4.1 (250) engine, recommend yes or no? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sstpeach · 12-31-2008, 05:17 PM

I'm looking at purchasing a 1979 4.1 Chevy straight six engine for my 66? Any recommendations on the engine? I want to have a straight six for the old girl as I want to put her back in somewhat original condition. Figure i will have the new six in the older truck........input please.

Thank you,
steve

James McClure · 12-31-2008, 06:18 PM

Steve, As an old chevy mechanic I hated those motors, you could never get them to run as well as the older 250's or 235's with the nonintigrated heads. The only problem with the old ones was the intake gaskets. I had 1 in a 69 nomad station wagon and without fail once a year I as replacing those gaskets. To much smog junk on the intigrated head 6cyl. I would bide my time and keep my eyes open for an older engine more like origional, jim

sstpeach · 12-31-2008, 09:35 PM

thanks jim for the great advice......
steve

Dave Kay · 01-01-2009, 01:22 AM

Ditto on Mr. McClure's post; I've had a 1980 vintage non-integrated, rebuilt 292 in my '77 C-20 going on 20 yrs now, and can vouch that the intake/exhaust gasket has been a pain-in-the-buttock since year-one. Re-did it several times over the years and even installed an NOS intake, which solved the prob for a couple of years, but the leaks still developed. Also, the newer head is prone to cracks @ the valve seat and my GM dealer told me that replacements you get from Mexico now a days are poor quality, so figure on going thru several before you get a good casting... good luck on your project and best wishes for a prosperous and peacful New Year.

heavychevy79 · 01-01-2009, 01:46 AM

If it was dirt cheap or free I don't see how you could go wrong.

I just traded an 81 with that same engine, it ran ok even with a dead cyl.
Those do have some funky emissions tubes that go into the valve cover.
I never did figure out what good those things do for emissions, they look
like they would make the engine run dirty.

74 shortbed 406 · 01-01-2009, 07:17 PM

I had one in an old 76, it always had a miss to it. It would still get a second gear scratch with 12 inch wide tires. I would opt for a v-8 but since you want somewhat factory rebuild I would look for the older ones.

12-31-2008, 05:17 PM	#1
sstpeach Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Haslet, TX Posts: 46	4.1 (250) engine, recommend yes or no? I'm looking at purchasing a 1979 4.1 Chevy straight six engine for my 66? Any recommendations on the engine? I want to have a straight six for the old girl as I want to put her back in somewhat original condition. Figure i will have the new six in the older truck........input please. Thank you, steve Attached Images

12-31-2008, 06:18 PM	#2
James McClure One shot, one kill. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saratoga Springs NY Posts: 859	Re: 4.1 (250) engine, recommend yes or no? Steve, As an old chevy mechanic I hated those motors, you could never get them to run as well as the older 250's or 235's with the nonintigrated heads. The only problem with the old ones was the intake gaskets. I had 1 in a 69 nomad station wagon and without fail once a year I as replacing those gaskets. To much smog junk on the intigrated head 6cyl. I would bide my time and keep my eyes open for an older engine more like origional, jim __________________ 1984 K20 350M engine with 465,000 miles. Well, it's finally done!! Almost 2 years of work, but it was really worth the effort. Little stuff left to do is mount winch, wet sand & buff out and build belly pan\running boards. Body work takes lots and LOTS of beer!!!! God, Guts and Guns made America and God, Guts and Guns will preserve it! The worst thing you could do is get into my sights, but that don't matter, you'll never know it, cause you'll never hear the shotJim or Paladin whichever you choose.

12-31-2008, 09:35 PM	#3
sstpeach Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Haslet, TX Posts: 46	Re: 4.1 (250) engine, recommend yes or no? thanks jim for the great advice...... steve

01-01-2009, 01:22 AM	#4
Dave Kay Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Victorville, CA Posts: 68	Re: 4.1 (250) engine, recommend yes or no? Ditto on Mr. McClure's post; I've had a 1980 vintage non-integrated, rebuilt 292 in my '77 C-20 going on 20 yrs now, and can vouch that the intake/exhaust gasket has been a pain-in-the-buttock since year-one. Re-did it several times over the years and even installed an NOS intake, which solved the prob for a couple of years, but the leaks still developed. Also, the newer head is prone to cracks @ the valve seat and my GM dealer told me that replacements you get from Mexico now a days are poor quality, so figure on going thru several before you get a good casting... good luck on your project and best wishes for a prosperous and peacful New Year. __________________

01-01-2009, 01:46 AM	#5
heavychevy79 Cheyenne Super Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 545	Re: 4.1 (250) engine, recommend yes or no? If it was dirt cheap or free I don't see how you could go wrong. I just traded an 81 with that same engine, it ran ok even with a dead cyl. Those do have some funky emissions tubes that go into the valve cover. I never did figure out what good those things do for emissions, they look like they would make the engine run dirty.

01-01-2009, 07:17 PM	#6
74 shortbed 406 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bowling Green, Mo Posts: 204	Re: 4.1 (250) engine, recommend yes or no? I had one in an old 76, it always had a miss to it. It would still get a second gear scratch with 12 inch wide tires. I would opt for a v-8 but since you want somewhat factory rebuild I would look for the older ones. __________________ 1978 GMC K25 2002 Dodge Dakota R/T rc swb In need of some more goodies.



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