What engine should I go with??

[djrizzle]

I'm restoring my 83 C10 and planning on sticking a brand new motor in there, but

 

I really don't know what engine would be good for my needs. Let me here your

 

Opinions!!

 

 

 

----I'm going to use the truck to tow, not everyday but a few times a month. I would towing a open car trailer.

 

----I would like a nice durable engine that will last me for years that I can go cross states without a problem.

 

----I would like a little performace, but I'm not going to take it down to the track

 

 

SO WHAT SHOULD I GO WITH????

 

PRICE BETWEEN $1500-5,000

[Wingnut]

I'd go down to your local salvage, and get a 5.3, complete with tranny and harness....They've got them all over the place here...A lot of them have less than 20k on them.

[TEE]

I'd go down to your local salvage, and get a 5.3, complete with tranny and harness....They've got them all over the place here...A lot of them have less than 20k on them.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Some places will give 24 to 36K warranty also

[drumset5994]

I'm a big fan of the ol' 5.7 (350) but its up to you.

[ZE5]

I'm a big fan of the ol' 5.7 (350) but its up to you.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

I agree with that... cant go wrong with a 350, and you can carbureate it too

[OUMike]

I'd go down to your local salvage, and get a 5.3, complete with tranny and harness....They've got them all over the place here...A lot of them have less than 20k on them.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

really? hmm....

 

I think I smell an OBS conversion....

[superbee]

This really depends, you can build 2 great 350 towing setups for 5k. I would NOT suggest a crate engine from a parts store or from Jasper etc. Goodwrench crates are available with all kinds of neat stuff inside. I would definitely suggest a 350 stroker, aka 383. Start looking at those builds, they rock for trucks!!

[95Sierra2500]

I'd go with either a 350 (plenty of power for what you're wanting to do, decent performance with a cam and headers too) or a properly built 383. From what you describe though, the 383 might be too much for you, as my fiancee`'s old Z28 had one...Yeah it'd dust 'Vettes and pretty much anything else.

[pknowles]

If the motor mounts on the block are the same as the old 350, then I would drop in a 96-00 Vortec 5.7L for a relitively easier swap. You can get a brand new long block for $2000. If you have the skill, a LQ4 6.0L gen 3 motor would be very nice. With gas prices, I would stick with the fuel injected motors. That way you get great power, good milage and don't have to tune it all the time.