Greetings,

Planning on a rebuild of my 1987 D150 truck's /6 this winter if I can get it within budget. I already have a replacement Holley 1945 1bbl carb as well as a super six intake w/adapter plate and Holley 350cfm 2bbl carb. I also have all parts for a lean-burn to electronic ignition retrofit. Exhaust is 2.25 from stock exhaust manifold back, and I intend to keep stock manifold for carb heat. Truck has a strong A904 3spd and 3.21 8.25" rear but I have an 82' Miser with a NP435 4spd (unknown rear) that could potentially be swapped in someday.

Motor has 111K, no power, poor compression, and loses oil past the rings/valves or both.. Assuming $500 of a $1000 budget spent on a rebuild kit and new valvetrain, where should my remaining money be spent with the machinist?
*Does the rotating assembly have to be rebalanced for a mostly stock build with new oversize pistons?
*.030 Overbore cost?
*Head Milling/porting cost?

My goals are increased torque and economy in a 5000 pound truck. Don't much care about making power over 65 mph. What specific combo advice can anybody suggest? I have some experience rebuilding, but not planning (especially cams/compression) by any means. The rebuild kit I am considering offers a "R/V" cam upgrade but I don't know any specifics on it at this time. Any suggestions on carb, bore, cam, head/valve combinations would be great. I put a little over 20K on this old government truck before the motor all but gave up, but it's been the most reliable vehicle I've ever run (even in subzero temperatures). The idea of a fresh slant for her makes me giddy! Please help me keep the dream alive (and within budget). Thank you all!

Sam

_________________
1987 Dodge D150 Shortbox /6 904 auto
1982 Dodge D150 Longbox /6 833OD 4spd

If you can get away with the stock cylinder bore, do it. Oversize pistons don't get you much on the street. Money is best spent on the head, camshaft, and ignition system. Calculate your dynamic compression ratio and mill the head accordingly. Porting, and possibly oversize valves , make a big difference. However, oversize valves can add cost to the head rebuild quickly.

Balancing a motor is a good way to make a smidge more power and have it run smoother.

There has been great discussion on the board about custom ground RV cams. Decide if you want to keep the hydraulic lifter cam or switch to a mechanical cam, then do some research on custom ground cam profiles.

Aggressive Ted has put together a pretty good one barrel carb build for a torque.mileage motor. Maybe send him a PM or search for his engine build on the site.