Keep I6 230 or swap for a V8

[Nickb90]

I just bought a 64 c10 lwb with the original 230 in it. Trying to decide if I should keep it or swap in a V8. Don't know much about the 230, most people I've been talking to say to swap it to get more power, but I'm leaning towards keeping it since my plans for the truck are to keep it close to stock. Does anyone have an opinion on the 230?

[pwrbrkpadguy]

Keep the 230, almost bulletproof. Everybody and there brother has a v8. Be different and get more than 8 mpg!

[Larry64]

I have a 230 with a Camaro T5 love it.
Larry

[65sub]

Originally Posted by pwrbrkpadguy

Keep the 230, almost bulletproof. Everybody and there brother has a v8. Be different and get more than 8 mpg!

x2

[AzCountryman]

Originally Posted by 65sub

x2

x3

[AcampoDave]

Is the 230 in running condition? If you are leaning toward keeping it stock, then keep it. " Be different" is right. It sems like everybody's got a modified C-10.(myself included)

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by Nickb90

I just bought a 64 c10 lwb with the original 230 in it. Trying to decide if I should keep it or swap in a V8. Don't know much about the 230, most people I've been talking to say to swap it to get more power, but I'm leaning towards keeping it since my plans for the truck are to keep it close to stock. Does anyone have an opinion on the 230?

Here are the pros and cons as I see them.

Pros for keeping the 230ci
it will be unique
you already own it, so it costs you nothing
If it has good compression and runs good then MPG will probably be equal or better than a SBC
Upgrades like HEI and headers are readily available
It has a reputation as a great engine
it will help the truck look original

Cons for keeping the 230ci
less HP than a SBC
adding AC and PS is more expensive and not as easy as on the SBC

Having said all that, I'll vote for the 230ci. My 1965 230ci had bad compression but I replaced it with a 250ci and it's a real conversation piece. I love it.

[TJ's Chevy]

Keep the 230. Everyone and their brother has a darn v8.

[rickoner]

I'm sure there's other things you'd like to do to the truck. I say drive it while doing those (if the engine is healthy) and see if you can live with what the 230 is. You can change things later if you don't like it. That's what I've decided to do with my truck. I was all for doing an lsx, but that meant I might not get to enjoy the truck next year. I picked up a 292 cheap that I'm going to use. If I don't like it after the summer, I'll look to do the swap over next winter. Basically, you're the only one who can decide for you. How are you going to know you don't like the little L6 unless you give it a shot?

[Nickb90]

Thanks for the input. I was already leaning towards keeping the 230. It just needs a new harmonic balancer, & I'll be doing a compression test. So if its got good compression I'm pretty sure its staying in the truck.

[pimpston65]

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

Here are the pros and cons as I see them.

Pros for keeping the 230ci
it will be unique
you already own it, so it costs you nothing
If it has good compression and runs good then MPG will probably be equal or better than a SBC
Upgrades like HEI and headers are readily available
It has a reputation as a great engine
it will help the truck look original

Cons for keeping the 230ci
less HP than a SBC
adding AC and PS is more expensive and not as easy as on the SBC

Having said all that, I'll vote for the 230ci. My 1965 230ci had bad compression but I replaced it with a 250ci and it's a real conversation piece. I love it.

is there a starter support bracket that holds the back of the starter up? if so any pics of how it attaches would be awesome!!!

[hotrod66]

Had one a few years ago was a great engine it lasted 2 years despite the constant abuse and lopsided compression and bad valve guides. I was very surprised when I tore it down it was standard crank and bore from 65.

[OldGMJon]

Originally Posted by Nickb90

I just bought a 64 c10 lwb with the original 230 in it. Trying to decide if I should keep it or swap in a V8. Don't know much about the 230, most people I've been talking to say to swap it to get more power, but I'm leaning towards keeping it since my plans for the truck are to keep it close to stock. Does anyone have an opinion on the 230?

