Well we both know that a TBI 454 is not on the table, so the question is are we shooting for better than 454 TBI (which is pretty much anything) or is there a specific goal in mind?
The goal is a long-term keeper where mpg doesn't matter. It can be a local heavy stuff mover in the rain with that cargo area, and even toss sleeping bags in the back with the seats down in bad weather once in a while.
The specific route I know I will be making multiple, occasional trips includes a continuous 6 mile climb up a grade that averages 4% to 5 incline with no letup. I expect to haul loads of around 9,000 towards 10,500 pounds up that grade.
I don't think a small block has the power band for the oomph to get that done. I like the 8.1 torque curve that's over 400 ft pounds starting around 1500rpm and staying over 400 ft lb through 5000 rpm without dropping off. Add a cam, headers, etc and going north of 400hp and 550 ft lb isn't out of the question. It's a stretch, but I think it could do it.
I don't think a 6.0 is the choice here because I need to pass though the mountains. A loaded truck, with a loaded trailer, would be well beyond its capabilities I think.
Obviously this tbi 454 is far from ideal and wouldn't do the job either, but, at least the suspension and such is already set up for the weight and it's set up with a 4l80e-HD in it. I could use it for lesser tasks until I get around to the heavy loads after sorting an 8.1L, I have the luxury of renting a portion of a large warehouse that used to be a heavy equipment factory that the big stuff and stay behind in for as long as I'm willing to pay.
A 6.0 truck has the luxury of being set up for a drop in from the wiring standpoint. But suspension needs a complete rebuild as the dry weight of a 8.1 is about 256 pounds heavier than a 6.0.
In comparison a 454 is within 60 pounds and should be ok. Then, if you swap to raylar's aluminum heads with the cam upgrade you've got nothing to worry about, weights become compatable 7.4 to 8.1.
Obviously, easiest route is to just buy an 8.1 truck. Scratch that. Easiest route is to buy an 06 or 07 classic with a duramax, but not looking to drop $20+ thousand up front and I've got a lighter duty pickup anyways. A 2500 burb/Yukon xl is a useful long term thing to have around. Those steep heavy hauls won't be every day but it does need to be able to make a couple of them here and there.
Meanwhile, here's some pics of a throwback to the 90s. It's 100% rust free, even underneath on frame, floors, everywhere.
It couldn't come together to come home. Before test driving today while looking it over the owner told me although he had PS lines and pump replaced, it was still slowly leaking fluid and he couldn't see where. (It's a spare very seldom used truck for him and unnecessary with their powerstroke.) During the drive I stopped in a Walmart parking lot after a short highway run and some moderate braking for a short steep offramp. Found some smoke from hood. On opening it found the hydro boost unit was bad and leaking fluid out the joint with the master cylinder.
We had a mustang with us and no tools. Nobody local had a hydro boost in stock either anyways.
Owner offered to cut the price, but, being 380 miles away from home, not a good risk to buy and try driving. Neither uhaul, nor penske, nor budget would allow it to be trailered by anything they had. Long distance tow would be outrageous.
Asked owner about his plans if we didnt strike a deal and he said if it didnt sell by monday as-is he would have his local shop fix the problem and put it back for sale but firm on the asking price. He agreed to give me first dibs and a call at that point to come back for another test drive, if it got that far. We agreed that while he would at least listen to anyone who wanted to buy as-is locally over the weekend since he couldnt get it in the shop anyways, I could likewise keep looking around for another truck since who knows how long the fix or getting parts would be with how shipping is.
Had to go home empty handed, for now.
