Another Newbie with a 65 Chevy Stepside

[TJ's Chevy]

Welcome aboard! And sweet looking truck! Here's my opinion on the engine...and you'll get a bunch of different answers, but take this from a guy who has fun with 6 cylinders.

The 350 is very common. TO common in my opinion. I skip over trucks that have that engine at car shows...just because I've seen it several to many times. Which means my stay is rather short. lol Its a darn good engine and has its reputation, BUT the 6 bangers have one just as good if not better.

That 230 properly tuned would get better mileage. But it really depends on what YOU want out of the truck. You trying to go the cheapest way possible not caring how common things are....350 will be the choice....though I highly doubt it will get much more mileage than the 230 would tuned up. You'd have more power though for sure...and P/s and A/C will be cheaper to setup. If you like things much more unique and different....I'd stick with the 230. Small mods can be done to tune these things up to run better. Just depends on how much you want to spend. To me its a shame to see a good running American engine dumped for a Japanese/Chinese crate engine. But that's my opinion. Whatever you decide we'll be here cheering you on. Good luck and I'm in for the build.

[oldblue65]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys. TJ's Chevy, thanks for your input and the tips. How much mpg do you think a tuned up 230 could get and what type of tuning are you suggesting?

Honestly, it's more than just the mpgs, I also want to get the truck to be able to be driven comforatably by my wife and son so I need it to have power steering and power brakes for them. Dropping a new 350 in would solve all 3 of those issues. I wasn't really wanting to do a crate 350 as much as I was wanting to find a used/in good condition chevy 350 engine somewhere.

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by oldblue65

Thanks for the tips. How much mpg do you think a tuned up 230 could get and what type of tuning are you suggesting. Honestly, it's more than just the mpgs, I also want to get the truck to be able to be driven comforatably by my wife and son so I need it to have power steering and power brakes for them. Dropping a new 350 in would solve all 3 of those issues. I wasn't really wanting to do a crate 350 as much as I was wanting to find a used/in good condition chevy 350 engine somewhere.

It really varies on where you live. On good days I've heard as much as 16 with a stocker that had an HEI. Full tune up is what I would start with, and convert to an HEI. Those help alot with mileage. As for a 350 I'd find and Early 70's engine. You don't want a smog motor. They were gutless. A 70's engine would be the one to find. They performed well and had good power and torque. The 6 and the 8 will offer ease of ownership and comfortable driving, but the V8 will out perform the stock 6. LS swaps are also becoming the new thing as well. Something else to look into.

[62 Barnfind]

Originally Posted by TJ's Chevy

Welcome aboard! And sweet looking truck! Here's my opinion on the engine...and you'll get a bunch of different answers, but take this from a guy who has fun with 6 cylinders.

The 350 is very common. TO common in my opinion. I skip over trucks that have that engine at car shows...just because I've seen it several to many times. Which means my stay is rather short. lol Its a darn good engine and has its reputation, BUT the 6 bangers have one just as good if not better.

That 230 properly tuned would get better mileage. But it really depends on what YOU want out of the truck. You trying to go the cheapest way possible not caring how common things are....350 will be the choice....though I highly doubt it will get much more mileage than the 230 would tuned up. You'd have more power though for sure...and P/s and A/C will be cheaper to setup. If you like things much more unique and different....I'd stick with the 230. Small mods can be done to tune these things up to run better. Just depends on how much you want to spend. To me its a shame to see a good running American engine dumped for a Japanese/Chinese crate engine. But that's my opinion. Whatever you decide we'll be here cheering you on. Good luck and I'm in for the build.

I agree with TJ. When I spun my bearing in my 235 I was on the fence also on a engine swap. Im glad now I rebuilt my 235 instead of going with a 350. Every truck you see at shows have a 350. So it has gotten to common. I get a lot of complements on my six and people tell me they are glad I kept it. I still have the 3 speed and I can run 75 down the highway. I have an overdrive for it that I'm waiting to put in. I just helped a friend do his 230 for his Nova. He put a 250 crank in it to get more stroke. It runs great and has plenty of power. I say keep it and and add the right trans, intake, carbs and you will be fine!

[oldblue65]

Can you guys be more clear about how much gas mpg you expect to get out of the 230 when it is rebuilt and tuned. I really just want 3 things (better gas mileage, power steering, power brakes).

I am not very concerned with shows and if other people think my truck is great or not. I'm just trying to turn it into a viable daily driver which is hard right now without the power steering and only 8-9 mpg.

I would LOVE to get those three things done and keep the 230 because that sounds way more appealing to me for all the reasons you guys mentioned (original engine, unique, etc.). I am hesitant about the 350 for all the reasons you guys mentioned but if it is the cheapest/best route to get me what I need, I might go for it.

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by oldblue65

Can you guys be more clear about how much gas mpg you expect to get out of the 230 when it is rebuilt and tuned. I really just want 3 things (better gas mileage, power steering, power brakes).

I am not very concerned with shows and if other people think my truck is great or not. I'm just trying to turn it into a viable daily driver which is hard right now without the power steering and only 8-9 mpg.

I would LOVE to get those three things done and keep the 230 because that sounds way more appealing to me for all the reasons you guys mentioned (original engine, unique, etc.). I am hesitant about the 350 for all the reasons you guys mentioned but if it is the cheapest/best route to get me what I need, I might go for it.

I don't know how close wrecking yards are to you, but the cheapest way would probably be to purchase a crate 350 from Jegs for $1299. This is a long block. You'll have to get an intake, carb, dizzy, exhaust manifolds or headers, pulleys, ect. I should ask...what mileage are you Wanting? Like I said...I've heard of stock 230s getting 16 mpg. Yours would no doubt get near that or more with a 5 speed. A T5 has been a common swap with the 230 and I believe in 5th cruising down the highway or freeway guys have gotten as much at 18. I did a 292 and built it for street performance. It will be making 310 hp and 340 torque at the flywheel. Backed by a TKO600 5 speed and 3.73 gears with 30 inch tires I should see as much as 18 cruising at 60-65. You know, here's an idea for you. There's tons of guys on here with 350s in their rigs. I'd go to the sub forum called "Engine and Drivetrain" and post your question there. Simply asking what mileage guys are getting out of their 350's. You may also ask what mileage guys are getting out of their 6 cylinders as well. Then you can get some more ideas and views instead of just mine. lol

[oldblue65]

Wow, thanks so much for the detailed answer. You guys are being so helpful. I will try to go to post my questions elsewhere when I get back to a laptop (on iphone right now). Very helpful, thanks again.