Stock Motor replacement project???

[ellisjay2]

The motor locked up in my 87 2500 long bed and has been sitting for over a year now. I ve been wanting to find another stock 350 for it but have not come across whats in mind. I have the Sierra heavy duty model...8 lug hub...not sure rear end size...standard 350 5.7 to 350 tranny so im not looking for a performance motor. Correct me if im wrong but the fact that its a long bed and heavy duty model it would take more to convert truck from work horse to sporty type...after sitting and procrastinating..ive considered to pull whats in it and just have it rebuilt/ upgraded. Would love to do most of the work myself since ive never rebuilt or assembled one. (Current auto tech college student) Not trying to go all out with $$$ but just basic setup with fresh start / maybe a little stronger...

Truck has original 4 barrel quadrajet carb...mechanical fuel pump....dual tanks....350 tranny...

For better mpg would swapping to a 700r4 make a difference and how much trouble would it be being its a heavy duty??? Or is it not worth it???


Dont really know where to start but eager to attempt and bring truck back to life.....dont have a shop..this would be a backyard fix up....have basic tools....not sure what else to have....

Any advice...tips....or technical guidance im all ears ....

Would like to learn how to organize engine better from original sloppy look..but i know thats down the road for later....