Another Newbie with a 65 Chevy Stepside

[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.