6 VS 8 please - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

myfirstcarwasa73trk · 07-26-2007, 07:01 AM

I have a 67 long step side w/ 6cy 1981 250
and a dohner 1985 w/ a 350
my question is should i swap the motor in to 67 or keep the 6 and fix it up? Now the 350 is in tip top shape, kittys dont purr that good,and the 250 is in need of some help now I can sell the 85 w/ the 350 to fund the 6 project. but and this is a big but dose the 6 get better gas mileage for real. now i know there are some of you guys here that run both?

**70cst** · 07-26-2007, 07:06 AM

Ok myfirstcarwasa73trk...
Maybe I need some more coffee but are you asking a question or making a point. Maybe I'm having a brain cramp and my mid is not functioning?

Mt Man Chad · 07-26-2007, 09:58 AM

What do you want?
They both have there advantages!

67ChevyRedneck · 07-26-2007, 10:08 AM

The 85 should have a 700R4 as well....

AuggieStyle · 07-26-2007, 01:33 PM

myfirstcarwasa73trk do the six....i can pull a trailer with mine and have no problems i also get about 22mpg 275 70 15 in the rear with a 373 set up lots of good torque. but i have to admit i just converted i am a die hard 350 and 4.3 chevy guy i almost put a 4.3 with a 5spd in my truck for the gas mileage and familiarity with the engine. I am happy so far with the l6 and the next truck i am building is gonna have a 4bt cummins so i am just as confused.

tavenner13 · 07-26-2007, 01:56 PM

i would swap in the 350 simply for availability of parts and i think its a more enjoyable engine to drive... the small-block chevy is an icon for a reason

bean · 07-26-2007, 03:38 PM

are you interested in selling the six?

Spanky_Pete · 07-26-2007, 04:28 PM

I have the original 250 in my '67 1/2 ton. I'm running headers, a clifford intake and a holley 390cfm 4 barrel. It's not a power house, but it is fun.

However, if your 250 is out of an 81 like you said, it will be an integral head engine. They are not worth the time or effort to improve.

If it's power and reliability you want, go with the 350.

HeavyD · 07-26-2007, 05:21 PM

I had a 250-6 and never found it too good on fuel. Go with the 350, especially since it is in better shape.

2bits · 07-26-2007, 05:47 PM

They are totally different animals with both their own features and drawbacks. They are pretty drastic differences so like he said what do you want, because neither is "better" than the other, it's just a matter of what you want out of the truck. I think V-8 fans would reccomend a V-8 and inline fans would reccomend an inline

You should get (AVERAGE) just under 20MPH with a 250 and a 3 speed tranny, and just under 15 with a v-8 although this could be discussed and disputed forever, with peoples individual experiences hehe A 292 is going to be more inline with a 350 on gas mileage.

You should take the swap itself into consideration too.... radiator, shroud, tranny lines motor mount perches, crossmember, and driveshaft might all need to be moved/cut/extended.

The integral head 250 is fine if are ok with stock, and have no ideas to upgrade, otherwise you are looking at swapping to an older style head if you want to add headers and an intake to the inline.

myfirstcarwasa73trk · 08-01-2007, 11:32 PM

Well I have taken all of this into consideration.
If it isn’t much better gas mileage and
I do love my 350 bought short block from a friend who owns American gasket in Dallas and
built only out of the best parts. And
a 250 from who knows where. And
the fact that I can move the three on the tree to the floor with a Hurst shift kit, till I can afford the Richmond six speed for highway driving. Because I want to see every one of your 1967 - 72 pick ups personally, so it needs to make the trips, and
the trans will bolt to the 350. I have a donor 1985 pick up for motor mts, five lug front end, power brakes, power steering, and any thing else that would benefit the cause. oh yes
I am recycling the parts any thing from the 67 will return to the 85 and that will be sold as a project truck for money towards the 67
I want a daily driver 1967 Chevy pickup no ac lol

you know they all turn 40 this year

myfirstcarwasa73trk · 08-01-2007, 11:42 PM

Now a long term goal is a 327 67 block from maybe corvette.
And corvette five speed
Fleet side bed
Air bags, for smooth ride (not as toys)
Covered bed
Bucket seats
Custom bed metal work
I have a specific finished project in my head
Well you’ll see at the truck meats
I’ll finally get to when this things done
Done ha ha ha

Big White GMC · 08-01-2007, 11:44 PM

Stovebolts Are Cool. Clifford Engineering Has TONS Of Parts For These Engines . Plus The 6 Has A Cool Factor To It. That Being Said, The 350 Is Universally Cool, Parts Are Everywhere And Generally Cheaper To Build. Flip A Coin. Heads The Inline: Tails The 350.