I am nothing but impressed with the 230ci. I have one in my C30 and it seems to have plenty of torque and moves that big bird around ok. I also got one in a parts truck I bought, 65' GMC I1500 lwb. I wish I took a picture before I cleaned it up cause it literally came out of a berry patch all dirty and overgrown having set for a couple years. I started to take parts off then noticed that someone had done some work in the engine compartment, new plugs and wires it looked like and radiator hoses, so I put some gas in the tank and water in the radiator, installed a battery, primed it and it started right up...excited, I put it in gear and drove it down the block. Rode kinda nice so I registered it and am driving it...it's a rust bucket I know but that 230ci kicks it down the rode. The PO said it had a radiator leak a blown starter, and needed some wiring done, which, other than replacing the radiator cap, none of that was true. The PO lives on a main thorough fair so I honk every time I drive buy to get his goat. I just love doing that...I have since heard how indestructible these 230'a seem to be from a number of people. Its a keeper!

[old cruiser]

I run the 230 , does every thing I need it to do. Very reliable just nip up the manifold bolts every now and then and she'll run for ever

[1strong63]

keep the 6, v8 swap is so common.

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by OldGMJon

I am nothing but impressed with the 230ci. I have one in my C30 and it seems to have plenty of torque and moves that big bird around ok. I also got one in a parts truck I bought, 65' GMC I1500 lwb. I wish I took a picture before I cleaned it up cause it literally came out of a berry patch all dirty and overgrown having set for a couple years. I started to take parts off then noticed that someone had done some work in the engine compartment, new plugs and wires it looked like and radiator hoses, so I put some gas in the tank and water in the radiator, installed a battery, primed it and it started right up...excited, I put it in gear and drove it down the block. Rode kinda nice so I registered it and am driving it...it's a rust bucket I know but that 230ci kicks it down the rode. The PO said it had a radiator leak a blown starter, and needed some wiring done, which, other than replacing the radiator cap, none of that was true. The PO lives on a main thorough fair so I honk every time I drive buy to get his goat. I just love doing that...I have since heard how indestructible these 230'a seem to be from a number of people. Its a keeper!

These ol 6 bangers never give up.

[RANDY COX]

It's your money use it when you need it, I mean it's your truck do what you like with it...
Btw I swapped from a V-8 to a 6 292. Can't wait to start driving it...

[Nickb90]

Just got the 230 started today, runs great so its staying in. The truck hasn't been run in 2+ years, dropped a battery in, some gas & started up right away & ran great. Thanks for the suggestions, I just didn't know anything about these engines so wasn't sure if it would be worth keeping, but I'm definitely keeping it in there... At least for now

[hotrod66]

Yeah! We come to the 6 cylinder cult, one of us one of us.

[TJ's Chevy]

Cool to hear! Makes 3 of us in the 6 banger club. lol

[T.W.Dustin]

I love the 6 bangers so I will pile on. I have a '55 long step 3/4 ton GMC 150 with a 248, a '64 long step with a 292 w/ stock 4 spd and I am building a '64 short step with a 292 and an early S10 T5 to use as a regular driver (when I am not on my bike). Keep the 6 and send pics!

I even have a spare 292 in reserve in case I need it.

Tom

[72step]

I also have a 230 in my 65 C10. We've had the truck in the family since new but became mine in 1996. Long story short it was bought new by a great uncle then my dad had it in the early 90s and it was wasting some oil so he had the engine rebuilt and it sat in the bed till 2012 when I finally convinced him to let her go back to me. I saw that the engine turned so I installed it and put in an original spec exhaust and man she's quieter than most new vehicles. I love it! That 230 has some mean torque and runs great. I had a 72 C10 with a hopped up 327 and it was cool and all but 6-8mpg gets old and after so many burn outs it just plain old gets old. LOL

This thing cruises down the road great! I drove it a bit before I tore it down for bodywork and now I'm soooo anxious to get her on the road again. I'm only lacking the seat, carpet and to get the glass installed! These old I6 engines have the reputation for going and going and sooooooo simple to wrench on.

[61_FL_Apache]

Here is another vote for the 230. I had one in my 65 stepper and loved it..