If you are serious about the 2.94s, then you really have no option but lots of cubes. and
The A833, 3+1 also demands a low operating-rpm , so again, that points to big cubes.
But I can almost guarantee you that those same big cubes will blow the 20tooth mainshaft gear to bits within a few hours. And when it blows up, you have no idea where the bits will go. So, if they end up between other gears, then the whole thing quickly turns to junk.
But here's the thing;
2.94s and .73overdrive and 29" tall tires (91"roll-out) is all messed up; it will never work; because 65mph= 1600rpm, and your cammed-up BB will suck gas real bad.
So my advice is, if going BB, forget that 3+1 trans and, probably the 2.94s as well.
The Next bit is this;
The Stockish displacement 360LA falls together at about 10.7 Scr with 63cc heads. Make them alloys and you can run over 185psi cylinder pressure, still on 87E10. So then a 224/230/110 HFTcam will be perfect. Now run the A998/999 (2.74-1.54-1.00) with at least a 2800 stall and 3.23s, for 65mph=2430 rpm in loc-up, and you can make some pretty good mpgs with that.
Will it motor?
Well 13s are in the cards for sure. Pretty quick for an old truck.
