So I found an 88 C1500 for a steal and bought it to use, among other things, to tow my BMW track car. It's a 5 speed manual with a 305. I found a nicely rebuilt 350 from a guy locally who needs money and is willing to sell it pretty cheap. So I've started thinking about swapping in the 350. I'm curious about a couple things from those who tow with their manual GMT400s:
1) When towing a light car trailer with about a 3000lb car on it, do you think I should shift into 5th or leave it in 4th? Where I live it's pretty flat, but I can encounter areas where there are hills. I figured I should be fine in 5th on flat ground once i'm up to speed. I figured I'd shift at higher RPMs to minimize stress on the clutch. When encountering hills, I'd prob go down to 4th. Of course I don't want to be shifting a lot while pulling a trailer, but I think this should be okay. Thoughts?
2) I'm considering swapping the 350 for a fresh engine with a little more power. It's a TBI engine out of a 91. I've done some research and it seems like all I'd need are 350 injectors, 350 knock sensor and the 350 computer. Any advice on this swap would be appreciated.
3) I've also researched whatever I can regarding a more heavy duty clutch for towing. All I could find is it seems the 350s came with a 12" clutch whereas the 305s came with an 11" clutch. Is this true and is this the only "upgrade' available for a better clutch for towing? I know there are clutches out there like centerforce etc. but other than that, are there any larger GM stock clutches I can use? If I went to the 350, I would certainly get the corresponding 12" clutch. If I could use a larger clutch out of a 454 or something, that would be great too.
I'm typically a BMW guy as that is my track car, but I have a history with American cars as well. My first car was a 76 Jeep CJ5 which I totally rebuilt back in high school. My parents had an 88 2500 GMC Suburban with a 454 which I did a good bit of work on as well. Any info/advice would be much appreciated!
1) When towing a light car trailer with about a 3000lb car on it, do you think I should shift into 5th or leave it in 4th? Where I live it's pretty flat, but I can encounter areas where there are hills. I figured I should be fine in 5th on flat ground once i'm up to speed. I figured I'd shift at higher RPMs to minimize stress on the clutch. When encountering hills, I'd prob go down to 4th. Of course I don't want to be shifting a lot while pulling a trailer, but I think this should be okay. Thoughts?
2) I'm considering swapping the 350 for a fresh engine with a little more power. It's a TBI engine out of a 91. I've done some research and it seems like all I'd need are 350 injectors, 350 knock sensor and the 350 computer. Any advice on this swap would be appreciated.
3) I've also researched whatever I can regarding a more heavy duty clutch for towing. All I could find is it seems the 350s came with a 12" clutch whereas the 305s came with an 11" clutch. Is this true and is this the only "upgrade' available for a better clutch for towing? I know there are clutches out there like centerforce etc. but other than that, are there any larger GM stock clutches I can use? If I went to the 350, I would certainly get the corresponding 12" clutch. If I could use a larger clutch out of a 454 or something, that would be great too.
I'm typically a BMW guy as that is my track car, but I have a history with American cars as well. My first car was a 76 Jeep CJ5 which I totally rebuilt back in high school. My parents had an 88 2500 GMC Suburban with a 454 which I did a good bit of work on as well. Any info/advice would be much appreciated!