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Re: What if: Building an Inline Six Torque Monster
That Saginaw 3-speed trans probably has a 3.50 1st gear, which won't handle a lot more torque than a stock 250 six makes. But you could get a new gearset with a taller 1st gear. The 292 used a 3.11 1st gear; the 305 a 2.85 I think. The taller the gear ratio, the more torque the trans can handle.
I'm not sure about your 81, but my 82 250 came with the standard 2.73 axle, which doesn't quite cut it with a 3-speed manual trans, even if you could get 275 lb/ft torque from a 292.
If you have the dreaded integral head/intake manifold, it's gotta go.
Check out Clifford Performance for parts.
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Mike
1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 36 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes.
1982 C10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350, Vortec heads -- sold
1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it!
1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming.
Retired as a factory automation products salesman.
Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop.
Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!
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