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New Guy in South America

5

593mountaineer

New Member
Hey everybody! I moved to Ecuador a few years ago and finally will be buying a truck. Limited options, here. I'm a little out of my element here and was hoping some of you might weigh in and help me decide :D

I am between 2 vehicle. Both are quite a distance from me, so I need to have some kind of commitment before I travel to look at the one I am potentially going to buy. Here in Ecuador, they really are good at keeping old cars going...repairs, restoration, etc. And cheap!

1. 1980 K5 Blazer with 350 and 4spd manual, 32's.
2. 1995 Bronco XLT with 5.0 and 5spd manual. Stock tires.

I love how the Blazer looks, and that they are really simple to work on. Chevy parts are easier to come by here. The engine may be a little rough (seller tells me the carb should be upgraded to a 4 barrel, which is weird, because it should already have that). Bronco's are sharp but I'm not thrilled with the color. The EFI is a big plus, since I will be riding it at sea level and then up to 14,000 feet. They both are priced under my budget, so I can afford to put some money into them.

If you care to share your opinions, I appreciate it.
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Last edited:
Tonkaman

Tonkaman

Well-Known Member
Location
West Jordan
I’m no help with those vehicles, but I’m curious to hear what problems people have had with that kind of elevation change.

Dude. If I were there I’d try to drive anything I couldn’t get my hands on in the USA.
 
5

593mountaineer

New Member
Tonkaman said:
I’m no help with those vehicles, but I’m curious to hear what problems people have had with that kind of elevation change.

Dude. If I were there I’d try to drive anything I couldn’t get my hands on in the USA.
Click to expand...
The American trucks are rare here. But something not available in the USA...how about the Lada Niva? You might need to get out to help push it up a hill, but they are cool little 4x4's
 
Greg

Greg

I run a tight ship... wreck
Admin
Location
Grand Junction, CO
If that's the case, then I'd lean towards the Bronco for the EFI and being 15 years newer. And I'm a Chevy guy!

If you decide on the Chevy and have to upgrade the carb, could you get something aftermarket like a Holly Truck Avenger carb? At least that carb would work OK offroad.
 
5

593mountaineer

New Member
Greg said:
If that's the case, then I'd lean towards the Bronco for the EFI and being 15 years newer. And I'm a Chevy guy!

If you decide on the Chevy and have to upgrade the carb, could you get something aftermarket like a Holly Truck Avenger carb? At least that carb would work OK offroad.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that's what my head is telling me. As far as the Holley carb, I could get it here. I even considered the possibility of their Sniper kit, but I realize there's a checklist of things to be ok before going that route.
 
Jinx

Jinx

when in doubt, upgrade!
Location
So Jordan, Utah
I am still trying to wrap my head around a K5 with a 351 and 3 speed manual...

in the states you would likely see a 350 with a sm465 (4 speed with a super low/granny first gear). The auto TH350 was a 3 speed at that time.

But there was a 3 speed manual listed at that time.
Year: 1980
Base Price: 8,233
Wheel Base: 106.5 in.
Length: 184.8 in.
Std. Engine, (net HP):
OHV Six-cylinder 250 cid. (130) @ 3800 rpm
Rear Axle:
GM Corporate 12-bolt (8.7/8-in. 1.31 Axle Dia. 30 Spline)
Transmission (M):
SM318/SM326/SM330/T-89A/T-150 3 spd. (2.47-3.50:1 First Gear) * The 3 speed was ONLY available with the six cylinder engine.
SM465 4 spd. (6.55:1 First Gear)
Transfer Case (M):
NP205 (1.96:1 Low Range)
Production Total: 31,776
Weight: 4,429
Fuel Tank Capacity: 24-gallon/31-gallon
Height: 73.4 in.
Opt. Engine, (net HP):
LE3 2 barrel 250 (130) @ 4000 rpm/210 Torque @ 2000 rpm
LG9 2 barrel 305 (135) @ 4200 rpm/235 Torque @ 2400 rpm
LS9 4 barrel 350 (170) @ 4000 rpm/270 Torque @ 2400 rpm in 49 states
LS9 4 barrel 350 (170) @ 4000 rpm/275 Torque @ 2000 rpm in CA
Front Axle:
GM Corporate 10-bolt (8.5-in. 1.28 Axle Dia. 28 Spline)
Transmission (A):
TH350 (2.52:1 First Gear)
Transfer Case (A):
NP205 (1.96:1 Low Range)

I am a Chevy guy too and love solid front axles but it’s hard to beat EFI and that 3 speed manual would be a problem. Leaning towards the Bronco as well.

hopefully we are providing things to think about so you can make the best choice for you.
 
Hickey

Hickey

Burn-barrel enthusiast
Supporting Member
Location
Grantsville, Utah
I'd go for the Bronco for the same reasons as stared above, and also because those 90's Ford trucks are dead reliable and the 3 I had were the cheapest vehicles to maintain that I've ever had.
 
5

593mountaineer

New Member
Jinx said:
I am still trying to wrap my head around a K5 with a 351 and 3 speed manual...

in the states you would likely see a 350 with a sm465 (4 speed with a super low/granny first gear). The auto TH350 was a 3 speed at that time.

But there was a 3 speed manual listed at that time.
Year: 1980
Base Price: 8,233
Wheel Base: 106.5 in.
Length: 184.8 in.
Std. Engine, (net HP):
OHV Six-cylinder 250 cid. (130) @ 3800 rpm
Rear Axle:
GM Corporate 12-bolt (8.7/8-in. 1.31 Axle Dia. 30 Spline)
Transmission (M):
SM318/SM326/SM330/T-89A/T-150 3 spd. (2.47-3.50:1 First Gear) * The 3 speed was ONLY available with the six cylinder engine.
SM465 4 spd. (6.55:1 First Gear)
Transfer Case (M):
NP205 (1.96:1 Low Range)
Production Total: 31,776
Weight: 4,429
Fuel Tank Capacity: 24-gallon/31-gallon
Height: 73.4 in.
Opt. Engine, (net HP):
LE3 2 barrel 250 (130) @ 4000 rpm/210 Torque @ 2000 rpm
LG9 2 barrel 305 (135) @ 4200 rpm/235 Torque @ 2400 rpm
LS9 4 barrel 350 (170) @ 4000 rpm/270 Torque @ 2400 rpm in 49 states
LS9 4 barrel 350 (170) @ 4000 rpm/275 Torque @ 2000 rpm in CA
Front Axle:
GM Corporate 10-bolt (8.5-in. 1.28 Axle Dia. 28 Spline)
Transmission (A):
TH350 (2.52:1 First Gear)
Transfer Case (A):
NP205 (1.96:1 Low Range)

I am a Chevy guy too and love solid front axles but it’s hard to beat EFI and that 3 speed manual would be a problem. Leaning towards the Bronco as well.

hopefully we are providing things to think about so you can make the best choice for you.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Jinx. You are correct! I edited my post to reflect the right information. I don't know why I said 351...that was stuck in my head. The tranny mistake is a language barrier thing here. The seller wrote that it had a "Caja L, 1, 2, 3" and I imagined he meant a 3 Spd with the low ratio option.
 
5

593mountaineer

New Member
Tonkaman said:
I’m no help with those vehicles, but I’m curious to hear what problems people have had with that kind of elevation change.

Dude. If I were there I’d try to drive anything I couldn’t get my hands on in the USA.
Click to expand...

So, this statement haunted me, and I ended up looking into the Nissan Patrol. Found a super clean 92 y60 with a party top. Thanks for the welcome and sharing your opinions.IMG_F354B0529C42-1.jpeg
 
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