1970, Straight 6, 3 on the Tree.

[HallWood44]

Starting a full restoration, I have removed the bed and started cleaning up the frame. Anyone have any recommendations for an engine rebuild kit or anything that can help me out as far as adding a little spice to the truck. I want to do mostly original with a few modern twists to it. Any help is greatly appreciated. I am currently stationed at JBLM, WA.

[GRX]

First thing you want to do is find out if you have a 250 or a 292.

250 fuel pump is rearward of the motor mount

292 fuel pump is forward of the motor mount

Also, the 292 has a large coolant bypass hose to the water neck. 250 does not.

[HallWood44]

Its a 250. It runs solid just sounds a little rough. Also in 3rd gear it is screaming at 55. Any suggestions on an engine modifications or rebuilds and what to put in the rear end to add some speed. I want to keep it somewhat original but I am going to upgrade a few things.

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by GRX

First thing you want to do is find out if you have a 250 or a 292.

250 fuel pump is rearward of the motor mount

292 fuel pump is forward of the motor mount

Also, the 292 has a large coolant bypass hose to the water neck. 250 does not.

You got that fuel pump backwards!
Look again!

[EARNHARDT#3]

Originally Posted by HallWood44

Its a 250. It runs solid just sounds a little rough. Also in 3rd gear it is screaming at 55. Any suggestions on an engine modifications or rebuilds and what to put in the rear end to add some speed. I want to keep it somewhat original but I am going to upgrade a few things.

I thought my 250 was screaming at 55 too. After I put a tach in my truck though I realized it was just a noisy old truck and it can cruise at 75-80mph no problem.

[GRX]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

You got that fuel pump backwards!
Look again!

My bad. Thanks for the correction. That is what I get for typing before coffee.

[Custom/Ten]

Hei distributor is a good mod for these 250's. I'm really happy with mine, bought one for an 80 250 and bolted right up didn't have to worry about tuning it for the right advance curve. FYI you need to remove the original resister wire and replace with a nice 12 g wire, none of that cheap parts store wire!

[slomotion]

You said in your original post that you were restoring your truck, but if you don't mind straying a little from original, the one thing I've really enjoyed is the T5 trans I put behind my six. At 65 MPH the engine is turning 2800 RPM. Much easier on my nerves going down the highway. You'd have to put in a floor shift, but it's all reversible if you wanted to go back original.

[HallWood44]

I like the 3 on the tree, and with the previous replies I guess I have a 292. I've only helped people restore I e never taken one on myself. I just didn't know how much you could do to the engine to add a little power without changing the exterior

[slomotion]

Originally Posted by HallWood44

I like the 3 on the tree, and with the previous replies I guess I have a 292. I've only helped people restore I e never taken one on myself. I just didn't know how much you could do to the engine to add a little power without changing the exterior

About the only thing you can do without changing the exterior appearance is the HEI, but this is huge in performance and dependability.
If you don't want to change anything inside, there's headers, more/better carbs, and HEI.
The 292 is a great engine. Torquey, smooth, and almost bullet proof.

[GRX]

Far as adding power, sky is the limit. All depends on how much money you have to spend and what you are willing to do to the engine. Bolt on parts like carb, headers, and ignition do little unless your internals are upgraded and can make good use of them. Changing to HEI does increase performance and reliability *if* you are using it to replace old worn out parts. Otherwise points are fine in a stock engine such as these.