Engine questions???

[RBrueschke]

I have a 1962 GMC steoside pick- up. The engine is stuck and was just wanting some opinions on what engine that would be good to put in it. I've heard 350 but everyone usually does it. Thanks in advance.

[truckster]

I think before you take advice from anyone you should decide what you want to accomplish. Is it going to be a daily driver? Will you tow with it? Is performance or fuel economy more important to you? How much fabrication are you willing to do? Do you want it mostly stock, or are you going for modern convenience?

Once you decide what you want to accomplish, it narrows down the field considerably.

[RBrueschke]

Originally Posted by truckster

I think before you take advice from anyone you should decide what you want to accomplish. Is it going to be a daily driver? Will you tow with it? Is performance or fuel economy more important to you? How much fabrication are you willing to do? Do you want it mostly stock, or are you going for modern convenience?

Once you decide what you want to accomplish, it narrows down the field considerably.

Yes it would be a daily driver. No I won't tow with it. Both performance and fuel economy mosly stock. Any fabrication that is needed.

[TJ's Chevy]

Again...what engine is in there?

[RBrueschke]

Originally Posted by TJ's Chevy

Again...what engine is in there?

It has a 305 v6

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by RBrueschke

It has a 305 v6

You'll probably be better off going with a different engine. Rebuilding the V6 is getting harder and harder because so many people are dumping them for a SBC. A 305 V6 is better than a 350 in the fact it will outlast it and will out lug it any day of the week(My V6 is pushing 200,000). The 6 mpg is bogus. Properly setup with a 5 speed tranny and taller rear gearing these engines MPG increase. Stock mine got pretty good mileage as I would cruise around with it. But like said...cheapest way would be a crate 350 and you'll have something for good general and reliable use. You could pull that V6 apart and see what has caused it to lock up and if its nothing major then it could be fixed. I'd go too this site here for some info on that engine: www.6066gmcguy.com/EngineData.html

[68c10owner]

Originally Posted by RBrueschke

Yes it would be a daily driver. No I won't tow with it. Both performance and fuel economy mosly stock. Any fabrication that is needed.

kinda tough to beat a crate 350 and thats why everybody does it. Putting it in your truck would be pretty simple with some V8 frame mounts. You`d need the pulleys and such and some headers but really simple. The $1500 crate engine would be perfect for a daily driver and make a lot more power than your current set up.

[RBrueschke]

Originally Posted by 68c10owner

kinda tough to beat a crate 350 and thats why everybody does it. Putting it in your truck would be pretty simple with some V8 frame mounts. You`d need the pulleys and such and some headers but really simple. The $1500 crate engine would be perfect for a daily driver and make a lot more power than your current set up.

What is your opinion on a 383 stroker?

[68c10owner]

Originally Posted by RBrueschke

What is your opinion on a 383 stroker?

If you can afford it do it. It's not something that you will regret doing a later on.

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by RBrueschke

I have a 1962 GMC steoside pick- up. The engine is stuck and was just wanting some opinions on what engine that would be good to put in it. I've heard 350 but everyone usually does it. Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by RBrueschke

What is your opinion on a 383 stroker?

This made me LOL...

So you don't want to do a 350 but will consider a 383? Kinda the same thing just a tad different.

Gary

[bigmac73]

I would like to hear more about the old engine.... Stuck????? what is in it now, how long has it been "stuck" what exactly is the issue , do you mean locked up??? have you tried to rotate it by hand, you might have a good rebuild-able core already that could save you some money depending on what you are looking for.

if you are going to the trouble of pulling it out, you might as well put it apart and find out what is going on and if it can be rebuilt..???

[TJ's Chevy]

If it has the 305 V6 rebuilding will be difficult unfortunately. If it has an Inline 6 then rebuilding is cheap and easy.

[Marv D]

If some is good, and more is better, then as MUCH as you can stuff in a 4" bore block is just right. Well maybe not 'as much' You can stroke a 4" bore to 396 with a 3.875 stroke, but it's not as cost effective as a 383 which has became a shelf stock, pick up the phone and one will be at your door in a couple of days.

STROKE = TORQUE,, that's why the lowly little 305 v8 does so well in heavy vehicles with it's tiny bore. Add stroke to the 4" bore and you get near BigBlock cubic inches in a small lightweight package. How can you go wrong