Dually 350 or 383

[slimneverdies]

Hey guys, I have this 77 dually sitting around and think I'm ready to something simple to it just for a beater and occasional towing vehicle



I'm guess this is an engine/motor topic but I really want to hear from guys with a similar truck and your experience with how much power is needed to move these bad boyz. I have an engine in my c20 crewcab and it's a 350 with a 400 trans and it pulls thru the mountains like nobody's business. I haven't really pulled thru these Nevada mountains yet but wanted to know what you fellas thinks a good move.

I'm taking the 350 out of the c20 and putting it in the dually and will look for either a 4l80 or a gear vendor to mate with the 400. The big question is do I use the pretty much stock 350 that doesn't skip a beat or burn much oil or upgrade the 350 with heads and a cam or go the 383 route??? I really don't want to put anymore than $1500 into the motor alone. My rear gears are 3:73 by the way...

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks
Slim

[donut]

IMO, go with the 350 you got. Keep it simple. New front end, brakes, tires etc. aren't glamorous, but in my mind, more important than a stroker crank. (besides, didn't these come with a 454 as as option? )

[slimneverdies]

Originally Posted by donut

IMO, go with the 350 you got. Keep it simple. New front end, brakes, tires etc. aren't glamorous, but in my mind, more important than a stroker crank. (besides, didn't these come with a 454 as as option? )

Yeah, but the 454 was taken out by the previous owner. I just wanted a little more go power to make it in these mountains. Maybe it's my 3 speed tranny that has me feeling I need more power. Like I said before, I've never actually pulled anything in the mountains before but it doesn't like 60+Mph as sits in the c20...