Thinking about getting another truck

[zach1990]

So here lately I've been playing with the idea of finding a late model gmt400 and I want yalls input. Looking at the 97-99 models, ecsb, 4x4, with the 350 vortec. from looking around it seems like I can find quite a few with around 150k miles in excellant condition for 4 grand or so. So anyway what's yalls opinions on these trucks? Are they dependable? Can I expect to get many more years and miles out of one? Is the 350 a good motor or a p.o.s.? I haven't heard much about the bad sides of them... just want yalls feedback on this

 

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[Chris]

For that price just transplant a 6.0 in your 2000

[zach1990]

I will eventually when the 4.8 goes I'm just playing with the idea of building a second truck

 

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[kstruckcountry]

I'm planning on the same thing. I was going to use my 1990 RCLB, but simply too much needs fixed on the body, even for a beater truck. Most panels are straight, there's just too much rust.

 

So I'll probably buy a 96-98 ext cab and use it. The Vortec 350's are good motors. I know a guy who has one that he uses a lot to pull a twin axle dump trailer, usually with dirt or a skidsteer, it has just over 200k on the motor and it doesn't seem to be getting weaker. Needless to say, at 150k it's likely the tranny has been replaced or will need to be.

 

I'm planning on enough lift for 35's, probably Cepek lift. All this will have to wait quite some time, as I'm trying to save enough money to buy the truck and do everything at once.

 

So obviously, I think it's a good idea. They're tough, and lots of fun to drive. If you can justify spending the $ go for it.

[Daryl LBZ]

I've actually been thinking of buying a nice GMT400 or 800 myself along side of my truck. Mainly for my wife to drive when she wants too. I say go for it!

[REVYCHEVY55]

350 last long time proper maintenance

[zach1990]

Thanks for the input everyone. Even my girlfriend is telling me to pull the trigger on it when income taxes come out

 

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[kstruckcountry]

By it you mean you have a particular one you're in the hunt for?

[zach1990]

No I haven't found one yet but I pretty much know what I'm looking for.

 

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[Dirtautoguy]

IMO the 350 vortec is a great motor. Mine has 215,000 miles on it and its still strong, and I talked to a guy that said his tranny and 350 vortec had 400,000 miles on it and it was starting to die on him. So good maintenance and the right owner they are great motors very dependable too.

[zach1990]

That sounds great. Thanks for the info.

 

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[KMGZ400]

unless you have a signifigant amount of extra money, then i wouldnt do it, its just going to be a money pit. the GMT400's are great trucks but they have their issues and many of the 350's i have seen burnt oil after 150k. im sure some dont, but thats just what ive seen

[Dirtautoguy]

I have seen them burn oil in the tbi 350s but not the vortec my truck was a company truck. I bought it from the company and have owned it for 5 years all I have had to do to the motor is an alternator,a tune up, and a brake master cylinder if that's considered the motor part, which over five years isn't bad at all. Although I am sure there are some that aren't the same and have more problems. No one motor is the same as another one.

[KMGZ400]

. No one motor is the same as another one.

 

 

very true.. my 99 vortec started burning around 130k

[mjlimo82]

My 1990 Sierra I parted with about a year ago had 231,000 miles on it when I pulled the original 350 out and replaced it. It dropped the number one cylinder around 74K/circa 1994 and ran on the remaining seven from then until I pulled it in 2010. It burned 5 quarts of oil in 500 miles (and Rotella at that), drank coolant, smoked like a freight train, and it would only run on 91+ octane, but it started EVERY SINGLE TIME you turned the key and it would get you where you wanted to go no questions asked. It never once gave up, it just kept on chugging along. That, to me, makes the 350 a pretty darn good engine I'd say.

 

The only major issue that comes to mind with Vortecs of that era would be the intake gaskets - if they haven't been replaced yet on whatever truck you find, I'd have it done. They'll fail on you eventually. Otherwise enjoy the truck... I miss my 1990 pretty bad. I have regretted selling it since the day I watched it leave my house.