Straight six vs v8

[bluebulletk10]

Hey I was wondering what all your opinions were on this topic, straight six vs v8 thanks fr the opinions!

[J Knight]

V8v8v8v8v8v8v8v8v8v8

[bluebulletk10]

How come? I've heard a build 292 could be pretty strong just terrible at the pump

[willett]

No replacement for displacement

[frog210]

Why not a chevy twin six...
or a v8 ijs

[bluebulletk10]

Twin six?

[old Rusty C10]

ive had both straight six and v8 trucks. the eight has a lot more power than the six particularly if you use the truck with full loads.. or to tow. if youre just using the truck for a commuter vehicle with occasional loads a six will do fine and get better gas mileage

[ofnaman]

To me, it just depends on what your going to do with it. If the truck is a farm or play truck whatever is in it would stay in it. If it was a show truck/weekend driver and it had a 6 cylinder in it, I'd keep it in it. If it was more of a driver, I'd probably swap it out with a fuel injected V8 of some sort. I've found lately that I skip over all the run of the mill V8 engines at car shows and really pay attention to the odd balls. Personally I think there is just something cool about the old inlines. If power is needed for something else, like said above, there is no replacement for displacement.


With all that being said, I plan on building some sort of vehicle to haul my expanding family around and I am considering a 64-66 suburban. If I go that route, no matter what it has in it, I'll be swapping in a fuel injected LS V8 engine with overdrive transmission, and driving the crap out of it.

[cory d]

i run a 350s in mine, i haul dirtbikes and camping gear in them every once in a while. i would love a all stock truck with a 250, 3.42 gears and a sm465

[donut]

Had a couple 1/2 ton Fords, 300 l-6 and one with the 302 v-8 (only mentioning because they were close in displacement and had them at the same time.)

I preferred the l-6 around town. Higher rpm, freeway trips, v-8. The 8 got a little better mileage on the highway. l-6, in town. Towing/ hauling was comparable for me. (nod to the 302. it was a little better, but not enough for me to have to swap trucks to haul something.)

The only Chevy l-6 I've owned is currently in my Trailblazer. Though, over the years I have driven many.

[79 silverado]

I've owned and driven a few I-6 trucks, and I've owned and driven a few v8 trucks. It comes down to what matters to you.

If you like speed and the butt dyno then only a v8 will give you what you are looking for. Likewise, if you plan on driving 75 on the highway, up and down hills and expect to accelerate/pass other vehicles on the grade, then a v8 is probably for you.

My inline 6 trucks in New England would top out around 75-80mph on a steep uphill grade with the pedal to the floor, and that's with no load. Bear in mind, this was only 3.08 gearing, th350 trans, and stock motors without intakes/headers/carb upgrades.

Having said that, the space under the hood, the unique factor, and the distinct sound of the I6... I miss it. For what I use my trucks for these days, if I found an I6 owner who had a truck with the same updates, repairs, and new parts, in equal condition, I would trade one of the v8 trucks with them in a heartbeat.

[Flthead]

I'll take a big block ... 292.

[slowcpe]

I've got the 250 in my '67 and like it. However this truck is now my "hot rod" since I sold the Mustang. While I thought building a turbo 250 it just didn't make sense cost wise vs putting an LS motor in it. Coolness factor would have to lean towards the turbo 6 IMHO.

As stated before, it all depends on what you want out of the truck.

[BigBlocksRule]

Got a bone stock straight 6 170ci, dual overhead cam solid lifter engine in my sweetheart's Mercedes 280SL. Factory rated at 190hp. That's over the 1.1hp/cu.in. that has been considered a "benchmark" for street performance for a number of years. That would put an equivalent 350 at 385hp and a 454 at about 500hp. Even factory stock LS engines don't make 1.1hp/cu.in.
This little engine has amazing power for what it is and it was designed in the 70's.
And with solid lifters, it sounds like a sewing machine...music to my ears!

All that said, build the engine for its intended use, not what may happen some day down the road. Economy or power - the only way to get the best of both is with forced induction and injection.

[tucsonjwt]

I would prefer a fuel injected vortec V6 over an inline 6. I bought a 2000 silverado work truck with a V6 and 3.42 rear and it was good for 19 mpg in town empty. If you are looking at non-fuel injected engines, then I would stick with a low horse 350 V8 for economy - or you will say "I coulda hada V8."

[BigBlocksRule]

I have a 2007 shortwide work truck with the V6 in it. 15mpg is the best it's ever done, highway. As soon as I find a good donor with a 6.0 in it, the V6 is gonna find a new home.

[cory d]

if you want cool factor, gmc made some huge 6 cylinders.

[nekkidhillbilly]

Originally Posted by BigBlocksRule

I have a 2007 shortwide work truck with the V6 in it. 15mpg is the best it's ever done, highway. As soon as I find a good donor with a 6.0 in it, the V6 is gonna find a new home.

my 4.8 4wd silverado got the same mpg as dads 4.3 4wd s10. 19 mpg. the 4.8 was quite a bit faster and in a fullsize i cant see the 4.3 being as good on gas so id say your right on the money at 15.

[manimal]

A great set-up would be a 292,NV4500 with a 3.73 or 4.10 geared rear axle...you will have all the gear needed for towing and an overdrive for highway. The I6 is just plain stupid simple to work on...EVERYTHING is right in front of you!