Keep the 6?

[stexag]

Been lurking a while, here and the other forums, trying to decide on a direction with my '49 5 window. I originally intended to sell it and shop for a little later model. After putting a some elbow grease on the '49 I've fallen back in love and think I'll just keep it and make some upgrades. I've modified my truck over the years with the intent of keeping it as stock-looking as possible. I rebuilt a 261 for it and it runs like a top. The gear was out and I put in Patrick's 3.55 gear keeping the torque tube rear end. Stock: springs, stance, wheels, and steering. Stock 3 speed w/ synchs out too.

Now I'd like to wade a little farther from shore and I'm studying IFS, different rear ends, improved brakes, and the S-10 frame swap. The last one there stems much from my desire to switch to the T5 which requires I swap rears anyway...

So my question is this. Is it crazy to contemplate all these options all the while planning on keeping my inline 6? Is it even possible? I built that six myself and I like it; I like the sound even more. Thoughts? I know this is a forum and pics speak louder than words...

[coachie]

It's certainly possible to keep the stovebolt, and I applaud you for it. SBCs are like belly buttons, everyone has one. The 261 will limit your IFS choices though, out of the box items like TCI won't fit. I did talk to Scott from Scott's Hotrods, he is a vendor here and he told me his IFS will fit with an inline 6.

On the other hand, those 261s are becoming pretty hard to find, it'll fetch a premium if you decide to sell it.

Oh, and on the T5 front, I have one waiting to go into my 1959, just need to save for the driveshaft.

[meter swinger]

I vote for keeping the six. A buddy of mine has one in a model A. they just look so good dressed up.
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[stexag]

And that's what you have to come here for... the things you don't think of.

What about the S-10 frame swap w/ the 261? Is that doable? I'd like to upgrade to the T5 or an auto, so I'm going to have to change the axle, and since the donor will likely come from an S10 anyway, why not just do it all at once was my thought.

[coachie]

I don't know anything about an S10 swap, I have a 1959 so that's not doable for me. I would search the build threads, I have to assume someone has tried it before.

[Chevette]

Straight six's all done up are cool! A friend has a 54 Ford with a fully done inline and that engine turns some heads. Offenhauser and Wayne (others too) have some great performance and dress-up parts for them. Here's a 261 dressed (from the internet).

[mknittle]

There you go Chevette! that is sweet. i have a 270 gmc that would be fun to build like that.

[Chevette]

Originally Posted by mknittle

There you go Chevette! that is sweet. i have a 270 gmc that would be fun to build like that.

I've been promising myself an engine like that for years. The BBC in me keeps putting me off. One day...........one day, I'll build one. They are just so nice to look at and if you build them right, they can be very fast. A fellow I know used to drag race a 1960 Falcon with an inline six. He went to the Winter Nationals every year and smoked everything in his class. On the back valance, under the trunk lid it read "Just Falcon Around".

[oldcouple]

If you do the s-10, why not keep the v-6?

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by oldcouple

If you do the s-10, why not keep the v-6?

No where near as cool

[stexag]

The V6 doesn't appeal to me. I'd either go sbc or the 261 and I think I've about made up my mind to keep the stovebolt. IF I keep the original frame and adapt an automatic, say a 700r4, will it fit under the floor at stock cab height? exploring all options...

[booger1949]

i have the 4.3 in mine an its a hot little motor it would be wicked if i cammed it an done some other little things to it

[coachie]

I would check out the Stovebolt forum, www.stovebolt.com. Those guys are big into the old bolts, and have discussed most of the trans options at one time or another. Infact, here is a thread from a guy with a 52, 261, 700r4, and s10 rear: http://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/...&Number=611112

[stexag]

I spent a lot of time scouring stovebolt forums when I was building my 6, haven't been over there in a while. Thanks for the tip. I got started snooping around here because it is so much more picture heavy! Those guys are good, but that forum layout makes my eyes bugout; it's hard for me to read.

Saw at least 2 references to 'significant' modification to floors with references to auto transmissions. I'm out on that. Tight enough in there without surrendering ground to the tranny! Looks more like the T5!

[OrrieG]

Go to inliners.org. Chevy sixes can make some serious horsepower and torque. In the late 60's the guy that owned Gerald's transmission in Eugene raced a six powered front engine (before Garlits blew off part of his foot and started the rear-engined trend) rail in the same CI class as SBC and was beating them. He did my ignition work back then. Even a mild build sounds cool thru split exhaust manifold or headers.

[Root2812]

A 700r4 doesn't require much modification to the floor. It does require some modification to clear the bell housing but not a significant amount. Watch the episode of the show trucks in the link I'm posting. They put a 700r4 in to a 49 and they show how much floor has to be trimmed. In other episodes they cover a budget IFS install and the rear suspension too.

http://www.powerblocktv.com/player/s..._num=TK2011-05

[18tahoe]

Keep the 6, I love the old 6 here is my 235

[focusedontheprize]

I am running stock frame, stock front axle, '97 Ford rear end, NV3500 transmission and put a 292 L6 it in. I cannot tell you how many people say how cool they are.

My vote? Put a good size L6 in it and don't look back. Again I am not running a IFS nor 4 bar suspension out back, but that is just my .02.

[Chevette]

Originally Posted by 18tahoe

Keep the 6, I love the old 6 here is my 235

Very nice! Very nice!.................Did I mention that it's Very Nice?

[pvienneau]

10 X on the very nice build 18Tahoe. It is inspirational. Remember - Every artist was first an amateur.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

[geoffcalii]

iv got a 49 im building now. s10 frame, 63 chevy 250 i6, 94 chevy 5sp trans, blazer 4wd disck rear. everything is mounted as of yesterday but nothing is hooked up yet