I've been wanting a truck with a large V8 and since I've been having trouble finding a 351 F-150 I decided to try some GM products. I drove 2 different Vortec 350 trucks. Both extended cab, Z71. One with a 5 speed and one with an auto. Let's just say I wasn't impressed. I thought they would have a lot more power. Up to 3000 RPM they felt like my SWB I-6 F-150. Anyone else have a similar experience with 350s? Maybe I just drove 2 wore out ones?

 

What year models did you drive? Oddly enough the 88 thru 92 model TBI 350's run GREAT the 93 thru 95's are DOGS and the 96+ CPI Vortec 5.7L trucks are rather insane. The central port injected Vortec 350 really makes a big z71 get out of it's own way rather nicely.

 

one was a 96 and one was a 98. They weren't dogs but I just didn't feel that much power difference. But then again I didn't drive them too hard...

 

Had a 'burban, 1992, with 350/TBI. Not bad, but the '05 SuperDuty w/5.4 L
will out run, out pull, and probably outlast it. Less cu.in., more hp & more torque. As usual, JMHO.

 

yea I'd suggest driving a 5.4.......not quite the power of my 351, but it surprised the hell outta me

 

my friend has a 1994 chevy 4x4 excab with the 350, it runs great i think, and i am not even a chevy fan. his truck also has over 200k on it with no major repairs ever done, good trucks i think. its his off-roader/mudder now.

 

SO WHAT? It's using engine managment technology that's only about 25 years newer than the TBI 350. Of course it usually takes Ford 20 yrs to catch up, As usual, JMHO

Trust me when the go petal is put to the foot Those big Z71's will more than come alive. I had the privelage of getting to use the boss'es new at the time 96 z71 to make parts deliveries. As a hot rodder I had trouble coming to terms with how good that big 4x4 would run. Heck even with an auto and huge tires it would leave rubber with athourity.

 

Sorry, didn't mean to offend anyone. Just making a statement.

 

Ford has always been bringing up the rear when it comes to power. A friend of mine has a Dodge with the 360 in it. CAI and cat-back exhaust...and he can walk all over another friend of mine with a built (350-375HP) 350ci Chebbie.

I dont even try to keep up with my 4.6L. I'll just meet them at our destination..usually 5 minutes late...

 

While I'll concede the mid 90's Votec GM's walked the 351's.......Ford was way ahead in EFI tech concerning port vs TBI.

Before the Vortec, however, it was always a tossup when comparing 302-305, 350-351 and 460-454.

 

"A friend of mine has a Dodge with the 360 in it. CAI and cat-back exhaust...and he can walk all over another friend of mine with a built (350-375HP) 350ci Chebbie."

You sure? I remember the 360 being a gas eating dog that dropped transmissions...

 

Im very sure. His 360 loves to drink gas, and he has replaced the tranny...but it dang sure aint no dog!

 

If the 350 didn't have 3.73 gears to back it up, they're sluggish off of the line. check the equipment plate stuck in the glovebox- GT4 indicates a 3.73, G80 indicates a Locking Rr Axle. Krochus was correct- '93's-'95's weren't the strongest.

Drive a newer Silverado with a LS-block 5.3 though- that's a real eye-opener (and you'll wonder WTH those ponies are hiding in a 5.4).

 

Oh, even the 4.8L LS block motor will surprise you! Dad had a 2000 Silverado. That thing would throw you way back in the seat. And that was extended cab, 4wd. He had to trade it for a couple reasons.

First, the motor made this horrible piston slap noise on cold mornings. No problem, all the GM LS motors do that.

Second, the transmission kept shifting softer and softer, and later and later...

Third, when he got it it was getting 19 to 20mpg in town, and 23mpg on trips. After one "emissions recall" that dropped to 13mpg in town, and 16mpg on a trip. It never came back. Still ran exactly the same, same amount of power, just mileage went. Interestingly, there was no record of the recall with GM...

Fourth, little things started happening. Like, the turn signal switch in the dash busted, fuel pressure regulator needed to be replaced, fuel pump, etc.

So he traded it for an '06 F150 XLT Super Crew 4x4 5.4L. Runs good, drives good, but the mileage has been around 15mpg in town, up towards 17mpg on a trip. The truck *feels* slower than the 2000 Silverado. Probably because it's heavier.

 

360 are not fast stock form they make 250hp and 360tq but are weak my friend has a 2001 reg cab ram with a 360 he barks them bad off the line but that's it slow as **** mid-high range.