New to forum. Just purchased 1989 blazer 5.7 and believe head gasket has blown. Looking to upgrade maybe to a 383 or 350HO?Looking for a little more performance than stock without sacrificing reliability. I'm in California smog maybe an issue. Seeing lots of engines online but not sure what's best value etc. I have some mechanic skills and have a good buddy who does and will help. Want something that I can drop in and bolt up. Can anyone make a recommendation on a good engine/website etc. Much appreciated. Thank you, Gary

 

I would say to put a carbed 1998 Vortec 5.7 in it. However, Califormia emissions are problematic without transplanting ALL of the stock or later fuel injection controls. Using stock TBI on the later Vortec motor (by adapting the throttle body to an aftermarket Vortec carb manifold) is self-defeating (power-wise) and doesn't make much sense for the cost involved. OTOH. controlling later stock Vortec full port fuel injection would require the later PCM and harness and all the other stuff required to keep the PCM happy/SES light off - a very daunting installation.

Unfortunately there is no good way that makes sense cost-wise to do it. Better to just fix the TBI engine or move out of state!

Does being an antique (1989 is 32 years old) exempt the vehicle from emissions stuff in California?

 

thank you for taking the time to reply. Definitely not looking to get this involved. Now rethinking and possibly try to find a crate motor that's ready to go or having a local engine shop rebuild the one I have.. hoping that either having this one rebuilt or a new crate motor would add a little pep, this one seemed a little tired . unfortunately with our California bs, this your vehicle still has smog requirements

 

Yeah I looked it up and its 1975 and before are exempt in CA. Sorry, the TBI motors were the least powerful 350s. The 80's suckd. Well, at least it isnt a 305!!!

 

Here, get you one of these. Put it in yourself. I have a Goodwrench 4.3 vortec from Jegs in my Blazer.

Note: this one is a brand new engine (not rebuilt)

Beauty of Jegs is free ship and no core (at least not required for me)
https://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Per...91671/10002/-1

 

Or this one if the Goodwrench is too pricey for you.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/059/8758/10002/-1

 

Or this one if the Goodwrench is too pricey for you. Note core and freight is above price.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/059/8758/10002/-1

 

You can put a 383 in it with a mild cam and, as long as it looks stock, it will pass smog with no issues. Just don't say it's a 383. Unfortunately, the stock TBI won't make a lot of horsepower, but the extra stroke will give you a lot more torque. The TBI should adapt OK to the extra displacement.

 

Thank you for all the help. Spoke with a guy at blueprint engines earlier today and he says this engine will bolt right up and it's got a little more horsepower . My only question is it shows that the timing is adjusted by the OEM computer where I was thinking the timing on my original engine is not . Any thoughts there? https://blueprintengines.com/product...ads-roller-cam

 

Your timing is computer-controlled now.