OK here is what I have so far: 64 Chevy sportside, narrowed 3:73 posi disk rear, and a '01 lq4 with #317 aluminum heads, stock exhaust manifolds. I am in the process of rebuilding the shortblock now. This is a pro-street truck, mostly driven to shows with my kids so I want it fast bit not crazy. My concerns are about; 1) Tranny 2) EFI or Carb & 3) heads & 4) wiring&computer.

1) I have an old t-350, is that ok or do I need to look for a newer 4l60/4l80 setup?

2) I have the complete EFI intake, should I use this setup or switch to the GM aluminum intake & holley carb?

3) Are my #317 heads ok? Should I mill them a bit for more compression?

4) I have NO computer or harness now, what is the cheapest/easiest way to go?

As some of you married guys can appreciate, I am doing most of this on the "sly" so cheaper & economical ideas will work best for me!!! This is my first gen 3 build up so I am learning as I go. Thanks to everyone who replies.
Steve

 

I would sell the EFI stuff on Ebay. The injectors and throttle body should bring close to 100 bucks I would say, plus what ever you can get out of the coils, then spend that towards the carb setup and the distributor style front cam cover (from GMPP) and the required Ford style distributor.

I tend to like the traditional engine look, and it's going to be cheaper for you than the parts and tuning software you'd need to get the EFI going.

The heads flow well enough that with a cam and headers you could be near 480-500 HP pretty easily. Above that and you'll need to dig into the longblock a bit farther.

The trans will work OK. Search the net for the LS1 th350 adapters and you'll find everything needed to make it work. Of course the overdrive trannies would be more fun on the highway, so you could sell yours to try a 700r4... Beyond that, going to a 4l60/etc electric OD trans would require more money as they need a controller, or you would have to keep the factory PCM and harness... Personally, I would try my hardest to go 6 speed manual, but that takes some fab skills you may or may not have. TH350 with an adapter is probably cheapest.

 

I wish that I had that kind of self-control and maturity.

 

I am going to disagree with SS_Bnoon but I figure you will find several different opinions.
I would use the EFI, I installed a 5.3 in my 68 I chose to purchase a standalone harness as it was much faster than I could make my own from the original harness. I sent the computer off to get tuned and have not been happier. a good carb and the ability to tinker with it will get good results but mine always starts great and runs super.
I went with the 4l60e the overdrive is nice I do take mine out quite a bit and plan on the power tour this year so gas mileage will be a plus.
Anyway that is what I did. good luck
Dave

 

Great info...that is exactly what I was hoping for-a few different ideas/ways to go. I hope that more ideas come in, thanks so much.

 

T-350 is likely the cheepest tranny to build well and a 4L60 can be easy to kill.