new to the forums

[hobsiscool]

thanks guys...i love the truck, i just keep getting pulled in different directions as to how I want to go with it...i keep hearing that the i6 is a great engine to build, however it's expensive and I wont get what I want out of it....but the 350 is common, but cheap.....I'm thinking I may have a blown head gasket, so in that case...it may just be a better decision to take out the 6, sell it, and get a rebuilt 350 to put in and go from there...now i'm trying to find someone good with a welder to help me replace some body patches (rockers, floor, etc.)..i've got big plans, just have to get a good game plan....on a side note, I want to completely take the bed off for now to assess rust damage, and since i don't have a garage to park it, start repairing parts that aren't ruined...my question is, how do you remove the sides and still have the gas tanks functional since the fill up hoses are mounted into the sides? if this is a dumb question, humor me lol. anyway, thanks for all the comments and I hope to get a little progress going here shortly.

[Palf70Step]

Originally Posted by hobsiscool

where did 84 come in to play? I have the 81...I must be missing something...i'm on the fence now...obviously swapping from carb to FI wouldn't be fun, so we can scratch that...but now i'm on the fence of whether to build the 250 that's in it (probably more money) or swap in a carbed 350. I'm also fairly certain i have the non integrated head...how can you tell? What 4 barrel carb fits on the inline? I know of the book for this engine (can't remember the name) that I need to get, but I was just trying to get some input before hand. Thanks for all the replies thus far though.

I can't type worth a crap...sorry. I meant 81.

There are many days I wish I had kept the 250 in my 70. I had an 82 with an inline 250 and it was a fun truck. Wish I still had it too. If you are going to change out engines, maybe do a rebuild of another 6, with a non-integrated head. You can find them plentiful and cheap. Just the HP won't come as cheap. But the unique factor is definitely there.

[hobsiscool]

where can I find a non integrated head? does anyone sell them, or is this a junker part i'd need to look for.

[D13]

1963-79ish junk yard fodder. Trucks and cars. I see complete engines on CL and Fleabay often. Try 194, 230,250,292.

First, get the book by Leo Santucci. It will help you tremendously.