Help deciding what v8 swap to do

[alfredbm]

hi all i own and daily drive an 84 gmc s15 2wd 4 speed manual tranny regular cab pickup ... im interested in doing a v8 swap but dont know what will fit ?? also dont know if the tranny could handle the power or if i should upgrade the tranny .

 

the overall scheme of things must be reasonable. perhaps a 400 small block or a 383?? i am trying to stay away from a 350

 

input would greatly considered ...

 

thank you alfred

[00Silverado4x4]

What's wrong with a 350, also isn't the 383 more or less a 350 punched out? From what I've personally seen people do would be a 305. Personally no matter which engine you pick I would upgrade the tranny. New power will probably destroy the existing trans.

[jhale2004]

What's wrong with a 350, also isn't the 383 more or less a 350 punched out? From what I've personally seen people do would be a 305. Personally no matter which engine you pick I would upgrade the tranny. New power will probably destroy the existing trans.

 

 

What he said. I would go 350/383 unless you can do the 305 way cheaper.

[GMstrong]

Find a nice LT1.

[Daryl LBZ]

Find a nice LT1.

 

 

 

I wouldn't recommend that... Terrible design.

[chakis24]

5.....7......2......

 

[Daryl LBZ]

5.....7......2......

 

 

 

 

Then it could probably take off and fly lol

[GMstrong]

Find a nice LT1.

 

 

 

I wouldn't recommend that... Terrible design.

 

dont be scared of the opti.

[Daryl LBZ]

Find a nice LT1.

 

 

 

I wouldn't recommend that... Terrible design.

 

dont be scared of the opti.

 

 

Lol I am. I had a 94 Z28 that went through two in 4,000 miles. Worst design of a GM engine that I have been around along with the 3.4L DOHC V6. It's a great running engine though for all the more power it's rated to have, but it's not very smooth in high RPM (because of the Optispark), and it's horrible to work on IMO.

[GMstrong]

I never had any problems with my lt1 ran it threw everything,rain,snow,etc.not one problem.Your 94 wasnt a vented opti though those ones did have alot of problems.

[Daryl LBZ]

I never had any problems with my lt1 ran it threw everything,rain,snow,etc.not one problem.Your 94 wasnt a vented opti though those ones did have alot of problems.

 

 

 

Yup, non-vented like you said. I thought about changing it over to the vented style, but I got tired of having to replace the same part twice, and never made any headway with fixing up any other part of the car so I sold it. Worst thing I ever bought and I'll never buy one again.

[frodin1]

A 383 is a 350 with a 400 crankshaft along with some very slight shaving to the inner case for clearencing. I'm running a 1st gen 350 small block with the vortec heads, edelbrock intake and a quad. Got the gas mileage, and the punch when you want it!