My new 71! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

oirebit84 · 03-16-2008, 03:34 AM

Hello everyone! this is my first post so forgive me if it doesn't come out right. I just recently purchased a 71 chevy cst 10 shortbed stepside 6 cyl and three speed. I know this is an over used question but i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for peformance and efficiency from the straight 6, 3 speed combo. i'm intersted in mpg's but i also tow a 12 landscaping trailer from time to time. Is this doable with the 6 cyl 3 spd? any pointers or advice would be greatly appreciated. and what milage should i expect? THANKS! This site ROCKS!

PanelDeland · 03-16-2008, 04:20 AM

the 6 should haul your trailer fine.It will not be a quick ride but the 6 has plenty of torque.There are severalmembers who have 6's on the site and most will be glad to share what they have done for performance.A smallblock will also just about bolt in if you want the V8.Another source would be www.inlinersinternational.com

eightbanger · 03-16-2008, 04:28 AM

Welcome! lets see pics, we're very visual here.

72BlckButy · 03-16-2008, 05:21 AM

to the board from Mid-MO!!!

oirebit84 · 03-17-2008, 02:56 AM

would the 3 spd handle the 350? I have a 350 out of a 94 chevy k2500, minus the tbi. Edelbrock makes a manifold that will bolt up to the 87-95 heads that are on the motor now. wouldn't really want to get involved with the wiring. how much do ya think the milage would be effected? Not sure i really want to get that involved in an engine swap right now. I'd like to keep the truck as original as possible for now. As for pics i don't have a digital camera as of right now, but i will see if i can borrow a friends. Thanks!

**Palf70Step** · 03-17-2008, 02:59 AM

Welcome, and yes the 3 speed will handle the 350. I know one member his truck is on the 4th or 5th engine and it still is the original 3 on the tree. Nothing has ever been don ot it other than normal maintenance.

Cyclone44 · 03-17-2008, 03:08 AM

from Knoxville Tn...And yes that 3 spd. will work great with a 350

**special-K** · 03-17-2008, 03:55 AM

Welcome!
The 3spd will do,but a 4spd truck trans would swap-in real easy.

oirebit84 · 03-17-2008, 04:49 AM

The 4 speed with the granny low gear? Did they make one without the low gear? will it work with the 6?

PanelDeland · 03-17-2008, 05:53 AM

oirebit, we are talking GM here.The first thing anyone learns about GM especially Chevrolet is that interchangability is the name of the game.Chevrolet used the smallblock in everything for 40 years.Then they started refining it.The 6 is a great engine though and the 292 is really a torque monster
You probably should take care of any mechanical things the truck needs(brakes,suspension,tires,whatever)then drive it for a while and determine what exactly you would like to change.There are tons of info on this site to help you figure out what works.Most don't like the fuel tank in the cab.Many want disc brakes on the earlier models.Look around the site and read some of the posts to see what everyone is doing,then start a list of what you want and figure out in what order to do it.

oirebit84 · 03-20-2008, 01:21 PM

What kind of milage can i expect with the 250?

streetstar · 03-20-2008, 08:25 PM

I'm with you on keeping the 6 for now--- but i'd spend a few bucks and a sunny saturday afternoon (or whatever afternoon is handy) making sure the plugs, wires and distributor are all freshened up and the carbureator is working as it should. This will maximize your efficiency and power hopefully.

I have heard feedback from other members stating that they have gotten between 12 and 17 mpg with their 6 shooters, and quite a bit depends on rearend ratio. Also keep in mind when Chevy put this package together, they never envisioned someone using a 6cyl 3 speed work truck to blitz the highways at 75 or , 80. So if you do a lot of highway driving at those speeds mileage may suffer

69halfton · 03-21-2008, 01:05 AM

not to be rude, but if you have bought a 67-72 truck expecting milage, i fear you may have made a bad choice. looking at the body lines, it doesn't matter how effecient the motor is, it wont do more then 20 mpg often (there are some cases).

..on the other side, its cool to see a guy buying a truck like this as a driver, that he still works with. the 6cyl. would pull that little trailer around town real good, probably about as good as a 350 would. on the highway, it would suffer.

as far as hot-rodding goes, those little 250 & 292s can be built into pretty pissed-off little motors....and they sound kinda cool too

oirebit84 · 03-21-2008, 05:54 AM

By no means am i expecting a gas sipper. i am just curious.

wfomkivdrvr · 03-21-2008, 08:59 AM

I bought mine 4 MPG reasons. lol
NOT! BBC & MPG (lack of) Yeah right

03-16-2008, 03:34 AM	#1
oirebit84 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Rhinebeck Ny Posts: 23	My new 71! Hello everyone! this is my first post so forgive me if it doesn't come out right. I just recently purchased a 71 chevy cst 10 shortbed stepside 6 cyl and three speed. I know this is an over used question but i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for peformance and efficiency from the straight 6, 3 speed combo. i'm intersted in mpg's but i also tow a 12 landscaping trailer from time to time. Is this doable with the 6 cyl 3 spd? any pointers or advice would be greatly appreciated. and what milage should i expect? THANKS! This site ROCKS!

