Blue Print or GM Performance

[Maknwine]

As info and my 2 cents:

Flat tappet cam, better use the zinc additive.
Also, if you need it....... better check to see if you can bolt up a fuel pump.
The '87 - '95 GM TBI engine I bought (and sold) wasn't cut for the fuel pump uses electric one.

I just plan on going back with TBI/pump in the tank system. The old engine is a rebuilt one that does have that fuel pump area plated and bolted off.

I'm really torn on the lower spec engine but waiting until August just is the only reason I would go with this JEGS motor.

 

[Royal Sierra 454]

Nice Motor and keep use updated on your progress. . I bought a 350 Long Block from EDD. Engines Direct Distributors. For my 1977 K5, 4 bolt main. 3 year unlimited mile warranty. $2727 shipped. Unit price, $2019 , tax $174 and core $535. They even took my 305 for the core. Thought I would pass this info along.

 

[75gmck25]

If you are going to buy a new/rebuilt engine, I have two very strong suggestions.

- make sure it has Vortec or better flowing 64cc heads that have at least 9-9.5 compressions. Good performance heads are the foundation for reliable 350 power. If you start out with poor flowing smog-era heads you can’t fix it without replacing them. You cannot rework a smog era head to match the power you get from good Vortec iron or aluminum heads.
- get a block with a roller cam, since it will be much more reliable.You can then swap cams without changing lifters, use fast ramp cams for better performance, etc. It just makes performance tweaks so much simpler overall.

Note: You can also convert an old engine using new heads and a roller cam conversion.

 

[Maknwine]

I've continued reading as much as possible on an engine for the truck and I'm not any further along in a decision. I've concluded I definitely should be going roller cam. The BPE has that but guessing the heads are not spectacular and I assume NOT vortec.
CYLINDER HEADS:
1987-1995 GM Iron Cylinder Heads
64cc chamber
1.94 in. intake/1.50 in. exhaust valves

 

[Buck69]

A roller cam is a benefit but the bigger gain is with the later vortec heads. Vortec use an 8 bolt intake manifold which will be additional costs for your application. You likely have the 12 bolt intake with exhaust crossover as does the BPE you posted.