Need help, buying another 73-87...
 

Alright, I'm going to be selling my restored '78 C-20 soon. I'm looking to buy another 73-87 truck, but I need some help with what I'm looking for. What years offered the 250 I-6 and the 262 V6? How good were these motors? What 4 speed manuals were offered, were they any good? Also, when Did all of the wiper and high beam controlls go on the turn signal switch?

And finally, what years do I avoid?

Thanks,

Elwood

I don't know much about the 6 cylinders, so I won't be much help there. I hear the 250 has good low end, but I have never had one personally. The wipers went on the column in '84.

What are you looking to do with the truck? Are you in a smog testing area? I don't think that there are any years to avoid, it just depends on what you want the truck to do. I have had mine on both ends of the spectrum. My 73 had a 454, and got about 5 MPG. It would pass anything but a gas station, as they say. My 87 has power everything, overdrive trans, and fuel injection. Both trucks have their place, it just depends on what you want.

the 262 (4.3) started in probably 86 or 87...... i am guessing.. haha, i am sure one of the "elders" will know more.

My dad's Firebird had the 250 I6 in it. It's like a factory stroker. From the stories I heard, that thing was a terror. And yes, awesome low end. It was a '68 and I never even got to see it before he sold it. :(

bugger.

I only need it for daily driver stuff, no towing or hauling. Not going to be racing either. Just a simple bare bones, beer can, no A/C, 4 speed.

How hard is it to find one with a 4 speed?

My '86 was available with the 4.3.

Yes, I am your elder. :D

Slonaker

I think anything from 73-87 would fit the bill. A 4 speed should not be too terribly hard to find.

4.3L V6 started in 1985.
manuals offered were the
SM465 - LONG throw, good for towing, Muncie 3 speeds ( typically behind an inline 6)
89mm normally found behind the diesels.

Is it hard to find a 4 speed, well from my experience it is hard to find one in a 4x2 behind an inline.

I would have to say that the best driver would be the '87.

oldraven
Pontiacs inlines were OHC motors. They were sweet.

1983 was the first year that the wiper and high beam controls were on the column

i currently purchased a 79 scottsdale for 500.00 (lucky huh?) well any wayz, the ol scottsdale surrently has a 3 spd. 250 I-6, i dont particularly like the engine or the way it works but its not THAT bad, the only thing wrong with it is the shifter sometimes gets stuck and you have to pop the hood and jiggle the shifter cables and stuff like that... simple stuff for a dedicated chevy lover!!!!!
joe

i will post up some pics of before and after when i get a chance, right now, the end of school for this year is driving me crazy so im super busy right now, will post asap.
thanks,
joe

If your looking at the 6 for gas mileage, I think you'll be disappointed. The 250 is not very fuel efficent in our trucks. Normally because they have lower rear gears. I (well soon to be daughter's) have an 82 with a 250 6, turbo 350, and I think a 3.42 rear gear. So far my tweaking is only getting an average of around 11 MPG. I personally have never seen these body years with a 4 speed manual with the six. Saw them lot in the 67-72 years. I'm not sure if the V6 would be any more efficient in these trucks.

ive had several of the 250 I 6 with a 3 spped stick to em and theyve always ran great albeit a little slow when hauiling a heavy load. they run forever with proper maintenance and they are real easy to repair. i know that my 76 has the wipers on the dash and i believe this was the same til like 82 oe 83 and the 4.3 came out in 85. the 4.3 is a good motor too but if i had the choice of a 4.3 and a 250 id grab the 250, but thats personal preference and if ya get a straight six theones with the non integral head were better than the ones with. by the way i have a truck in pieces here as well as one whole id like to berid of come get them all lolalong with all my parts LOL