1971 c20

[tubbed55]

Hello, I have a 1971 C20 they I want to make into a daily driver. This truck is a 402 big block, auto trans, A/C Power brakes, steering, cab lights, the works. When looking for a truck I wanted a c20 with a small block but fell into this. Now I am at a cross road.... Do I just rebuild the 402 or take it out and put in a small block. Only concern would be the gas milege. I do not drive a long ways to work but do travel 4 hours to see my parents and 3 hours to the deer lease several times year. Is the big block gonna make that much of a difference in the milege..I know they will both suck....But if Im talking a mile or two differnece I would rather have the big block torque. I also thought about either a gear vendor overdrive or a 700r4 to help. What kind of milege should I expect to see bewtween the big block and small block. Sorry for the long post but need to make a decision.
Thanks, Ronnie

[Salpezz]

Originally Posted by tubbed55

Hello, I have a 1971 C20 they I want to make into a daily driver. This truck is a 402 big block, auto trans, A/C Power brakes, steering, cab lights, the works. When looking for a truck I wanted a c20 with a small block but fell into this. Now I am at a cross road.... Do I just rebuild the 402 or take it out and put in a small block. Only concern would be the gas milege. I do not drive a long ways to work but do travel 4 hours to see my parents and 3 hours to the deer lease several times year. Is the big block gonna make that much of a difference in the milege..I know they will both suck....But if Im talking a mile or two differnece I would rather have the big block torque. I also thought about either a gear vendor overdrive or a 700r4 to help. What kind of milege should I expect to see bewtween the big block and small block. Sorry for the long post but need to make a decision.
Thanks, Ronnie

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[Mike C]

I've gone back and forth about powertrain in my shortbed as well. If you want to drive it and want overdrive, best bet would be an LS swap.

I know that's what everybody has now, but compared to what it costs to go through your big block and do an overdrive trans, the complete setup from a late model looks like a deal.

A 5.3 with a 6 speed would be super cool, but a 6.0/4L80 would get 'er done as well.

With that said I'm probably going to rebuild a 427 I have and back it with a TH200 4R, but that probably costs $6000+.

[cooperhw]

His original post was 4 years ago. He probably doesn't even own the truck anymore.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Salpezz

I'm looking for a 1971 402. Do you have one for sale? Or did you make the choice to rebuild it?
Posted via Mobile Device

The last time he was on the board was 4/6/2015. Also, you can't post a want to buy unless you are a "Premium" member. Click on the word "Subscribe" in the menu bar at the top of the page for subscription options.

LockDoc