Quote:
Originally Posted by TJ's Chevy
Welcome aboard! And sweet looking truck! Here's my opinion on the engine...and you'll get a bunch of different answers, but take this from a guy who has fun with 6 cylinders.
The 350 is very common. TO common in my opinion. I skip over trucks that have that engine at car shows...just because I've seen it several to many times. Which means my stay is rather short. lol Its a darn good engine and has its reputation, BUT the 6 bangers have one just as good if not better.
That 230 properly tuned would get better mileage. But it really depends on what YOU want out of the truck. You trying to go the cheapest way possible not caring how common things are....350 will be the choice....though I highly doubt it will get much more mileage than the 230 would tuned up. You'd have more power though for sure...and P/s and A/C will be cheaper to setup. If you like things much more unique and different....I'd stick with the 230. Small mods can be done to tune these things up to run better. Just depends on how much you want to spend. To me its a shame to see a good running American engine dumped for a Japanese/Chinese crate engine. But that's my opinion. Whatever you decide we'll be here cheering you on. Good luck and I'm in for the build.  |
I agree with TJ. When I spun my bearing in my 235 I was on the fence also on a engine swap. Im glad now I rebuilt my 235 instead of going with a 350. Every truck you see at shows have a 350. So it has gotten to common. I get a lot of complements on my six and people tell me they are glad I kept it. I still have the 3 speed and I can run 75 down the highway. I have an overdrive for it that I'm waiting to put in. I just helped a friend do his 230 for his Nova. He put a 250 crank in it to get more stroke. It runs great and has plenty of power. I say keep it and and add the right trans, intake, carbs and you will be fine!