Decisions on my cst

[bd blk 12v]

Hello guys. I have need some help and encouragement. I have a 1969 cst long bed 2wd I've owned for 10 years. I've always loved the 67-72 trucks. This one I drove while I lived in Colorado for about a year. Then fail happened. The tired 350 just gave me too many problems. It ran great wasn't fast and got horrible mileage. The real issue was the block starter mounting hole cracked. The starter would not start the truck. I tried lots of farm tricks with no answer. I moved from Colorado to New Mexico and brought the truck with me. I've always lusted at building a clone dz302. I never got the chance. I have a set of 186 camel hump heads but lost interest. A friend of mine has a shop and had a 350hp 396 l34 from a 68 chevelle. He got it on trade and I heard it run. I bought it from him and planned on installing it in the truck. Life happened had kids and the truck has been distant in my mind. I did get a small start on the 396. Installed a comp 292 cam Harland sharp roller rockers and headers. Set the engine in the truck and it been waiting to be finished. I'm 32 and just purchased a house. The truck has been staying at my brothers 45 miles away. I have a complete ls 5.3 and can't decide what to do. Should I finish the 396 and drive it, or ls 5.3 the truck? Thanks for the help

[bs46488]

I had this same dilemma....

So I decided to put the big block in the truck and do an ls swap on the Nova.

Both projects are now running. I've never had a neighbor come talk with me when I pull the ls swap out. 7 out of 10 times I start the truck up a neighbor will come chat for a while.

[LockDoc]

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If you are that close with the 396 I would go with it. That way you can just drive it until life loosens up a bit..... Even if you can only do one thing a week to the truck it will move along quicker than you think. (This is from experience)

LockDoc

[67ChevyRedneck]

If money and time have been an issue... Swapping to an LS now will only make it worse. Finish the 396 and take the kids out in it.

[Spartan]

Good advice already given. I would like to add that from a stock perspective your truck could have come from the factory with a 396. It probably didn't but could have and if your truck is a '69 it was probably built in 68 anyways.
My 69 was early. The turn lenses don't have a provision for bulbs.
Get it running the kids will love it...mine do and it makes it fun for all.

[hugger6933]

Big Block all the way. It is the most logical choice for you at this time.

[68bowtie]

agree with the above from first hand experience. do whichever will require less time and money. being young with a mortgage and wife and kids does NOT leave you much of either. plus the big block is just cool....

[jessemthompson]

I have the 5.3 LS and I love it, but with your given situation I would get the 396 going. No need to start over on another project. I think you'll love everything about the big block minus the mileage lol.

[bd blk 12v]

Thanks for the replies. I am going to finish the big block. I wont drive it much so not worried about mileage. I also have a 2003 ford lightning that I get to hot rod around. It maybe sees 40-100 miles a month. I really love the 69. I'm the third owner and it has the build sheet in 20 pieces under the seat. I will post some pics of it.
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[70cst]

Originally Posted by bd blk 12v

Thanks for the replies. I am going to finish the big block. I wont drive it much so not worried about mileage. I also have a 2003 ford lightning that I get to hot rod around. It maybe sees 40-100 miles a month. I really love the 69. I'm the third owner and it has the build sheet in 20 pieces under the seat. I will post some pics of it.
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Great decision ....

[davepl]

Good decision on the big block - for one you know they made every part needed to install it factory-perfect, and many are still available.

I do think a 292 is a lot cam, even advertised. Remember you've got to live with it! Factory duration was 196. No joke.

[MAC71]

I also have a 69 with a 396. At one time I thought about doing a LS swap but as it is not a daily driver and also not a hot rod I just rebuilt the 396. Plus my daughter gets now can tell people she learned to drive in a 69 Chevy truck with a big block, how many kids can say that! Most kids now learn to drive civics, and accords and many don't even know what a big block is, looks like or sounds like. About a year ago I was invited to be a gust teacher in a high school automotive tech class to talk about engine theory and the evolution of the internal combustion engine and only 2 or 3 kids out of about 30 knew what a big block was. So just for the nostalgia of it keeping the big block is a good choice.

[bd blk 12v]

[bd blk 12v]

[68bowtie]

uh it's pink. i changed my mind, go with the ls.

jk... looks like it's almost ready to roll! nice truck by the way.

[67 chevelle]

Put a 268 cam in the BB , or the ls will be sure to please