anyone???

 

i still think going with the ht383 would be the best bet. anything you do to the 350 to get the power the 383 will like it more. you said you already have the exhaust so slap it in there and go. however if your not up for all the work of swapping the engine then why not just get a new truck?

 

I agree with you on the 383; however, as stated earlier, I don't have the funds to go this route. As for swapping the engine, I can handle this easily in my driveway. If i could afford a new truck, i could easily afford the 383.

 

you were stating that if you got the ht383 you would have to get all new stuff. now the only really thing you would have to get would be most likely a carb manifold, adapter for the TBI, tune, and some headers. if you cant do that then why are you asking the best route? just get a replacement engine or rebuild the one you have now.

id at least get a small cam and long tubes. also you should go with a FPR so that you can adjust it to the way it runs best.

 

You can pick up a cast stroker crank for $238, decent rods for $230, pistons are $160, balancing is $200, rings, bearings, a gasket set, maybe $200 on machine work, a Comp 260XFI cam, the heads for $600 and then tuning. A little over $2000 and have a brand new engine with more cubes and more torque than any replacement engine. Add a cheap set of headers and some exhaust and it would make a huge difference. I'm not sure what stock engines go for anymore, but I bet it's close to $2000.

 

(bobfig) Although i much appreciate your input and agree with you that the 383 crate motor is better suited for my needs over the L31, I never asked "which is the best route"; this to me is very clear.

(whiteCC) I appreciate the pricing breakdown. The best price i've gotten on the L31 is $2006.70 to my door, with no core charge. Upgrading to the MFI and shorty headers, roughly another $525.

The problem is, and, due to my work schedule and other business, I use this truck 5-7 days a week and cannot afford to be with out it for more than a day or two; my funds are limited too at this time. Regarding the L31 and going with the MFI, headers and CAI, if the feedback i recieved was more positive than not, i was going to clear a weekend on my calender and do this swap. As always, thanks! James

 

I can understand the time limitations and definitely the lack of funds lol. Sounds like your idea is the best bet for you and maybe see what gears are in the truck. I pull 5500-6000lbs pretty regularly behind my 5.3, but it's on a car hauler that doesn't have a wall standing up in front like a travel trailer. A fresh engine with all the bolt on upgrades you can afford and going to 3.73's or 4.10's will probably be your best bet.

 

10/4. Running 373 currently and found what appears to be a decent 410 rear. Not sure where the "sweet spot" is on the L31 but thinking the gear swap may have me around 2300rpm in OD.

 

It's probably not going to stay in overdrive much, I know mine doesn't. I have 4.11's with 31.5" tires and it'll drop into drive quite a bit, but rarely does it have to drop any lower and when it does, it accelerates right back up into 3rd. It shows torque peak for the L31 at 2800rpm, if you go 4.10's and its at 2300 in overdrive, it'll be about 3300 in drive. That's not too bad and you will have a little torque backup if it lugs.

 

what year was your truck??