what engine

[spr85gmc]

Heres the issue I'm working on building up my 66 gmc with a static drop, PS, Pb and Patina. Right now I have three options for a powerplant it is either keep the v6 in the truck and rebuild it, use a inline 6 outta my uncles truck and rebuild it, or save a little bit more money and build a strong 350 useing the 305 out of my parts truck as a core/trade-in. I already have my 85 so this mostlike will be my daily until I get something else. I just want some feed back from you guys with more experience and knowledge of this stuff..

[ratty 46]

No older subs with 454's in them to yank out? .... no substitute for CI.

Ratty 46

[spr85gmc]

lol I wish but not practical there is one in storage here but not for this project..

[burbguy]

I would probably go with the V8, especially since you want to go with power steering, and finding brackets can be hard to come by, and a bit expensive(have heard some guys paying up to $400 for a set of brackets for an inline). That's the only downside to running an inline that I can think of. I'm dealing with this situation right now... thats just my .02 cents worth. But then again a BBC sure would fill her out nicely...!!!

[raycow]

Everybody and his mother has a SB. Of the choices you mentioned, I would go for the V-6 because it will grab the most eyeballs. You can get all the rebuild parts you need for it, but it will still probably be the most challenging build. Second choice is the inline. That one is a piece of cake, and the PS is no problem because you can use the pump mounting parts from a car engine.

If I didn't have the V-6, I would search for a 348. Same visual effect as a 409 at a lot lower cost.

Ray

[lakeroadster]

In a world that is constantly changing there is one thing that doesn't.

Of the (3) choices you listed go with the SBC, there is a reason "everybody and their mother" has them. When it comes to locating parts, saving money and making horsepower on a budget the SBC has been the best bet since 1955.

[spr85gmc]

lots of good points but I still cant decide what I want to do hmmmmm im leaning toward the 350 or the straight 6

[markeb01]

If you study the engineering aspects of the GMC V6, it's one of the most over engineered, over built, sturdy designs ever produced. But since it was designed as a bulletproof industrial engine, mileage is rather poor and you're on your own for cheap performance improvements. Another downside is the cost to rebuild it. When I bought my 60 two decades ago, it was down a cylinder with a couple of cracked valves. At the time, both of my preferred machine shops told me a total overhaul was going to set me back at least $2500. I bought a Targetmaster 350 instead for $850. Even after buying all the missing parts (manifolds/carb/damper/etc) it was still much cheaper than rebuilding the V6.

My first car (1954 Chevy) had a 235, so I grew up liking inline sixes. Now that I'm retired, an inline six would be a nice-to-have and fun to share at rod runs. But as John pointed out, there's a reason everybody runs the sbc, including me. Within a small dimensional package, you can have virtually any power level you're willing to pay for, and parts are available everywhere.

[Joemomma1]

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

In a world that is constantly changing there is one thing that doesn't.

Of the (3) choices you listed go with the SBC, there is a reason "everybody and their mother" has them. When it comes to locating parts, saving money and making horsepower on a budget the SBC has been the best bet since 1955.

Exactly! You cant go wrong with a sbc. I wont be surprised when I see the day I go to the liquor store and find something for it.

[aerotruk63]

Personally I'm an inliner, but the choice is yours. You might consider painting your truck in the plaid fashion of the V6 GMC valve covers, now that would attract attension!