**70cst** · 08-02-2007, 08:40 AM

myfirstcarwasa73trk ...
I say either way you will be a winner. As you can see both have advantages and disadvantages. I think what makes you the happiest is the way to go. The bottom line is either of the motors will end up in an A1 truck. May your truck live long and may you have many years of driving fun.

68gmsee · 08-02-2007, 08:56 AM

I have a 68 gmc with a stock 250 six, three speed column shift. Great lil engine, easy to work on, parts are available and cheap...

I also have a 69 chevy with a 350 turb 350 column shift. Great lil engine, easy to work on, parts are available and cheap...

The 6's, for the most part, are not that much more economical, so it's a toss up. As mentioned "flip a coin."

I expect a lot depends on your age. Most of the younger generation want the power and prestige of v8's. I like the simplicity of the 6's but love the additional power of the v8's...

myfirstcarwasa73trk · 08-02-2007, 07:49 PM

why would i have to change the fan shroud?

68gmsee · 08-02-2007, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myfirstcarwasa73trk

why would i have to change the fan shroud?

My 69 does not have a shroud other than the small metal part on the top of the radiator and I've never had any problem. But, I don't have A/C in it.

If you plan on putting A/C in the truck and doing a lot of city driving and if it doesn't have a shroud already, then, it would help in cooling.

myfirstcarwasa73trk · 11-15-2007, 11:09 AM

Well I have the little pice of metal there two and have been doing some looking around and it should be fine but I think I am going w/ the 350 even though they did not have them in the 67 it is just more reliable

Classic69 · 11-15-2007, 02:46 PM

As a fellow board member that was in the exact same position you are in and asked the exact same question.....Keep the inline 6 or swap in a SBC V8

I'd strongly suggest you swap in the V8. You'll be a lot happier.

myfirstcarwasa73trk · 11-15-2007, 02:51 PM

I Think the 6 would be fine if I had the money to do it right but I own the 350 already and it is my daily driver. I want to drive the 67 daily so swap I will. lol

JAKES 68GMC · 11-15-2007, 05:34 PM

Swap in the 350.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 11-15-2007, 06:15 PM

I've had both and the "fun-factor" is just way higher with the 350,and mileage not that much different.If you can handle doing the conversion I say do it.If you just want to get from point A to point B,keep the 6.

07-26-2007, 07:01 AM	#1
myfirstcarwasa73trk Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: TEXAS scurry Posts: 183	6 VS 8 please I have a 67 long step side w/ 6cy 1981 250 and a dohner 1985 w/ a 350 my question is should i swap the motor in to 67 or keep the 6 and fix it up? Now the 350 is in tip top shape, kittys dont purr that good,and the 250 is in need of some help now I can sell the 85 w/ the 350 to fund the 6 project. but and this is a big but dose the 6 get better gas mileage for real. now i know there are some of you guys here that run both? Last edited by myfirstcarwasa73trk; 07-26-2007 at 07:08 AM.

07-26-2007, 07:06 AM	#2
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,373	Re: 6 VS 8 please Ok myfirstcarwasa73trk... Maybe I need some more coffee but are you asking a question or making a point. Maybe I'm having a brain cramp and my mid is not functioning? __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

07-26-2007, 09:58 AM	#3
Mt Man Chad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Oakridge Oregon Posts: 1,864	Re: 6 VS 8 please What do you want? They both have there advantages! __________________ 68 CST SWB - Gold/White 50th anniversary /TH350/Buddy Buckets/3.73 Posi/dogdish caps. 68 K10 Burb - Gold/White 327/SM465/NP205/3.73 "Daa Burb" build thread

07-26-2007, 10:08 AM	#4
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: 6 VS 8 please The 85 should have a 700R4 as well.... __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

07-26-2007, 01:33 PM	#5
AuggieStyle Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Dallas,TX. Posts: 499	Re: 6 VS 8 please myfirstcarwasa73trk do the six....i can pull a trailer with mine and have no problems i also get about 22mpg 275 70 15 in the rear with a 373 set up lots of good torque. but i have to admit i just converted i am a die hard 350 and 4.3 chevy guy i almost put a 4.3 with a 5spd in my truck for the gas mileage and familiarity with the engine. I am happy so far with the l6 and the next truck i am building is gonna have a 4bt cummins so i am just as confused.

