Okay guys I'm trying to decide what motor to put in my 72 blazer. Here's the blazer here. Keep in mind the idea and theme of the blazer when recommending motors.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=217473

First, not to be rude but I'm not putting the 402 from the suburban in it. It's going with the burb to the owners house. Should I keep the original 307, go with a normal 350 small block, or go with something different and unique. I've thought about the 4.3 Vortec but don't know how difficult it would be to install. Remember, this is just a cruiser. I just want to be able to get in her and drive, hopefully getting the best mpg I can get. :)

Don't put a 4.3 in it. V6's are for sissy's, at least I think so. I'd stick with the 350 just because it's a direct bolt in and as long as you don't build it up all crazy you shouldn't get too bad of gas mileage. If money is no object drop a MPFI kit from Edelbrock or something similar on it for even better gas mileage but it will be a long time before the benefits of better gas mileage pay for the cost of that kit. If something unique is in order i'd try to fit an olds 455 in it or something else like that...but that's just me. The 455's transmision should bolt right into the Blazer.

I thought you had a LT1 350 lined up for this? or am I dreaming again? :lol:

If all that 307 needs is a headset and a valve job I would probably run it. However if a rebuild is in order I think I would go another route. I don't see anything wrong with a 4.3 but I dont think I would put one in the Blazer unless (a) I had no engine at all and (b) the 4.3 was low mileage and free or extremely low cost. A 350 is a nice engine for any project but it all boils down to what you want. I have a bud with a mid 70s ton truck that has a good running 350 and 4 speed(probably needs the typical valve seals) that he is wanting $800 for. I have another friend with a running driving early 80s 4x4 Blazer with a 305 and overdrive who wants $600 (I think) for it. I'm sure there are complete cars/trucks up your way that could probably be bought cheaper than an engine can be built for.

If I still had it :whine: I was gonna put a 283 in it bored 120 over :D

Might want to move this to the engine section.

350 is the best all-around platform as see ten noted; with some careful parts choices you can build a relatively inexpensive, great-driving engine that delivers decent milage. Tossing in another $450 or so would get you a cast-crank 383 which would deliver significantly more torque at the expense of some milage.

IMHO, the difference in milage between a 307 or even a 4.3L and a 350 is not significant if you're careful about how you build the 350.


Stock overhaul 355 w/stock cast crank, stock rods and hyperutectic pistons for 9:1 CR
Refurbished stock heads
Edelbrock Performer manifold with 600 CFM Performer carb
CompCams 12-231-2 cam
Decent small-tube, prefereably tri-y, headers
HEI
~$300 for a good dyno tune


This should provide ~325HP and ~350TQ along with great driveability. With a good core, you should be able to build this for around $1200-$1500 depending on how much work you're willing to do.

Yup I would just toss in a GM crate 350 and be done.
BUTT a 454 sure is FUN to drive :metal:

I think you should look at all your options on this page, it shows alot of engines/cool engine options that are for sale in TN.

http://crazedlist.org/index.cgi?areas=216,232,233,9,94,202,220,32,395,46,2,217,246,95&catAbbreviation=pts&query=350%20chevy&minAsk=min&maxAsk=max&thiscat=8&submit=Search
:c2:

Sorry, it also included some of my earlier search's in Oregon/Wa. but scroll down & you'll see good ol TN.

Like this one, not sure how far this is from you, but sounds like a good motor for less then a grand.

350 Chevrolet/Chevy 4 Bolt Main Engine - New - $850
Reply to: sale-238513026@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-11-22, 10:16AM CST


Selling a 350 Chevrolet/Chevy 4 bolt main engine, 202 heads, flat top pistons, bored 30 out, 284 extream energy cam, roller tip rockers, 9:1 compression. Brand NEW. Never ran. With engine stand. Call Adam 337-1964

Like this one, not sure how far this is from you, but sounds like a good motor for less then a grand.

350 Chevrolet/Chevy 4 Bolt Main Engine - New - $850
Reply to: sale-238513026@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-11-22, 10:16AM CST


Selling a 350 Chevrolet/Chevy 4 bolt main engine, 202 heads, flat top pistons, bored 30 out, 284 extream energy cam, roller tip rockers, 9:1 compression. Brand NEW. Never ran. With engine stand. Call Adam 337-1964

How exactly does that site work? All it pulls up for me is just each site and no ads.

Can't go wrong with a factory EFI engine. TBI 350's are dirt cheap and run forever. You could probably pick up a wrecked '88-'94 2wd pick up and use everything. Good gas mileage and reliable as a claw hammer. Perfect for a Daily driver IMO.

it search's multiple craigslist sites, (you just check the box's of the cities you want to search in) & then it will search them all for the same item all at the same time, it's pretty cool, if no item is found in that city you get the blank pages you described but you just keep scrolling down & check all the other cities you had checked, like I check just about every city in Oregon & washington when i'm searching for something I really want.

my new 1000 dollar 350 in my k5 get's the same gas mileage as my sisters 4.3 s-10 blazer
IF I DRIVE REALLY SLOW!