What To Do?

superwarri28 · May 4, 2009

I have a 1995 Gmc Sierra SL it has a 305 in it. I've got about 9k to fix it up engine and all what could I put in to get some more hp? Basically you guys have 9k to get a new engine and parts to up the horsepower keep in mind this will be a daily driver.

66nova · May 4, 2009

I have a 1995 Gmc Sierra SL it has a 305 in it. I've got about 9k to fix it up engine and all what could I put in to get some more hp? Basically you guys have 9k to get a new engine and parts to up the horsepower keep in mind this will be a daily driver.

Wow! There are a lot of options for this. A few questions. Are you going to do the work yourself? Are you wanting to stick with the TBI system on your truck? Do you tow? How much more hp are we talking (I know its a daily driver, but some would like 500hp daily drivers)?

If you are wanting to stick with the TBI system (it is really the hp limiter in this scenario), there are some good crate motors out there. I will do a search again, I found one a while back for a guy in your same boat. I think it was a 383 crate motor, built to go with a TBI system.

Welcome to the site by the way.

66nova · May 4, 2009

Here are some links to motors...

350hp 383

280hp 383

315hp 383

All three of these motors will run with your TBI. You will want to get a custom chip burned, which is no big deal.

You will also want to beef up your transmission.

Mike G · May 4, 2009

First off, welcome aboard!

Secondly, what are your plans for the truck? Is this a 2x or 4x? Are you doing the work yourself? blah-blah-blah. If I was looking for more HP just to have fun with, I would spend the 9k on a SS Camaro and keep the truck for hauling. But then again, I am not opposed to having too many toys

--Mike

superwarri28 · May 4, 2009

I don't tow and Probably just taking to a shop and having installed. It's 2 wheel drive. As for horsepower I'd like to be in the general areas of 300-450 any where in there would be great for me seeing as my motor now is registered at like 195hp I think.

Maybe something in the area like this ?

http://high-performance-engines.com/Mercha...oduct_Code=HP34

http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/EngineSh...2&engCat=sb

http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/EngineSh...0&engCat=sb

superwarri28 · May 4, 2009

Bump.

superwarri28 · May 5, 2009

66nova · May 5, 2009

I don't tow and Probably just taking to a shop and having installed. It's 2 wheel drive. As for horsepower I'd like to be in the general areas of 300-450 any where in there would be great for me seeing as my motor now is registered at like 195hp I think.

Maybe something in the area like this ?

http://high-performance-engines.com/Mercha...oduct_Code=HP34

http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/EngineSh...2&engCat=sb

http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/EngineSh...0&engCat=sb

Well the first link I gave you to the 350hp 383 is fairly close to those gm performance parts motors you gave a link to.

As I said before, the major downfall that you are facing trying to get much more than 300 to 350 hp is you have an OBD1 system with TBI. There is a reason you do not see anyone trying to make big power with these motors. The heads don't flow that great, most of the intake manifolds for TBI suck, and you are limited on computer tuning.

It's going to be hard (not impossible) to make much more than 350hp sticking with TBI or not going with a forced induction system (blower or turbo). BUT, if you don't stick with TBI it's going to be hard getting everything you need done within your price range having someone else do the work. Labor is going to take a good chunk of your budget.

All of the motors you have listed are not compatible with what you have.

I like the 383 I listed earlier. It is has a lot of torque and later on you could alway add a super charger.

http://high-performance-engines.com/Mercha...oduct_Code=HP28

ryan_hermanutz · May 5, 2009

That 383 is way more than you need. Your old 305 was rated from the factory at 175hp and 265 ft-lbs, this 383 is double the horsepower and nearly double the torque.

Mike G · May 5, 2009

If you only had a 96 vortec....

The TBI units can still be made to flow out some good numbers, but as you have read, the heads really stink. At the same time, you could have a builder put something together for you. The thing with the crate (Cant Really Appreciate The Engine) motors is they are primarily already built. With the builer you can choose what combinations better work for your overall application.

--Mike

66nova · May 5, 2009

If you only had a 96 vortec....

The TBI units can still be made to flow out some good numbers, but as you have read, the heads really stink. At the same time, you could have a builder put something together for you. The thing with the crate (Cant Really Appreciate The Engine) motors is they are primarily already built. With the builer you can choose what combinations better work for your overall application.

--Mike

I agree that you certainly could choose to have an engine builder build one. And I am all for that for a hotrod. But the big down fall there is you never know what kind of power you are going to get and most the engine builders I know do not include a 24 month unlimited mileage warranty. We have been through a lot of builders and good ones are few and far between.

A 350hp 400lb/ft of torque motor is not slouch. ESPECIALLY in a GMT400 series truck without all of GM's nannies.

Also, don't forget to add in all the little things that add up when changing a motor out.

Headers, exhaust, plugs, wires, oil, new belts possible broke items...all of these things add up. 9 grand can fly out the window quick.

superwarri28 · May 5, 2009

Dang seems like I'm going to encounter a lot of problems doing a switch eh?

66nova · May 5, 2009

Dang seems like I'm going to encounter a lot of problems doing a switch eh?

Not necessarily! You just need to decide what you want for sure and plan accordingly. Do your research before you get started. I know that is what you are doing now, but once you decide a route let us know and we can further help you.

As long as you keep your goals reasonable, you really shouldn't run into many problems. My personal opinion, is that I think you would be pleasantly surprised with a 350hp motor. But don't get stuck on the hp numbers look at the torque too. Remember this is a truck and you could build a big hp motor that is a dog.

I also have a 95, but with a 350 instead of the 305. It made 205hp from the factory and I have made some improvements (headers, exhaust, ignition system, chip, etc) and it runs really good. It would be a beast with that 383. It would be faster than the majority of the trucks on the road. Then save some more funds and stick a super charger on it in a couple years. Then you will be all

Where its going to get tough and expensive is when you start thinking about changing to a carb or going with a newer style fuel injection.

superwarri28 · May 5, 2009

If only a had a 96 eh? Wouldn't have to worry about all that would I?

superwarri28 · May 6, 2009

Well I'm thinking on getting the 383-350hp like you said I mean that's double my hp so I'm sure that will be plenty enough. Will I be able to just swap them out like will it just drop in or will I have to do some major modifications to make it in? Also, you guys keep saying the headers suck so what headers should I put in the 383 Vortech? Haha Few more questions if down the line I do get a supercharger which one should I get? and are there any more mods like intake, exhaust that I should look into to get the most out of my engine?