[mattdavis11]

Yes, some have put a chebbie 350 in mated to a 5sp trans. I have ridden in one, and they are quite impressive. We have intentions to scrap all the emissions junk on our 84 and mount a 4 barrell carb. From what I've heard it's not too pricey, and the performance gains are nuts. In factory trim these trucks are slooow, but it also depends on the individual l/c. Our 84 will run circles around our 83, I don't know why, they are the exactly same. Once up to speed, they are fine. Here's a true story:

My brother just got the first one, the 83, in 1991. It's first "mission" was to move my grandmother from Gainesville, Fla. to Dallas. Off to Florida it goes. Once there, rent a trailer, and start loading. Having not one iota of an idea what the truck is capable of, it departs. The rear of the vehicle was stuffed to the rim, a fully loaded trailer behind. (I forget, 20-22 ft.?) All is well until the driver managed to get a speeding ticket! That was the only hiccup. The l/c got maybe 5.5-6 mpg on the return trip, but there was not one single problem (outside the ticket) what so ever. The whole family was dying with laughter when they arrived in Dallas. (Imagine the Beverly Hillbillies) I couldn't believe the front wheels were actually touching the ground. Some weight they will pull, we were hooked! Go for it Souk.