304Turnaround

Thanks for the great mag....it helps in keeping my J10 rolling.   I do have a question.  I read in this months, Nov. 2010, about a question a reader posed.  you titled it "360 turnaround".   My question is would those solutions also apply to a J10?  My J10 has a 304, not the 360 or 401.  being a heavy truck it seems to lack in pulling power with the 304.  I already have the Quadrajet, Edelbrock manifold, stock cam and headers and d-44's with 3:54 gears.   Or find a 360 and start from scratch.  I also have a NV4500 which I could go with a SBC.   I really enjoy driving this truck but at 10 MPG, I don't use it as much as I would like.  My use is mild I do use it in the winter when it snows tons.   but at times I think it can be improved on.....Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.....thanks in advance....  

Everything in that response applies equally to a J10. I wouldn't bother going any further with the 304. You've done about all I'd recommend doing to that small engine. And that's only because all the parts you used can be transferred over to the larger 360 or 401. I'd look for a good, running 360 to swap in. Install your Performer manifold and all your 304 accessories. The 360 will probably make you happy as-is, but if not the smaller Summit SUM-K8600 camshaft will really wake it up. The 360 won't require exhaust, radiator, engine mounts, T-case adapter, driveshaft, or other mods associated with the SBC engine swap.

A SBC engine with an NV4500 would be an easy power maker, but I think it wouldn't be as cost-effective as finding a 360. If you did do it, I'd look for a good used L31 Vortec V-8 from a '96-'99 Chevy pickup or SUV. These engines have excellent cylinder heads, one-piece rear main seals, and roller camshafts. Add a moderate camshaft like the GMPP PN14097395 and a Performer RPM intake for your Q-Jet (or keep the factory injection) and you'll have a 335hp/385lb-ft engine that'll pull like a train from the bottom of the tach up 'till 5,500rpm and won't fall on its face with the Fifth gear of the NV4500 and your 3.54 gears.