Anyone have pics of an 81? 250 I6 opinions?

[nn2004]

Hey everyone

I'm relatively new to Chevrolet trucks, but I'm looking into buying an 81 Chevy C10 with the 250 w/4spd w/granny gear, not to mention an older stepside bed, so I was wondering if anyone has any pictures of their 81s they can send me, modified or not, it dont matter. I just want to get general ideas of what kind of potential this truck has based on things I might not ever think of. Also, what's anyone's opinion on the 250 6 cylinder and this tranny? I know that most people would drop in a big block in a heart beat, but I'm into original restorations. I have a 68 AMC with its original 232 and 3 spd manual, and it's been relatively nice. It has good torque up the hills, hauls like a charm when it has to, and not to mention, easy on the gas. Does anyone know what carb this thing might have? Any feedback or pictures would be awesome. Thanks to anyone who replies.

Nathan

[78chevstepside]

81 250 6 cylinder would have a 2 barrel carb. It would have a integral head. The intergral head 250 6 cylinder was prone to cracking. The old style head were almost indistructable. My 78 came stock with the 250 six banger and a 3=on-the-tree. I cracked a head at 140k. I converted to a 355 turbo 350 combo. I only lost about 2 miles-per- gallon on fuel consumption. Three times the power with very little loss of fuel economy. I would look for a v-8. but converting to a v=8 is a simple swap.

[Matt_305]

The 81 would have a 2bbl rochester carburator. Mine has always been quite a realiable engine and powerful enough but for the small increase in full consumption and more power I'd go for the V8. My V8 truck has the transmission you'd like mated to it and I love it, it's a lot more fun then the auto. Good luck with whatever you try doing.

[nn2004]

Well after all that was posted, I found the truck needed more work than I could handle. So I found an 87 Custom Deluxe 1/2 ton LWB instead. It's got the 350 and 700R4 tranny with 3.42 gears. The V8 is quite awesome. That 250 just didnt have the power to haul its own weight, not to mention, I couldnt steer and shift the big thing w/o having power steering.