Best budget V8 swap into a 1986 C10?

[DixieScottsdale]

Lately I've been getting rather fed up with the lack of power from my 4.3 V6, as well as the annoying computer controlled Rochester. I've been searching for the best candidate for a cheap small block swap, and I can't seem to make a decision. My max budget is around 3k. I'd prefer a carb over any form of anemic EFI. Currently, the truck has a TH350 and a 10 Bolt with a 2.73 gear ratio. I'd prefer a decent amount of mid-range torque, as the truck was at one point my daily driver, and I'd like to get it that way again. 300whp would be nice, but I'd be happy with around 225-250whp. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[4WDKC]

Lately I've been getting rather fed up with the lack of power from my 4.3 V6, as well as the annoying computer controlled Rochester. I've been searching for the best candidate for a cheap small block swap, and I can't seem to make a decision. My max budget is around 3k. I'd prefer a carb over any form of anemic EFI. Currently, the truck has a TH350 and a 10 Bolt with a 2.73 gear ratio. I'd prefer a decent amount of mid-range torque, as the truck was at one point my daily driver, and I'd like to get it that way again. 300whp would be nice, but I'd be happy with around 225-250whp.

Stock ls swap will net you 285-360 hp depending what engine you buy and give you a level of respect for EFI you don't currently have. Cheapest swap would be 96-02 roller cam 350 swap with carb manifold, your accessories will bolt up. Next would be a big block swap with a carb.

 

[MikeB]

Hard to beat a 350. Probably cost less than buying or building a 305. The GM crate engine below would work well with your truck's 2.73 axle. I ran one in a 69 C10, and have installed them in two customer vehicles. With a small 4bbl carb and headers they run very well. They make good low-mid RPM torque, rev to >4500 RPM, and aren't dogs as some would have you believe.

Flywheel horsepower with 4bbl carb and headers is typically listed as 260. I've used Edelbrock, Holley, and even Summit Racing 600 cfm carbs on these engines. You could also use a Holley 570 Street Avenger. But, heck, for less than $800 you could use aftermarket EFI.

http://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Per...-350ci-Crate-Engine-Packages/3867244/10002/-1

Wow, just a couple years ago Jeg's sold these for $1595! You may want to check other sources and watch out for sales. Actually, I think they sell a 96-up Vortec engine with roller cam for not much more. All you'd need there is a carb manifold to fit Vortec heads.

 

[yevgenievich]

or find someone upgrading the sbc equipped vehicle to ls motor and buy their old sbc turn key

 

[Camar068]

or put a carb on an LS.

 

[4WDKC]

or put a carb on an LS.

not sure Id call that a budget swap

 

[Camar068]

I'm sure you can do it under $3k though.

 

[DixieScottsdale]

Thanks everyone, if I can find a good enough deal on a junkyard LQ4, I think that's what I'm gonna go with. I'll probably just adapt it to the TH350 that's already in the truck so I can keep the cost as low as possible.

 

[4WDKC]

Thanks everyone, if I can find a good enough deal on a junkyard LQ4, I think that's what I'm gonna go with. I'll probably just adapt it to the TH350 that's already in the truck so I can keep the cost as low as possible.

Dont you still have to use a vss for the ecm to operate the engine correctly?

 

[Honky Kong jr]

I say bigblock bolts right in and well it's a bigblock. And it would be cheaper then a LS, and nothing barks like a big block.

 

[Camar068]

Dont you still have to use a vss for the ecm to operate the engine correctly?

Dakota Digital and others make adapters to ho inline with the existing speedo cable. 8,000 pulses per mile can be tuned, not many know how but it can be done. Might have been on LT1swap where I saw it.

 

[DixieScottsdale]

Update- A co-worker of mine has a 2003 Sierra with a complete LM7 and 4L60E combo that he's willing to sell me for $1000. The motor and trans have 123K miles on them, and the Trans was rebuilt and strengthened 10,000 miles ago. If I can budget out all of the necessary parts, and justify that route, I'll most likely go LS. I'll post another update if I end up purchasing the motor and trans.

 

[spanky55amg]

$1000 is a good price especially if you get all the wiring and ECU's.

 

[Nasty-LSX]

I would go LS. 5.3 is also affordable. Most likely over your budget, but deals are out there.

 

[jake wells]

get rid of that 2:73 for a 3:42