305 v6 , the wife wants it original :( ??

[bo-w]

ok we have a 61 burb with the 305 v6 and have been discussing what all we want to do to it . at first she was cool with dropping in a small block and an OD auto trans , but now she wants to go mostly original including the v-6 . my problem is the availability of engine parts etc. I have done some searching in the net as well as on here and have had little luck with it . so i was wondering where some of you 305 v-6 guys sourced engine related parts?i looked at mr rock drillers thread as well as others and didn't see any resources (i could be having a blind moment lol). I am not totally against the idea but also think cost VS reward is leaning toward the sbc for sure . post you're thoughts/opinions please in either direction . thanks

Bo

[Clyde65]

I think it would be more expensive that a SBC rebuild/replacement parts. however those motors will run forever and need very little tweaking. maybe a pertronics ignition, a better carb and run it. I would carry some belts and hoses with me anyway, along with an alternator. but that is me.

[welsh kev]

Agree with Clyde. I've run my 63 for over 6 years now, and all it's cost me is a starter rebuild, which to my total amazement I got done over here in the UK with no hassles, all the bits were easily available.

You'll no doubt be aware of Jolly's website, www.6066gmcguy.org loads of useful info and help there.

I fitted the Holley 500 carb several years ago, it's worth every cent in improved gas mileage and power. HEI ignition is indeed an option but mine runs fine on the OEM set-up, never touched it since I bought the truck.

[k1rodeoboater]

daily driver or occasional driver?

If so then I'd lean towards modernizing it for both economy and safety. Occasional driver original is fine.

[padresag]

Originally Posted by bo-w

ok we have a 61 burb with the 305 v6 and have been discussing what all we want to do to it . at first she was cool with dropping in a small block and an OD auto trans , but now she wants to go mostly original including the v-6 . my problem is the availability of engine parts etc. I have done some searching in the net as well as on here and have had little luck with it . so i was wondering where some of you 305 v-6 guys sourced engine related parts?i looked at mr rock drillers thread as well as others and didn't see any resources (i could be having a blind moment lol). I am not totally against the idea but also think cost VS reward is leaning toward the sbc for sure . post you're thoughts/opinions please in either direction . thanks

Bo

there is a place called Kanter's that should be able to help you.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/6066_GMC_Truck/ there should help you to find parts here

[markeb01]

Here’s my input from an older post:

The GMC V6 was probably the most over engineered automotive engine ever built. For uniqueness, torque, and longevity they’re in a class of their own. The real answer lies in what you really want. One of my sons built a 401 Buick. It’s a sweet engine, but cost him over $3,000 (ten years ago) after a lot of searching for some common but hard to find parts. Certainly a 350 Chevy would have been easier and less expensive, but no matter if it’s an Oldsmobile, Chrysler hemi, or GMC V6 – if it’s what you love it’s worth the cost and effort to have something different.

I analyzed this decision myself about 20 years and went the other direction, replacing the V6 with a 350. My engine had cracked valves but continued to run reasonably well. I checked with several reputable shops I trusted, and was told they weren’t interested in rebuilding it at all. Two that were willing wanted over $2500 for the effort. At the time a brand new 350 was just over $1,000. Since I wanted a high performance long distance hot rod commuter, the decision was rather easy. Personally I’ve never regretted the decision, but I also enjoy studying a restored truck with one of these monsters installed.

If you decide to keep the V6, do yourself a favor and join the Jolly GMC site if you haven’t already. They have the corner on V6 expertise and can no doubt help with advice and parts.

http://www.6066gmcguy.org/

[Corts60]

Does the V-6 run? If it doesn't, yes, it will be cheaper to drop in an SBC.

What it comes down to, as stated above is what you really want. The V-6 will probably not need rebuilding while you own the truck depending on the miles when you got it. Therefore, finding internal parts shouldn't be a worry for you. And all tune-up parts are still available. Those engines are so industrialized that there is very minimal wear and tear in a 1/2 ton application. Even the camshaft has it's own tray to dip the cam lobes in oil while starting!

I have ran two different V-6's, neither one having been rebuilt since the factory installed it, the current one having sat for twenty years, and they both ran amazing after a tune-up and regular oil changes and points adjustments.

