My Truck

[Mich85]

Hi,
It's me again with a series of questions, ok first off my problem. When ever I start my car it blows out a little white smoke. I don't think it's a big problem if a problem at all, but I was just curious. My trucks engine is a 5.7 liter 350..

second question. I am planning on fixing up this truck because it is very clean with almost no rust, clean underbody and it has the 5.7 liter in it. What would be the recommendations that I should do to the truck.....Can I really pull that much power out of this chevy smallblock? The truck also has a 131 inch wheelbase (give or take an inch) I was looking at the 454 engines but I don't want to go crazy with power I would kind of like to just chrome out the 5.7 if I could draw that much power out of it like 300-400 hp...so if anybody has any websites or wisdom please pass it along..good place for engine rebuild kits? Companies for exhaust? Manifolds? I am just looking for a nice driving car that can kick it when I want to but still be drivable around (maybe highway gears for the tranny?) and not look like a chop shop put it together...thanks!!

Third question, I was thinking of putting a new timing belt on the truck....if I did that now and than decided to rebuild the engine...would I have to redo the timing again?...if thats the case is it worth redoing the timing belt... hopefully somebody can understand what I am asking...

[z07]

In general, performance upgrades only work well when they are part of a comprehensive design. The first step is to become intorspective and determine exactly what you want from the truck. If you want, for example, an engine that idles like stock and a truck that runs quietly that will point in one direction. But if your goal is to have a 10.5 second ET in the 1/4 mile that will point in another. The second step is to set either a specific performance goal, like 400RWHP, or a specific budget, like $5,000. Then you would move on to your current engine and see if it will be the cornerstone of your new build or if you will be looking for another block.

How would you rate things like fuel economy, acceleration, top speed, reliability, towing/hauling?

About the timing chain (not belt), do you suspect that the base timing is off on your engine? A common failure of the timing set in early to mid 80's GM timing sets comes from the nylon cover over the timing set gear teeth. The nylon was in place to reduce engine noise from the timing set. In time, the nylon would become brittle and flake off exposing the metal below. If you went with a quality double roller timing set now then it would still be usable later if you decided to rebuild that engine. But this is an unnessisary step to take unless you think there is a problem with base timing now.

Why not perform both a cylinder compression and leak down test on your engine to gauge its health?

Think about what you want and post back here a goal or budget and I'm sure you will get a wealth of suggestions.

[Case 7230]

When you talk about replacing the belt do you mean the accessories drive belt? If so this will not alter your timing. Also have a look at gmtuners.com for ideas.

[Mich85]

ok here are some goals in my head. I am new so I can't think of everything I need to be thinking about

1. Achieve at least 400 RWHP
2. Create an Idle that will tell people that I am not going to wake the neighbors but I am not going to struggle.
3. Not Kill my mpg I would like to stay within 15-20 normal accelerating but under heavey acceleration expect around 8-15 mpg....I got over 20 on my last tank mostly highway driving.
4. I would not like to put a lift kit on my truck I like the height on it right now is perfect
5. It would be nice to have a great air intake without modifiying the hood.
6. I do plan to tow with it. (mostly vegetables from my greenhouse business nothing really heavy)

I mostly want a plain stock body with a lot of power under the hood. I would like to just keep the engine I have and do a rebuild. Also how would I do a compression check? Again I have the 1990 5.7 liter chevy 350