Just bought a friend's 1988 C1500 with 427,000+ original miles. Still running strong. I'm pretty much here to learn what all I can do to increase power, without killing the motor, or, is there anything I need to do, to increase the longevity of this 400k+ mile work horse. Hoping to have fun and learn a ton!

 

anybody got any tips for me?

 

LS swap it

 

I'm not too knowledgeable on the TBI trucks, but they should respond to bolt on parts and other go fast goodies like any other small block. I'm pretty sure you'll bump into a limit of fuel before any serious power is made, but with that many miles on the engine who knows how long it would last with more output anyways.

Personally, if it were me, I'd keep driving it daily and make sure it's tuned up and running the best it can. Meanwhile I'd be saving dough and buying parts to drop a LS between the frame rails. That way you can have a fresh(er) engine to work with that responds better to modifications, and won't have nearly the limits the TBI engine would have.

Either way, the thing sounds like a tank. I love high mileage original Chevys. I daily a 91' s10 with about 270,000 that never lets me down.

 

My pops has a 96 silverado w/vortec 5.7 and has 310k miles on it and just now had to replace the dreaded spider injection on it and the timing chain. But have to do the cam next cuz the lopes are worn and it keeps throwing a P0340

 

I'm on gmt400.com also. There's tons of helpful information and people over there for the 88-98 trucks!

 

I really don't want to replace the motor, I am proud of my 400k mile motor. I am just having a hard time finding information on making it last longer than 400k-800k

 

Ls swAp indeed welcome