They also get around the same gas mileage as a SBC with a 3-speed.

So, in the end, do what makes you, your wife and your wallet happy!

[bo-w]

thank you all for the input . yes the engine still runs , it does however leak like crazy lol. it is pretty much a daily driver at this point. i personally think a more common engine would just make sense but she is pretty hard headed lol and is really wanting to leave it stock. i tried to explain if she wants stock it should be so all the way (interior etc.) so i guess i will see when it comes time for restoration lol. thanks again all for the input .

Bo

[Warrens69GMC]

If you will be considering rebuilding the V6, you might consider picking up a parts motor -

http://tucson.craigslist.org/pts/2556233274.html

[duallyjams]

My V6 runs great all i do is change the oil. You can still get gaskets so fixing the oil leak should not be a problem.

[jbgroby]

Ok I'll weight in. I prefer the V-6 for all the stated reasons above, but also as a time capsule effect. I've driven to GMC dealerships and even the old timers have never seen the first V-6. If you are active in car clubs and go to many of the cruise-in's you will probally be the ony one with a unique power train. That alone is worth something. but in the end the only two (3) things that matter are Time/ Money and WIFE!


Check out my links to see what can be done with these.
Jake

[MusicMan70]

Well, when I first got my 1961 GMC Suburban several years back, I had documentation of a full rebuild on the 305A. I too never knew about these special engines. I enjoy their uniqueness and I figure, why swap out if the engine will last for-e-ver?!

I have 3:92's/Traklock and with the SM420; freeway speeds seemed to push her too much to the limit for me. I saw the article in Classic Trucks about the New Process A833 MY6 overdrive tranny. Same gearing as a 700r4. I have this now and it's much better at freeway speeds. 65mph=1750rpms, 70mph=2000rpms. The engine pulls well (not fast) at those speeds and is very comfortable at that rpm level. Guess it has nice flat torque curve!? Mileage has improved, 14-16 overall mpg, best rough estimate.

I had wanted to use this for a Gig equipment transport vehicle and am doing so now. She has to be reliable and so far, I have used her for 3 Gigs and counting(knock on a Woodbed). It's a stock engine with updated electrical system per the Mad Electrical website (referenced from Jolly's site), 3-wire Alternator, power steering, power drum brakes, Holley 500 two barrel and stock ignition, Carter electric fuel pump with Inertia switch and Oil pressure cut-off switch(mechanicals pumps kept failing me; maybe old too-old stock) and some other things.

So, I say keep it original and make it safer and pretty for the wifey!

[bo-w]

nice ride musicman well the more i look into it the more I'm ok with it . what ever she wants i suppose is fine as long as its safe . by the way anyone swap a late crossmember for disks and keep the big bad v-6?

[markeb01]

Here’s a link showing the crossmember swap on my 1960 GMC. I didn’t keep the V6, but if I had the swap would have been even easier since the V6 engine mounts are welded to the frame and wouldn’t have required any attention at all. The 2nd link is the SBC engine swap, clearly showing the original V6 engine mounts.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=366828

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=369663

[srziemkowski]

Thats the funny thing with wives,i want to air ride mine,she said she wont get in it if i do,i said ill only air it out all the way if i was alone she still wont go for it,so static it is,or unless i get my way lol, that v6 would be neat though to keep as long as parts dont become a not gonna get anymore issue.

[Surfdaddy]

Just remember that old saying " If mama's not happy nobody's happy!!!" I say keep the V6. Find a knee frezzer A/C unit and to help make her feel better in the Sac area summer's. It's reliable you can get a complete gasket kit for under 90 bucks. There aren't too many people who know that there was ever a big block V6.

If your worried about freeway driving you can change the gears to something like 3:73 or 3:55's.

[100%Chevy]

Everybody's got a 350!
I prefer my 351C(it's a little bigger)
Just finished cleaning,paint,new gaskets,etc. and temporary wiring to run.


Mike.

[MusicMan70]

Hey Markeb01...thanks for adding those links for future reference. HenryJ

[bo-w]

thanks all . I'm going to make a list of mods for the burb for her showing what would be involved in each style (i.e. stay original vs engine swap &custom stuff) . she asked what all would be involved either direction, lol. again i appreciate all the input .she is still un decided.