Hey everyone im looking into selling my 03 sierra and i want to get a 80's model truck, what year is one of the better ones and what type of stuff should i look for in one? and what kind of mpg should i expect i know it wont be great, but which trans and motor should i get in one, i plan on driving it every day.

 

I would say get an 85-87 model.They will have the best options. Look for one with a 350 and have good power and decent economy, but gas mileage probably wont be any better than 14-15mpg on a good day. YOu could always drop in a newer motor,4.8 or 5.3 and enjoy good power and economy. I have an 85 with a 350, I am keeping the 350 to keep it old school for now, but later I may put in a newer motor.

 

well will i be able to find a reg cab short bed with a 350 and a 400 trans? or just a 350 trans, and i dont plan on putting a newer motor if anything i might just do a replacement motor from jasper when it needs it. and do any of them have limited slip rear ends or full on posi? or are they all one wheel wonders?

 

Its easier to find the 350/350 combo, but there are some 350/400 combos out there. There are a bunch with posi rear ends also. Like I said before, the later 80s models will have the best options, and the options you seem to be looking for. Mine has a GM performance crate 350 in it.

 

how much performance wise have you done to it?, and how well does it move out?

 

also what type of stuff goes out on them regularly?

 

if you looking in the 80's, your more likely to find a 305/700r4 or 350/700r4 combo which is what you would want. i had an 84 305/700r4 2wd shortbed and after some tweaking and jet changes in the quadrajet i managed 23mpg on a trip to cincinnati. that was with a 28" tire and the stock 2.73 gears. my 83 short bed 2wd with 350/350 and 3.73 gears would only get 10ish but it had a holley 700 and 3500 stall.

my pick would be a 87 2wd shortbed with the 350/700r4 combo. it will have TBI.

 

Id try to find a 85-87......And yes you can find one with limited slip......

 

yea i plan on selling my truck now and this one idea of many, but id like to get something like that and then by another bike with whats left

 

i put a posi out of a 70's camaro in mine.