Should I keep the straight six or go V8

[markallen]

and you can go look at some pretty cool sixes here http://stoveboltengineco.com/index.php/gallery/rides/

[markallen]

and you can go here to look at some pretty cool sixes http://stoveboltengineco.com/index.php/gallery/rides/

[shawno72]

This is why I love this forum. I am not the only one who thinks the inlines are cool. Around here almost everyone has a v8 and I like them to but for fun and to be different I want the six. I think I'll try the $200 250 from CL and go ahead and have Harry at HP Engines here in town rebuild my 292 and add alittle go fast. Coped with an automatic and the 3.73s I think it will be plenty of what I'm after.
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[ges55]

My 250 had a problem,so I had to make a decision. I decided to go with a V8, because my gas mileage wasn't much better than with my other 67 with a 283, I went with a 305 V8 from the 80s, because it just came along. I'm glad I did because I really wanted the V8 sound with dual exhaust & glass packs. But there is a good argument either way. That's just my experience.

[shawno72]

Originally Posted by ges55

I really wanted the V8 sound with dual exhaust & glass packs.

And that is really my only reason why I want the v8. I love the sound!!! Now if I could get my six to sound like an eight. ....
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[shawno72]

Does anyone else have some reasons why I should go to a v8?
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[ges55]

It gave me more power going up a hill, too.

[brianthelion02]

Does youre 292 have power steering or a/c brackets? That would be the deciding factor for me!

[shawno72]

Originally Posted by ges55

My 250 had a problem,so I had to make a decision. I decided to go with a V8, because my gas mileage wasn't much better than with my other 67 with a 283, I went with a 305 V8 from the 80s, because it just came along. I'm glad I did because I really wanted the V8 sound with dual exhaust & glass packs. But there is a good argument either way. That's just my experience.

Originally Posted by brianthelion02

Does youre 292 have power steering or a/c brackets? That would be the deciding factor for me!

No power steering and no a/c. Does have power brakes. That I added.
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[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by shawno72

Does anyone else have some reasons why I should go to a v8?
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You can have a cool truck like everyone else with all sorts of bells and whistles, smooth riding, a/c, p.s., p.b., nice stereo or you can have a work horse like these trucks were meant to be. Your age has a lot to do with it. Most younger owners want the cool trucks with the rumble of the exhaust. Older folks like me, well, we like both.

Bottom line... Do whatever makes you feel comfortable and enjoy it. But... remember one thing, if you ever want to sell, you will never get back what you put into it.

forgot to mention: You can make a six sound great with the proper exhaust. I've heard it.

[Shyguy]

At my age and time in life a L6 would be cool. I had two trucks, one with 250 and one with 350. I liked driving them both, they had the granny low 4 speeds.

My oldest son wanted a 250 engine to go in his '72 Malibu for economy and my grandson wanted a 350 engine to go in his '69 pickup so I traded both my engines with them for a good running 454.

Now that we are building my '67 swb stepper we are putting a mildly built 454 in it with the granny 4 speed. I drive these old trucks more for nostalgia then for economy.

I guess the bottom line is go with whatever meets your needs and budget. I do like the cool factor of a L6 though.

[shawno72]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

forgot to mention: You can make a six sound great with the proper exhaust. I've heard it.

Can I still use Flowmasters and it will sound good? Or is there something else that will sound good as well?

[TheManInBlack]

I personally thought my 250 sounded awesome, not the same old stuff you hear everyday.

In a 2wd daily driver/parts chaser style truck I would stick with the straight six any day - way cooler than a small block.

PS. I'm 27 years old.

[shawno72]

Originally Posted by TheManInBlack

I personally thought my 250 sounded awesome, not the same old stuff you hear everyday.

In a 2wd daily driver/parts chaser style truck I would stick with the straight six any day - way cooler than a small block.

PS. I'm 27 years old.

Well I'm 37 and I am now more into the original style with a lowered stance. I like power so I am thinking six with exhaust and intake. Dumb me passed up a four barrell intake manifold at a local swap meet for $75. It even came with all the linkage.

[Vintage Windmills]

Originally Posted by shawno72

Now that does look cool. How about a 4.3 with a carb??

Much smaller than GMC 305, 351,etc physically, Its basically a 350 with 2 less cylinders. These big block v6's almost hit the doghouse they are so tall. You'd have more neat factor with the 292 or big block v6. If its between a 350 and a 4.3 and you don't need power go 4.3.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Id do the 6 and dress it up like lucy's 6 was..

[shawno72]

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

Id do the 6 and dress it up like lucy's 6 was..

I agree that is a beautiful motor.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by shawno72

Can I still use Flowmasters and it will sound good? Or is there something else that will sound good as well?

It's been so long ago, I don't remember what the guy had.

Here's a YouTube video of one. You can see in this video why us older guys don't like the loud exhausts as much anymore. These old trucks are all metal with little if any sound insulation so you will hear all of the sounds including road noise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=m3hLMQmyinw

[1972RedNeck]

If you've got time, skill and a little money, you could turbocharge a 292. THAT would sound cool.

[Zoomin]

Originally Posted by shawno72

Can I still use Flowmasters and it will sound good? Or is there something else that will sound good as well?

I recently purchased a 60 Biscayne with a 292 6. It's the first six ive ever owned so I'm learning a lot about them. Apparently the trick to making them sound good is to "split" the exhaust manifold. This is done by cutting the manifold in two and then welding the ends closed. Add glass packs and it sounds like a bumble bee on steroids. Find an old exhaust guy and he can fix you up.

I'm debating about what to do with the six myself.
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[shawno72]

Originally Posted by Zoomin

I recently purchased a 60 Biscayne with a 292 6. It's the first six ive ever owned so I'm learning a lot about them. Apparently the trick to making them sound good is to "split" the exhaust manifold. This is done by cutting the manifold in two and then welding the ends closed. Add glass packs and it sounds like a bumble bee on steroids. Find an old exhaust guy and he can fix you up.

I'm debating about what to do with the six myself.
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Well I am the manager at the Lodi Midas so I just happen to know a great exhaust guy. Lol
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[Zoomin]

Have you heard of this? I ran across a 59 Chevy at Lone Star Good Guys and it sounded pretty cool!
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[shawno72]

Originally Posted by Zoomin

Have you heard of this? I ran across a 59 Chevy at Lone Star Good Guys and it sounded pretty cool!
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I am not sure what you are talking about. Was there suppose to be link?
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[Zoomin]

I meant, have you heard of splitting the manifold and welding the ends?
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[shawno72]

I have not heard of splitting the manifolds but I have seen the dual headers setup. I gues if I split the exhaust manifold i would havto fab up another down pipe
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