So, I have a 318 which from what I have heard I may need to rebuild, due to the fact that at operating temperature my oil pressure drops, I have replace the sender 3 times, and the pump/pickup 2 times. Some say that I may have internal wear issues.
With that being said, since this is my third vehicle I am thinking about parking her in the next year or so and doing a complete rebuild little by little on an engine stand.
What I am wondering is, there are some kits out there to stroke the 318 into a 390. How bad could this be, if it isn't bad why didn't they do it from the factory, I mean higher CID would mean they could have charged a premium from the dealership for the truck right. Just in basic parts this is looking to be under $3k.
What do you all think?

 

how are you going to use the truck after the rebuild?

for towing or racing
a 4.00 inch stroke would make some sense

you will lose a bit of rod length/stroke ratio,
and have piston ring against bore wall speeds that are higher
both of which have a (small) negative effect on fuel economy

as a used truck
a newly rebuilt 390 stroker might have slightly better resale value

on a 46RE automatic transmission
the higher low rpm torque might decrease life a bit

 

WOW hank! That has to be the shortest response i have ever seen ya make lol

 

If the engine was going to be pulled anyway I'd consider picking up a used 360 and stroking that out to 408.

 

I'm with this guy... All you have to get is a 360 block. Every thing else swaps over.

 

I plan on using the truck for only "truck purposes" not grocery getting or anything like that. I will be pulling a camper, approx 7200lbs, but would like a bigger one. A little offroading, getting firewood, and things of that nature.
The thing about just picking up a used 360 is that then I would have to get a new computer, and then pay to rebuild that damn engine as well. I am not looking for the biggest engine, or hp and torque, just a little more than what I got now. About the resale not interested in that at all, I plan on keeping this truck until it rusts away, then I will find her a new body and frame.
Also, didn't say this last post, but I don't want to deal with any extra repetative issues. So, if there is crap that I am going to have to constanly deal with, it would not be worth it. I love working on her, but only at my leisure, not every time I go to start her up.

 

I did not realize that, hmm this sounds like a good idea.

 

Stroke it baby...

http://www.krcperformance.com/krc/in...mart&Itemid=26

 

And as far as a computer anyways to make the stroker run right you would have to get an sct tuner or send your computer out to b&g to get a custom tune. So in all reality to go from a 390 to a 408 is the difference of about 200 bucks.

 

He is exactly right about how your going to need a tuner either way for a stroker motor. If your stroking, you better do heads, mod your intake, fastman tb, hs rr's, etc. Stuff adds up which is why I can't do it. If you have the $$ go for it!