Lu Blunt
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2016
- Posts
- 191
- Reaction score
- 131
- Location
- Rye, CO
- First Name
- Luke
- Truck Year
- 1979
- Truck Model
- K30
- Engine Size
- 350ci
My thinking has always been, you can buy a $15k used truck and have it paid off in 5 years but end up with a used truck that’s not long from a rebuild. Or buy a $1500 truck and put $15k into over 5 years and end up with a “like-new” truck. This old dually has always got the job done and made it home. The tired small block is the only thing holding it back. Honestly even a rebuilt 350 would be an improvement but I’d really like to keep up with modern trucks while towing. My budget is around $10k.
https://cfm.industries/gm-squarebody-h-d-replacement-engine-crossmember/
$300
https://cfm.industries/gm-squarebody-h-d-replacement-motor-mount-pair/
$145
http://www.speedcooling.com/1973-19...SxJCRs9Hr79kRiRPyb67tnn6tSnpjO9kaAvfGEALw_wcB
$470. I’m not sure how tall the current radiator is but I’d like to upgrade to something like this.
https://www.cvfracing.com/black-che...onversion-kit-power-steering-long-water-pump/
~$700 something like this to mount accessories. I’ll upgrade alternator too. Not sure if I can re use my current power steering pump... it’s the factory hydroboost pump and was recently rebuilt
https://www.holley.com/products/exhaust/headers_and_exhaust_manifolds/all_headers/parts/2463-1HKR
$565. They recommend breaking in a new engine with factory exhaust manifold or old headers. May have to find some used exhaust manifolds
My biggest decision is carb or efi. If I go efi I’ll need a new fuel tank/cell. Holly makes a stock style tank that works with its sniper efi. Holly efi $1300+ efi tank $600 + efi ignition system $500 = $2,400. i haven’t had any trouble with my carb the last 5 years so not sure if it’s worth the expense. I’d like to get the 502HO but wouldn’t mind the 454HO to keep costs down.
my county doesn’t test emissions so no worries there. I’m currently sbc so I’m looking for a more complete crate engine. I agree, being able to get warranty work at local Chevy dealer is the main reason I’m looking at GM Performance
https://cfm.industries/gm-squarebody-h-d-replacement-engine-crossmember/
$300
https://cfm.industries/gm-squarebody-h-d-replacement-motor-mount-pair/
$145
http://www.speedcooling.com/1973-19...SxJCRs9Hr79kRiRPyb67tnn6tSnpjO9kaAvfGEALw_wcB
$470. I’m not sure how tall the current radiator is but I’d like to upgrade to something like this.
https://www.cvfracing.com/black-che...onversion-kit-power-steering-long-water-pump/
~$700 something like this to mount accessories. I’ll upgrade alternator too. Not sure if I can re use my current power steering pump... it’s the factory hydroboost pump and was recently rebuilt
https://www.holley.com/products/exhaust/headers_and_exhaust_manifolds/all_headers/parts/2463-1HKR
$565. They recommend breaking in a new engine with factory exhaust manifold or old headers. May have to find some used exhaust manifolds
My biggest decision is carb or efi. If I go efi I’ll need a new fuel tank/cell. Holly makes a stock style tank that works with its sniper efi. Holly efi $1300+ efi tank $600 + efi ignition system $500 = $2,400. i haven’t had any trouble with my carb the last 5 years so not sure if it’s worth the expense. I’d like to get the 502HO but wouldn’t mind the 454HO to keep costs down.
my county doesn’t test emissions so no worries there. I’m currently sbc so I’m looking for a more complete crate engine. I agree, being able to get warranty work at local Chevy dealer is the main reason I’m looking at GM Performance
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