 built in a late model roller block.Good torque,dependable , and drops-in using most of the stuff off the motor you already have.

10-13-2009, 04:40 PM	#13
78BO Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Austin TX Posts: 531	Re: What is the best bolt up powerplant for these trucks Jegs and Summit both have a good deal on the Blue Print Engines 383. For 2995, 405hp and 440tq is pretty cheap. I have one and I've been pleased so far. There have only been a few things that have ticked me off. One the rear A/C brackets don't fix. You'll need to get a bracket from a truck that has a vortec engine. The altenator bracket wont fit right because the place it bolts to the intake is higher then on a stock intake, thus making it line up wrong and it will make you throw belts. I also say pay the extra grand and go with the dressed engine. It comes tuned and ready to run. Now if you've got more money to burn then there are even more choices. __________________ 1978 Chevy C10 Bonanza, 405hp/440tq 383, tweeked Th350. http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.ph...&id=1116781152

10-13-2009, 05:51 PM	#14
Tony_SS Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Washington, MO Posts: 643	Re: What is the best bolt up powerplant for these trucks 383 or even 406 if you can find one.



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