just out of curiosity

[Doubeleive]

LOL, that explains the wallet and checkbook.

Seriously, it would be great to drive a newer truck with an old-fashioned analog drivetrain. Simple, reliable, cheap and easy maintenance...

joe

but that would be like throwing a 4 banger in a dump truck
a 350 puts out 145-175hp
a semi modern 5.3 puts out 315hp

 

[homesick]

but that would be like throwing a 4 banger in a dump truck
a 350 puts out 145-175hp
a semi modern 5.3 puts out 315hp

There were 327s making that power in the 60s, 350s too. And 302s and 396s and 427s and 454s, and Fords and Mopars too.

I guess maybe someone would just have to have different enthusiasms.

joe

 

[j91z28d1]

There were 327s making that power in the 60s, 350s too. And 302s and 396s and 427s and 454s, and Fords and Mopars too.

I guess maybe someone would just have to have different enthusiasms.

joe

yes.. even a junk yard vortech 350 with a modern set of aluminum heads and matching cam with a carb will make more power than a stock 5.3 ls and have a better torque band for a truck then a ls platform.


if you happen to have a 4l60, just swap in a 700r4 and roll out with a carb. as simple as it gets.

 

[fredcook]

i just want something different than the normal ya know?

What exactly is the goal? I assume street legal? If so, do you need to deal with emissions testing?

For a simple fun project, what I do... get a 4 bolt 350, bore it out .030. Grind down the mains on a 400 crank to fit the 350 block for added stroke. That gets you to 383 CID. Yeah, and old school 383 stroker. Use a mild cam, nice dual plenum manifold, 750 Holley, and you have an easy 400-425 HP with 450 LBS of torque. Put a beefed up TH350 trans behind it. Then for kicks and grins, add Nitrous shot for an easy 500-600 HP. No control modules needed, no sensors to deal with. Simple. Unfortunately, emissions requirements will keep it off the streets, legally anyway.

Emissions happy option? Personally, I would assume I'd replace and/or modify all OBD related sensors and modules, including the ECU. With that out of the way, refresh a used 2007-2014 (to maintain emissions model year requirements) 6.2 LS3 to start with a "out of the box" 400+ HP and torque. Bolt on an emissions legal Roots or twin screw supercharger, and 500-600 HP and lbs of torque would be easy and reliable. If the charger comes with Executive Order Numbers (most do), you should be good for emissions in all 50 states.

Of course, these approaches assume your "want something different than the normal" means having a Tahoe that turns heads at the strip. It's obvious where my head is... power at the wheels! I've always been that way when it comes to engine mods. My high school daily driver Chevelle (I built myself) ran 11 second quarter miles. I never outgrew that.

Oh yeah, what's your budget by the way? Off the top of my head guessing... a used 6.2L LS3 might run $3000+ on a good day (doesn't matter how worn, you'll rebuild it anyway). Rebuild parts, figure ~$2000, including upgraded oil pump, timing chain/gears, dual springs, hardened pushrods, LS7 lifters, etc. Supercharger... $4-6k. Electronics, fuel management, another $1-2k maybe. Another $1k for GOOD machine shop prep and work. So, what, $12-13k? But we haven't covered the trans yet.

If you have the budget and want to keep it "simple", and emissions legal, take a look at GM's E-ROD options. For something like $20k you might be able to get the supercharged LT4 E-ROD complete with all the necessary factory emissions hardware (catalytic converters, O2 sensors, EVAP canisters, and a locked, emissions-compliant ECU). An easy 650 HP and torque. This should be good for emissions everywhere but California.

 

[07burban88]

street legal and currently, in Houston yes emissions, however I'm moving to a non-emissions county so no need for inspection

 

[fredcook]

street legal and currently, in Houston yes emissions, however I'm moving to a non-emissions county so no need for inspection

What's your budget?