New guy with some questions.

[UTAH90YJ]

Hi all, new to this forum. Been lurking old Chevy forums for about the last 6 months while I've been shopping for a truck. You guys seem like a solid bunch.

I just picked up a 79 GMC K25 Sierra Classic Trailering Special with what I believe has a 400 BBC, Turbo 400, NP203 Full time, 10 bolt/ 14 bolt. Got it for $650

I can wrench on my vehicles, but I'd like to keep the custom work and modding pretty minimal on this truck. I know from experience on my Jeep that once you start doing crazy mods all hell breaks loose. I want a reliable pickup that can work and play. Budget for this truck is below 2k.

I can't seem to find too much information on this trim or model, does anyone have any good sites where I can read up all I can on this truck?

It needs some seats. I have a seat bracket on order, and I'll probably head to a junkyard for some seats. Any Chevy/ GMC pickup seats from 73-87 should bolt right in right? Or is there better options out there?

The 400 Big Block, from what I hear it is just a slightly bored out 396? Any concrete information on this motor? What is the mpg and power I can expect (haven't been able to drive it much, has no seats so not registered yet). Can anyone recommend a good exhaust setup for it? Not looking for something blaring, just want some good sound.

How much benefit would I gain from a 205 part time swap or a 203 part time kit? The truck will be used a decent bit for daily driving, quite a bit in the winter (Rocky Mountain Region), and some casual wheeling trails that don't require lockers (not too crazy, I am in the process of building a 90 Jeep YJ for rock crawling).

I am on the fence about lifting it. Don't want to put too much money into it, but I want it to look good and be semi capable offroad. But it still needs to be able to be used as a work truck and towing occasionally. Not a ton, just my Jeep or sometimes a small excavator. I was thinking of getting an ORD Shackle flip kit in the rear, and some 4" leafs for the front? Tires will most likely be some 35" Treadwright Guard Dogs in E load rating. Airbags later on if it sees lots of towing.


Here is a bad picture, I can take more if you guys want em. Its nothing special, but It's my first truck and boy am I excited about it.