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Old 08-19-2013, 01:52 PM   #1
Bshoots
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Engine swap for a dependable k20 driver

I just finished a restoration on my 1970 k20 4wd. Truck is rebuilt top to bottom, I think I have touched every part on the truck. We changed the drivetrain to a .30 over, 454cid, 10:1,large grumpy Jenkins heads, and a th400. Now that the truck is together, it's clear that it's not going to be a mud racing truck as we initially intended. We mostly take a cruise on Sunday, but would like it be dependable enough to take off in it, maybe even a power tour. Let me know your thoughts on these different swaps or your ideas.

My 454, smaller heads, less aggressive street roller cam
I'm worried about the dependability of this motor.

5.3 swap
I love this motor but it lacks the bling factor

8.1 swap
It doesn't seem to be very popular, and I don't know what kind of mileage I would be getting into

5.9 cummins swap
I love cummins, the dependability, and the fuel mileage. I don't know if I'm excited about listening to that diesel knocking in my 70.

Any other ideas on crate engines?
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Old 08-19-2013, 02:05 PM   #2
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Re: Engine swap for a dependable k20 driver

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Old 08-19-2013, 02:10 PM   #3
Ziegelsteinfaust
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Re: Engine swap for a dependable k20 driver

454 would be easy, and why worry about dependability? If it is built right it will be great.
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Old 08-19-2013, 04:47 PM   #4
GASoline71
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Re: Engine swap for a dependable k20 driver

That 454 will last forever. There are a bazillion of them on the road (and on Power Tour) that will live long dependable lives. If you wanna swap over to a full roller... now's the time.

LS swap would be cool... but again, why mess with what you already have?

The 8.1's are expensive when you find one. Even more expensive to build one.

If all you're doin' is cruisin'... then I'd skip the Diesel swap.

Gary
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Old 08-19-2013, 07:10 PM   #5
72chevyk10
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Re: Engine swap for a dependable k20 driver

a 454 is a pretty durable engine. pretty beefy parts even stock. a well built, well maintained big block with quality rings and bearings, good double roller, and roller cam will most likely last every bit as long as the ls engines. and have a boat load more torque.
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Old 08-19-2013, 09:08 PM   #6
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Re: Engine swap for a dependable k20 driver

454 it.
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Old 08-19-2013, 10:03 PM   #7
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Re: Engine swap for a dependable k20 driver

427 stroker Duramax
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Old 01-12-2014, 06:39 PM   #8
62k10&84k20burb
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Re: Engine swap for a dependable k20 driver

292 i-6 no power monster. But plenty of torque and very dependable
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Old 01-12-2014, 08:52 PM   #9
storm9c1
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Re: Engine swap for a dependable k20 driver

6.5L turbo diesel.
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