98 K1500 L31-R LONG BLOCK QUESTION

[98Z71Silverado9]

I just purchased a 98 K1500 with 162k about a month ago. I knew it needed some work when I bought it but I didn't realize how badly mistreated this truck had been. So when I got it home I went through the truck to see what I needed to fix. After fixing the 4x4 and rear brakes I thought I was home free......not so much. The engine light was on and after reading the codes there were 14, among them was the dreaded PO1345. I found the dizzy to be loose and not knowing the history of the truck I decided to buy a new distributor. I did a major tune up on it, replaced the dizzy and started on the steering and front brake lines. Instead of purchasing extended stainless lines when the previous owner installed the 6 inch lift they extended the metal lines to the factory length rubber line by cutting it and using the feral unions, stupid.

Last week I ordered all new steering components for the truck including the steering gear, coupler, pitman, idler and bracket, rods and sleeves. While I was working on that I decided to check the coolant level for some reason and it was low. Now I had just changed the oil so it was fresh and too my surprise when I looked at the dipstick................you guessed it, MILKY BROWN.


Obviously I am an idiot for buying this truck in the first place but now that I am commited I need to make a decision. The reason for all the info above is this.....If the truck shows this many signs of neglect, how long did it get driven with coolant in the crankcase? I could pull the engine and have it rebuilt but GM sells a NEW long block for $2000 shipped from jegs. I think this makes the most sense.

Finally my question. This L31-R that I found has 4 bolt mains which I want but it states that it is only for 3/4 and 1 ton applications. The same engine for my k1500 is 2 bolt mains. Obviously I want the 4 bolt main engine as it only like $50 difference. Is there any reason that this wouldn't work well in a 1/2 ton?
Is it just that the 2 bolt main engine is what came in the 1/2 ton and that is why they are stating this?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the life story!

Here is a link to the engine I am looking at
http://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Per...Truck-350ci-L31-R-Long-Block/1532025/10002/-1

 

[slowburb]

It will bolt in. You don't need it, but it will bolt in.

 

[98Z71Silverado9]

It will bolt in. You don't need it, but it will bolt in.

I understand that it will bolt in. I was wondering more about the application. Is the statement of 3/4 or 1 ton only merely because those trucks came with the 4 bolt main?

Now you say I don't need it, care to elaborate?

Thank you

 

[slowburb]

Are you putting any wicked power adders on this engine? Plan on twisting it up to 7500+ rpm? Plan on hauling or towing any severely heavy loads? If not, 2 bolt mains are adequate.

 

[98Z71Silverado9]

Are you putting any wicked power adders on this engine? Plan on twisting it up to 7500+ rpm? Plan on hauling or towing any severely heavy loads? If not, 2 bolt mains are adequate.

I am often pulling cars to and fro with my trailer. Other than that no severe use, for less than $100 more I figure it is not a bad idea. I have a 385 Fast Burn in my 86 K10 and I love it but that was a heck of a lot more jack. Don't want to spend that much on this but I like the idea of a new engine instead of a reman. Who knows what the future brings either may do some upgrading and a 4 bolt is a good platform to start with.

 

[michael hurd]

I haven't been able to confirm, but I suspect based on what I have read previously that the cylinder head castings have Inconel valve seats instead of the standard induction hardened seats that the 1500 gets.

http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Vortec_L31_cylinder_head

Scroll down to 'Exhaust Valve Seats'

If the heads do in fact have Inconel seats, I would get this engine for the extra $50.

Edit: if I have time I will search out cylinder head service part numbers for that engine to see if there is in fact Inconel seats.

 

[98Z71Silverado9]

I haven't been able to confirm, but I suspect based on what I have read previously that the cylinder head castings have Inconel valve seats instead of the standard induction hardened seats that the 1500 gets.

http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Vortec_L31_cylinder_head

Scroll down to 'Exhaust Valve Seats'

If the heads do in fact have Inconel seats, I would get this engine for the extra $50.

Edit: if I have time I will search out cylinder head service part numbers for that engine to see if there is in fact Inconel seats.

Interesting info that I did not know, thank you.

 

[Ironhead]

I'm not an engine expert, but this seems like a no-brainer to me. For only $50, you get the four-bolt main block, plus possibly better valve seats. To me, this equals peace of mind, plus a future upgrade path for more power, or for extreme duty use.

 

[slowburb]

Fair enough. It will absolutely work, and must be listed the way it is strictly based on OEM specs.

 

[98Z71Silverado9]

That's what I was thinking as well just thought that I would ask the question before I pull the trigger. Thank you for the replies.