87 V-10 build

[Dannym]

I've always been a fan of the square body and about two months ago I found a 87 silverado 1/2 ton fleetside that had been non opd for the last 8 years by the original owner. It has a six inch and 35's, but is completley original other than that. The body is in good shape with no rust or major dents. The truck is dead stock but still 20 + years old. Although it's in good shape there isn't much that won't be replaced. I want to know the truck inside and out by replacing everything, and not wait for something to give before fixing it.

I'm not trying to make it over the top bullet proof, but still capable and reliable, on and off road. I want power on hand just not too much.
I have a few question on the build.

1. How much reliable power can I get out of the 350, while still keeping it california smog legal? I'd like between 275-325 at the wheel. I want to keep the truck a 350tbi. No boring, or swaps.

2. Is it worth it to have the original motor redone, or should I just long block it while staying with the 350? Same with the tranny (700R).

3. Am I stupid to keep the gm 10 bolts, or will they handle the power, 35's, and 4.11's? It's not going to see the Rubicon, but will head out to the dunes once in awhile. I'd say 98% of the time it'll be driven from my house to Home Depot and back.

4. Same with the 208, and 700R, is it going to enough for what I want?


Of course I want the heaviest, and most powerful drivetrain I could think of, but honestly, with time, parts, and cost invlolved what are the smartest choices? The truck is not a low budget beater truck, but at the same time I'm not taking it to SEMA either. Somewhere between middle and high end.