yb55

I'm thinking about getting another 1990s Chevy truck, this one with a brand new crate 5.7 V8 and in need of a new transmission. Body is good and miles are relatively low. I've had a 93 with the 6 cylinder since new and pretty much driven it into the ground on the ranch.

How is the 5.7L V8 on power, gas in real life, and reliability? What's the tow rating? I see it's rated at 11/15 mpg. This engine kind of seems like it's a driveable upgrade but doesn't have enough oompfh to tow.

I need another reliable truck and the 93 with the 6 cylinder has been a rock, 350k miles on the original engine and transmission, and it was driven by someone else for 2 years with a bad fan clutch overheating constantly. No one else keeps and runs the old trucks like I do around me, so I haven't seen this engine go the distance.

Also wondering if you'd go to a junkyard for a transmission, or if I should spend the $ on a crate tranny if I buy it.

burnhedge

Need to know more about the truck before you can get any info on mileage/towing. 5.7's are in light half tons up to 1 tons. The model, trans type, gear ratio, 2wd or 4wd, are all concerns

yb55

What I know:

5.7L V8 4x4
Silverado 2500 Z71
Transmission is blown so I'd need a new one [EDIT: looks like it had a 4L60, not the 4L80).

I'll try to get more info.

burnhedge

Whether it's a tbi or vortec you can't really go wrong with a 5.7. Reliable and we'll balanced between milage/towing.

Depending on your needs, you will want to know what the rest of the drivetrain is. GM had a wide range of 2500 trucks. Some aren't much more than a half ton. Some are as heavy duty as a srw 3500.

If you need to tow, I'd personally stay away from the 700r4/4l60e transmissions. A good build for towing can be $3k and you better have a experienced builder and a rock solid warranty. 10 bolt rear ends are also weak but I think all 2500's came with at least the smaller 14 bolt.