FNG with an '84 K20

[ChrisA]

Registered a while ago and finally getting around to introducing myself. I've been a Chevy man since my first car back in about 1987. It was a beat up1978 Z28 that I soon blew the factory engine in. I soon become much more broke and learned enough about 350 engines to have rebuilt a few over 3 decades ago.

Fast forward several decades comprised of driving company trucks, and owning '04, '17, '19, '21 and '23 Silverado 1500s. The last three being Trail Bosses.

I'd always wanted a squarebody and ended up buying a 1984 Sierra 20 4x4 powered by a very weak 1972 350 in front of an SM465 and 4.10 gears. The engine has an old Performer intake and a new AVS2 carb. It runs and drives but is weak, has a clutch pedal that only returns halfway up, and only one fuel tank works as the switch was removed for who knows why.

It's basically a farm truck and I'd like to stick a 383 in it and get it mechanically sound, hence my joining here and long introduction.

Cheers,

Chris

 

[Mr Clean]

need pics... we are pic hoes here...

 

[Ricko1966]

Welcome great introduction. We need pics though. Sorry It's policy.

 

[ChrisA]

Man, I don't even know what I have, its a Scottsdale not Sierra lol

 

[ali_c20]

Welcome from Austria.

 

[Shorty81]

Welcome from Ohio

 

[legopnuematic]

Welcome from Missouri.

 

[WFO]

Welcome from the Texas Panhandle.

 

[Sad Sack]

Hello neighbor and from Husker Country! C/K Squared at Westfair was sweet!
Something to look forward to next year - https://www.facebook.com/groups/179941847150621

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[ChrisA]

With the SM465 and 4.10 gears I really don't need a 383 but I'm going that route anyway. Hey, I'll pull a load of cattle to the sale barn once or twice a year, that's justifiable, right?

I've researched Blueprint, Skip White, and have a quote from a reputable local builder using my 350 block. Is this the place to seek council or is there a specific forum to ask which route to take?

I'd like simplicity so thinking of getting a turn key outfit and spending my spare time on fixing things like the clutch pedal return, dual fuel tanks, installing a radio, etc.

 

[Steelbuddha]

You really can't go wrong with Blueprint. They make a beautiful product. If you have the budget, great!

My '84 K20 has very slightly built 350 in it, with an SM-465 and 3.42 diffs. (It has a steel dump bed and weighs 6900 pounds empty.) I put a fair amount of mental effort into building a strong small block for it (~300 horsepower), and even had somebody give me a donor engine for the build. After specifying all the parts and machine services, I drove my truck and decided it's powerful enough -- acceleration is fine, and it will pull or haul a brutal load. The truck does what I need and won't get better than 8 mpg in perfect tune, running empty, no matter what I do. It has carried 2.5 tons and pulled 7.

The reason I mention this is, sometimes doing nothing can be a wise path.