Bulletproof 350

SloPoke

New member
Hey guys, I am currently in the process of performing a cab swap on my 1978 Chevy square body, it is a one ton with 350, sm465 teams and a 205 transfer case, Dana 60 and a 14 bolt in the rear. I picked up a 2001 dodge Dakota quad cab and will be swapping in the near future. My question is, does anyone have any leads, and yes I have searched the internet and multiple forums, on what to do to a Chevy 350 to make it a torq monster, yet still bullet proof. I don’t want to win races or rock bounce but pulling a house and keeping temps low and not hurting the engine is goal. I ask this as the 350 is in the truck and available, obviously a 454 or something of that nature would be better but I’d like to keep weight down and 350’s are a dime a dozen and again it’s already in the truck. Thank you in advance for any leads or advice.
 

SloPoke

New member
Does stroking create to much power to the point it’s not as reliable? Also assuming I stroke it and I’m 300 miles from home and for some reason it kicks the bucket, will doing a junk yard engine swap create compatibility problems with carbs and other components to limp myself home?
 

CrazyDrei

Space Monkey
I say just throw an RV/tow cam in it for increased torque down low and go from there. You can also play with gears to improve reliability. 454 is a beast of diesel proportions, but it's thirsty.
 
D

Deleted member 9101

Guest
Do the 383 stroker kit with an RV cam and a self adjusting TBI and you'll be set. Unless you do something grossly stupid, you won't blow the motor.
 

pappawheely

Autonomous4X4
Does stroking create to much power to the point it’s not as reliable? Also assuming I stroke it and I’m 300 miles from home and for some reason it kicks the bucket, will doing a junk yard engine swap create compatibility problems with carbs and other components to limp myself home?

Stroking a small block will give you tons of bottom end torque. If built properly a stroker motor is not necessarily any weaker than a regular 350. You do have to remove some material from the block to clear the rods, but it's minimal. Externally the motor is the same so you should be able to swap in another small block if you had to. Doing an engine swap to limp home is pretty drastic. Chances are your issue would be pretty big.
 

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