Project - 1990 GMC Sierra 1500

[Nosami]

Hey guys, I need help with a build and what direction to go with crate motors (I know nothing about motors!)

First a little background in to the truck:

Bought off Craigslist to drag race and build a "sleeper". Can't afford to buy another 2011+ Mustang 5.0 if I wreck the current one I own so I decided to have a play toy. It is also a project to bond with my dad.

What I want to do:

Dump the current Chevy 350 that has 230k+ miles on it and put in a new crate motor that has the most power for the least cash that can be modded through cams, intake, heads and other internals.

What I can't decide is what direction to go.

Should I get this engine as a replacement to the 200hp/300tq engine that the truck currently has?
Is it easily modded to achieve a hefty 350+ horsepower?

Chevrolet Performance 10067353K7 GM Goodwrench 350ci/260HP Engine & Packages - Free Shipping on All Orders @ JEGS

Or get this engine from BluePrint Engines that has considerably more hp/tq for 50% more cash?

GM 355 Dressed BP35512CTC1 | BluePrint Engines


Would it be just as easy to buy the GM Goodwrench engine as a quick and easy Band-Aid to an engine older than I am and buy a new cam or heads or intake and still be able to achieve the horsepower of the blueprint engine? I have no background as a mechanic and need help. Can you guys tell me what engine to pick, and if you pick the cheaper/less powerful engine can you explain to me what parts I need to purchase to make it as powerful as the more expensive engine?

The end goal is to have a "lighter" weight pickup truck with a somewhat nasty engine that is CARB and not EFI or TBI or none of that through a budget build as I am a recent college grad.

Thanks in advance for the help guys.

 

[NMRam]

Sorry, I don't really know what to tell you as far as engine choices...but I did want to welcome you to

 

[Bigredmariner]

Welcome and I would go with the Blueprint engine.

 

[ksblacksilvy]

If I was doing it, which I am eventually on my 1990 also, I would go with an LS based motor. I am planning a 5.3. The 350's are a great motor, but my 1990 went 193,000 miles with one under the hood and I think she deserves better the next time around. I'm not attached to the old TBI and I hate controlled fuel leaks. A friend has a 5.3 I can score for $150. Then mounts, adapter, and a ton of wiring and I'll have almost 2x the power the pickup had originally.

 

[OldCracker29]

If I were going to put a crate engine in it, I think I'd go for the 383 stroker.

 

[Black02Silverado]

Seems to me the blueprinted engine would be the better route.

But then you might be able to source a good used 6.0 LS engine and throw a carb on it and have an updated GM engine that you could tinker on with installing a cam and such down the road as money allows. Plus it would be a lighter option I would think as well.

Welcome to TMC!

 

[Nosami]

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I will go with the BluePrint engine. I ended up calling a local performance shop and had a conversation regarding the GM Goodwrench engine and there would be no real cheap way to get the cheaper engine up to the power of the BluePrint.

 

[pjjensen23]

New truck

Alright so i have a 1990 gmc serria and im about to get a 1981 c10 chevy with a 350. What im really wondering is would there be anything i could use from the c10 that would make my baby out?