1990silverado

Hi everyone, I have a 1990 Silverado 2wd that I have recently pulled the engine out of and the truck needs more power. I was originally planning on building a small block, maybe stroking it out to a 383. Now, I'm starting to look at the ls motors as a possible candidate. I'm hoping for 450-500 hp paired with a 700r4. I want to stay N/A and the truck would mostly be a fun vehicle for the streets and to be taken to shows that may also see the track once or twice a year. Would I be better off sticking with the small block or should I go ls? And if I go ls which motor would be the best? I want to keep this as cheap as possible but I could spend $4,000 maybe $4,500-$5,000.

murphinator

iTrader: (2)

4-5 k should buy you a decent used 6 liter and a heads/cam package and easily meet your power goals. making the 700r4 survive will be a different problem....

1990silverado

Do you mean LQ4/LQ9 or ls2? I want to try and stay aluminum if I can.

76larkman

I think what ever you do get a parts donor truck. You be able to use more of it than you think. Plus bonus is selling anything off it to get money back in pocket.

1990silverado

A donor vehicle would be nice. If I do go ls would I need to look into special headers or are there any other parts that may not be a great fit right off the bat?

76larkman

well plenty of mounts and headers are out there. On my square body truck and skylark I have the same shorty headers. China made stainless on ebay like $185. Mounts just go with something that allows forward backward. Ones I used on truck also had thru bolt slotted and were $65 on ebay. I don't like adaptor plates as it made mount to mount hole off. Had to reposition frame mounts on frame.