new guy with some questions

[fakesnake]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the old GMC scene(I've got a Ford and a Dodge) and I've got a few questions.

I just purchased a 71 GMC 5500 flatbed for my business. It has the 478 V6 with a 5 speed in it but has some nasty knocking going on in the engine. I have a line on another engine and was considering doing the swap, or else rebuilding the one I have. I like the idea of having the original size engine in the truck but I'm also not completely against putting in something different. It will be used on a daily basis and the bottom line is that it needs to be relaible.

My other option is going with a big block v8 which are a dime a dozen. If I go that route, is there any way to mate the v8 to the existing 5 speed or will I have to go with another tranny as well.

If I replace the V6 or have it rebuilt, what kind of life expectancy should it see. Also what is the availablility of parts to do the rebuild. Most of the driving is around town hauling a bobcat and equipment but it will also see highway duty from time to time, especially next winter. I've heard that these engines really don't like revving too much so I am considering swapping out the rear for something a little more highway friendly.

What are your thoughts on this? Keep in mind that the most important thing to me is reliability, not originality. It is a work truck and will never see a car show or anything like that.

thanks.

[LockDoc]

-

to the board...

I can't answer your question but this will get your post back to the top.

Someone here should be able to answer it for you.

LockDoc

[longhorn71]

i have never delt with the v-6 in these trucks and have never seen on there in alberta

welcome aboard and i am sure someone can help out

[arkracing]

Originally Posted by fakesnake

My other option is going with a big block v8 which are a dime a dozen.

I'll take 12 - how would you like payment???
BBC aren't usually that easy to find - the racers like to snatch them up and they aren't ususally that cheap when you find them.

That being said I think a BBC conversion would be cheaper than trying to rebuild/find parts for the V6 but I'm not 100% sure.

you'll want lots of low end torque - and probably not want something that is "high reving"
some of those bigger trucks had 292 6cly's and Small Blocks in them as well.

How about doing a diesel swap???

[FarmTruk]

Ooohhhh...opinion time...I got one of those...

I'd say go HT502, torque for days, and not TOO pricey. I'm no expert but I'd quess it'd bolt right up to the tranny. You'd be good to go.

[GMCMAX]

You might try this site, they are the V6 people.
http://www.6066gmcguy.org/

[sluggish]

I think I will head over to that site and see what i can come up with there as well. I guess I'll have to pull the engine and see what is involved before making a decision. At least with a big block it would be a bit easier to get parts in a reasonable time frame. As long as I can get it to bolt in there without too much of a headache, I'd be all for it. I'd be all over a diesel too but they're not always easy to find. Seems the big blocks are easier, around here anyway. maybe not quite a dime a dozen so don't get your hopes too high there Arkracing.

[krue]

Welcome to the board. Twice, I think.

[Liz]

erm dual accounts are against site rules, please use the contact us form to reinstate your account..

[sluggish]

My bad on that one. Apparently I had joined a few years back with a different user name when I was looking to buy an old truck. Still use that name on some sites and typed it in, typed in a password and presto, account opens. Oops, sorry guys.

I did however get quite a bit of info from that other site, which was a nice help. Things may not be as bad as they seemed after all, so hopefullly we'll be up and running in a coplue months.

Now if someone should stumble across an Allison auto tranny that would work for me, by all means let me know.:happy:

Thanks,

Mike