Think I'm gonna build a 5.7 turbo for my 96 Dakota, what's the best year/years to start with? Gonna look at a truck motor sat has a tick( of course) but a running core priced right.

08 and early use cheaper cam cores, 09 and newer have WAY better heads but VVT with expensive cam cores.

Thanks, knew there was a break I. The years just did t know where is was, just looking to make around 900/950hp and the block not spit the crank out, think the 3rd gen is the easiest way to do it.

I wouldn't be afraid of even an 03-04 truck block.

Can grab this one for $250 complete with harness, it's not knocking YET just a tick, dude was scared and bought a salvage truck for the engine, this is his take out.