Which engine best for 64

[SnS C10]

Hey everyone. I am looking for an engine for my 64 c10 shortbed. I have the chance to get a 1969 stock chevy 350 complete, with turbo 350 trans. Or I can get a 2003 4.8 ls engine. I would still need a trans for the 4.8, but that's okay with me. The 4.8 will get a carb/msd conversion with a new cam and long tube headers. Which engine would you guys choose if both options are the same price?

[PGSigns]

The LS would be my choice. It will run longer, perform well and be much more tolerant to todays fuels.
Jimmy

[SnS C10]

Yea I'm leaning that way too. I'm going today to check out the 4.8. Anything I should look out for?

[60chevyjim]

I would go with the 350 and th350 .
the 350 is way ezr and much cheaper .
I build simple old cars n trucks because
I don't like modern car n truck engines and wiring at all ..

[AcampoDave]

I vote 350/350 combo. I personally like a classic motor for a classic vehicle. To me it's just more fun that way.

[akaupp]

350/350 is my vote. Unless there's a turbo involved with the 4.8, then I vote turbo.

[68post]

Much more torque off idle with the 350 and everywhere below 4,500 rpm, I drive a 4.8 for work everyday and it could possibly pull a trailer with its 4.10 rear gears , maybe - but sure wouldn't be something I'd want to do.
Has as much torque off idle as a good new small inline 6. It can scream on topend and would drive better in your '64 1/2 ton 2wd shortbed than my Little single rear wheel Express 3500 10' box truck which carries some weight. (but I have 4.10 gears too)

If the '69 350 is an original 4bbl engine it has a factory rating of 10.25 compression which makes it that much better, but may require premium fuel or at least mid-grade.

[TJ's Chevy]

350 gets my vote as well.

[SnS C10]

The 350 from what the owner says....was in a running and driving truck and when he bought that truck, he pulled the whole setup and put something else he had built in there.

It has block number 3932388. Both the engine and trans dipstick have clean oil and have both been sitting for 2 to 3 years

[SnS C10]

Pictures of the 350

[SnS C10]

What do you guys think, should I get this engine? What about the block ID number?

[68post]

Casting numbers says its a 350 , some heresay that it was '69 only and other sources say '68 to 76.
The stamp pad will lend us more info. Its a 2bbl so that could be that it has had less stress because of less torque output.(could be)

[TJ's Chevy]

How much for it?

[SnS C10]

I'm actually trading him some tools i don't need. So basically free

[VonDog]

From what I found, it's a 68-79 350 w/4 bolt main. Free??? No brainer!! I'd be all over that! Keep us informed.

[60chevyjim]

that's great !! looks like you can use the headers on your truck too.

[TJ's Chevy]

Yep, I'd grab it.

[SnS C10]

Ok guys so I picked it up this morning. Some major and minor issues. Major one is as of right now, the engine is frozen. Looks to be because it was sitting. I'm going to carefully try to free it as I tear down the engine.

The trans looks fine and the oil looks clean. All the spark plugs look great. The Rochester 2 barrel carb looks fine as does the intake. The heads are mismatched for some reason. One head is 3973487 and the other is 3932441. Not sure why this is the case. My plan is, pull the intake and carb and replace with aftermarket. Pull heads and inspect pistons and cylinder and decide what exactly needs to be done from there