97 tahoe 5.7l 350 gen II engine mods

[jmcelrone1]

I have a lifted 1997 Tahoe LS with a gen I 5.7l vortec 350. Transmission went and decided to build up my engine while I have everything out and apart. I don't know a ton about engines but have friends who know how to work on engines and are certified to help me pull apart and assemble. I'm wanting to reach the 400 hp area and would prefer to keep the engine parts and work in the $1800 area but am willing to work above it a little. Been doing alot of looking around and have been flooded with numbers and parts and am very lost. Would like some recommendations on what to get/ do to reach that goal. Has SS JBA ceramic coated headers already other then that I'm pretty sure everything is oem. If my memory serves me correct it was rebuilt 3-4 years ago.

[Chris]

Hate to say, but that engine is still a gen 1. The gen 2 only came in vettes, camaros, impala ss, and police caprices. But since you do have an OBD 2 truck, a tune can help, but to get to your goal it will take more than $1800 in just parts. Heads, cam, headers, and tune. Then hope you dont grenade the trans

[jmcelrone1]

I've found multiple posts of people reaching 400hp on the same engine for under my price point