03-16-2008, 04:20 AM	#2
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: My new 71! the 6 should haul your trailer fine.It will not be a quick ride but the 6 has plenty of torque.There are severalmembers who have 6's on the site and most will be glad to share what they have done for performance.A smallblock will also just about bolt in if you want the V8.Another source would be www.inlinersinternational.com __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

03-16-2008, 04:28 AM	#3
eightbanger 454 MAKES IT ROAR Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Essex, U.K Posts: 2,701	Re: My new 71! Welcome! lets see pics, we're very visual here. __________________ Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger

03-16-2008, 05:21 AM	#4
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: My new 71! to the board from Mid-MO!!! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

03-17-2008, 02:56 AM	#5
oirebit84 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Rhinebeck Ny Posts: 23	Re: My new 71! would the 3 spd handle the 350? I have a 350 out of a 94 chevy k2500, minus the tbi. Edelbrock makes a manifold that will bolt up to the 87-95 heads that are on the motor now. wouldn't really want to get involved with the wiring. how much do ya think the milage would be effected? Not sure i really want to get that involved in an engine swap right now. I'd like to keep the truck as original as possible for now. As for pics i don't have a digital camera as of right now, but i will see if i can borrow a friends. Thanks!

03-17-2008, 02:59 AM	#6
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,767	Re: My new 71! Welcome, and yes the 3 speed will handle the 350. I know one member his truck is on the 4th or 5th engine and it still is the original 3 on the tree. Nothing has ever been don ot it other than normal maintenance. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 03-17-2008 at 02:59 AM.

03-17-2008, 03:08 AM	#7
Cyclone44 Step Brother Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: K-town Posts: 4,029	Re: My new 71! from Knoxville Tn...And yes that 3 spd. will work great with a 350

03-17-2008, 03:55 AM	#8
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: My new 71! Welcome! The 3spd will do,but a 4spd truck trans would swap-in real easy. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

03-17-2008, 04:49 AM	#9
oirebit84 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Rhinebeck Ny Posts: 23	Re: My new 71! The 4 speed with the granny low gear? Did they make one without the low gear? will it work with the 6?

03-17-2008, 05:53 AM	#10
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: My new 71! oirebit, we are talking GM here.The first thing anyone learns about GM especially Chevrolet is that interchangability is the name of the game.Chevrolet used the smallblock in everything for 40 years.Then they started refining it.The 6 is a great engine though and the 292 is really a torque monster You probably should take care of any mechanical things the truck needs(brakes,suspension,tires,whatever)then drive it for a while and determine what exactly you would like to change.There are tons of info on this site to help you figure out what works.Most don't like the fuel tank in the cab.Many want disc brakes on the earlier models.Look around the site and read some of the posts to see what everyone is doing,then start a list of what you want and figure out in what order to do it. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

03-20-2008, 01:21 PM	#11
oirebit84 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Rhinebeck Ny Posts: 23	Re: My new 71! What kind of milage can i expect with the 250?

03-20-2008, 08:25 PM	#12
streetstar Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 2,396	Re: My new 71! I'm with you on keeping the 6 for now--- but i'd spend a few bucks and a sunny saturday afternoon (or whatever afternoon is handy) making sure the plugs, wires and distributor are all freshened up and the carbureator is working as it should. This will maximize your efficiency and power hopefully. I have heard feedback from other members stating that they have gotten between 12 and 17 mpg with their 6 shooters, and quite a bit depends on rearend ratio. Also keep in mind when Chevy put this package together, they never envisioned someone using a 6cyl 3 speed work truck to blitz the highways at 75 or , 80. So if you do a lot of highway driving at those speeds mileage may suffer __________________ Are you retired too? Nonsense! I'm in my prime

03-21-2008, 01:05 AM	#13
69halfton Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: King City, Ontario, Canada Posts: 974	Re: My new 71! not to be rude, but if you have bought a 67-72 truck expecting milage, i fear you may have made a bad choice. looking at the body lines, it doesn't matter how effecient the motor is, it wont do more then 20 mpg often (there are some cases). ..on the other side, its cool to see a guy buying a truck like this as a driver, that he still works with. the 6cyl. would pull that little trailer around town real good, probably about as good as a 350 would. on the highway, it would suffer. as far as hot-rodding goes, those little 250 & 292s can be built into pretty pissed-off little motors....and they sound kinda cool too __________________ - Jason If you can turn, Youre not going fast enough. Favorite caption: first car to 200 mph in the 1/4 mile, no parachute, drum brakes all the way around.. ..back when men were men.

03-21-2008, 05:54 AM	#14
oirebit84 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Rhinebeck Ny Posts: 23	Re: My new 71! By no means am i expecting a gas sipper. i am just curious.

03-21-2008, 08:59 AM	#15
wfomkivdrvr HORSEPOWER JUNKIE Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Esparto,CA. Posts: 97	Re: My new 71! I bought mine 4 MPG reasons. lol NOT! BBC & MPG (lack of) Yeah right __________________ 67 C20 fleetside custom camper 69 El Camino 72 Camaro 52 Dodge b3b 108 pickup



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