Need some options

[manderson17]

Well I pulled my valley pan gasket and got a not so good surprise. Found water and oil mix! Now before you all start thinking I'm not taking care of my truck, I'll let you all know the info. I've been slowly pecking away at rebuilding brakes, installing fuel system, deciphering the electrical and getting ready to replace window gaskets. My truck hasn't ran more that 3 hrs in 2 yrs! So it hasn't been neglected as far as maintenance. So the options I'm seeking is for motor swap if I need it. He came with a 383 2 barrel. It has the np4350 4 speed. What other options for motor are out there? I'm a rank amateur with mopar and learning as I'm going. I'm rebuilding this truck if it's the last thing I do. I found out it was built the exact same month and year I was born. So what do you all think?

[Jim100]

If it needs it rebuild the 383.

[manderson17]

Planning on rebuild as long as block gets good report from machine shop. I was just wondering if it's not what kind of options would you guys recommend. I've thought hemi, diesel (which I know nothing about) or trying to source another big block.

[Wildergarten]

Planning on rebuild as long as block gets good report from machine shop. I was just wondering if it's not what kind of options would you guys recommend. I've thought hemi, diesel (which I know nothing about) or trying to source another big block.

What is the objective? Please tell us what you're after: A stump puller? Good milage? Drag racer? Highway truck? Showing off? Lowered cruiser? Under budget?

Whaaat???

[manderson17]

Mostly after everyday driver. I know the 383 in this truck won't get good gas mileage. Being a crewcab with pierce utility bed on it doesn't help. But I want something that I can jump in and go wherever I want and be able to get out of the way when needs be. Guess I should of explained better sorry.

[Jim100]

I still vote rebuild 383 if it needs it. You have a cool truck and people are going to ask what's in it. I wish I could say 383!
If gas mileage is a deep concern then get rid of it.

[Wildergarten]

Mostly after everyday driver. I know the 383 in this truck won't get good gas mileage. Being a crewcab with pierce utility bed on it doesn't help. But I want something that I can jump in and go wherever I want and be able to get out of the way when needs be. Guess I should of explained better sorry.

Annual milage? How long do you plan to keep it?

[manderson17]

It will be going to my oldest when I'm done with it. I'm not sure about annual mileage. I'm not much of a cruiser until fall. Then I stack the miles up between Oct through January.

[manderson17]

Mileage is not a concern.

[Wildergarten]

It will be going to my oldest when I'm done with it. I'm not sure about annual mileage. I'm not much of a cruiser until fall. Then I stack the miles up between Oct through January.

Then if you have the capability and the capital, I'd go diesel.

[manderson17]

Well I got word back from the machine shop. Block checked out good. They recommended a 30 over bore, which if it checked out good I was planning on doing it anyways. Now it is time to decide what all I want to do to it. Anybody have any suggestions on cams, heads, and the usual parts to get this moving? Not looking to go for broke here, truck will rarely see over 65 or 70.