07-26-2007, 01:56 PM	#6
tavenner13 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Tyler, Texas Posts: 559	Re: 6 VS 8 please i would swap in the 350 simply for availability of parts and i think its a more enjoyable engine to drive... the small-block chevy is an icon for a reason

07-26-2007, 03:38 PM	#7
bean Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 920	Re: 6 VS 8 please are you interested in selling the six?

07-26-2007, 04:28 PM	#8
Spanky_Pete Too many trucks? Nah... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: SW Washington State Posts: 154	Re: 6 VS 8 please I have the original 250 in my '67 1/2 ton. I'm running headers, a clifford intake and a holley 390cfm 4 barrel. It's not a power house, but it is fun. However, if your 250 is out of an 81 like you said, it will be an integral head engine. They are not worth the time or effort to improve. If it's power and reliability you want, go with the 350.

07-26-2007, 05:21 PM	#9
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,180	Re: 6 VS 8 please I had a 250-6 and never found it too good on fuel. Go with the 350, especially since it is in better shape. __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man" Last edited by HeavyD; 07-26-2007 at 05:21 PM.

07-26-2007, 05:47 PM	#10
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: 6 VS 8 please They are totally different animals with both their own features and drawbacks. They are pretty drastic differences so like he said what do you want, because neither is "better" than the other, it's just a matter of what you want out of the truck. I think V-8 fans would reccomend a V-8 and inline fans would reccomend an inline You should get (AVERAGE) just under 20MPH with a 250 and a 3 speed tranny, and just under 15 with a v-8 although this could be discussed and disputed forever, with peoples individual experiences hehe A 292 is going to be more inline with a 350 on gas mileage. You should take the swap itself into consideration too.... radiator, shroud, tranny lines motor mount perches, crossmember, and driveshaft might all need to be moved/cut/extended. The integral head 250 is fine if are ok with stock, and have no ideas to upgrade, otherwise you are looking at swapping to an older style head if you want to add headers and an intake to the inline. __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club

08-01-2007, 11:32 PM	#11
myfirstcarwasa73trk Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: TEXAS scurry Posts: 183	Re: 6 VS 8 please Well I have taken all of this into consideration. If it isn’t much better gas mileage and I do love my 350 bought short block from a friend who owns American gasket in Dallas and built only out of the best parts. And a 250 from who knows where. And the fact that I can move the three on the tree to the floor with a Hurst shift kit, till I can afford the Richmond six speed for highway driving. Because I want to see every one of your 1967 - 72 pick ups personally, so it needs to make the trips, and the trans will bolt to the 350. I have a donor 1985 pick up for motor mts, five lug front end, power brakes, power steering, and any thing else that would benefit the cause. oh yes I am recycling the parts any thing from the 67 will return to the 85 and that will be sold as a project truck for money towards the 67 I want a daily driver 1967 Chevy pickup no ac lol you know they all turn 40 this year Attached Images

08-01-2007, 11:42 PM	#12
myfirstcarwasa73trk Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: TEXAS scurry Posts: 183	Re: 6 VS 8 please Now a long term goal is a 327 67 block from maybe corvette. And corvette five speed Fleet side bed Air bags, for smooth ride (not as toys) Covered bed Bucket seats Custom bed metal work I have a specific finished project in my head Well you’ll see at the truck meats I’ll finally get to when this things done Done ha ha ha

08-01-2007, 11:44 PM	#13
Big White GMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Homer, Georgia Posts: 56	Re: 6 VS 8 please Stovebolts Are Cool. Clifford Engineering Has TONS Of Parts For These Engines . Plus The 6 Has A Cool Factor To It. That Being Said, The 350 Is Universally Cool, Parts Are Everywhere And Generally Cheaper To Build. Flip A Coin. Heads The Inline: Tails The 350.

08-02-2007, 08:40 AM	#14
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,373	Re: 6 VS 8 please myfirstcarwasa73trk ... I say either way you will be a winner. As you can see both have advantages and disadvantages. I think what makes you the happiest is the way to go. The bottom line is either of the motors will end up in an A1 truck. May your truck live long and may you have many years of driving fun. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

08-02-2007, 08:56 AM	#15
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: 6 VS 8 please I have a 68 gmc with a stock 250 six, three speed column shift. Great lil engine, easy to work on, parts are available and cheap... I also have a 69 chevy with a 350 turb 350 column shift. Great lil engine, easy to work on, parts are available and cheap... The 6's, for the most part, are not that much more economical, so it's a toss up. As mentioned "flip a coin." I expect a lot depends on your age. Most of the younger generation want the power and prestige of v8's. I like the simplicity of the 6's but love the additional power of the v8's...



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08-02-2007, 07:49 PM	#16
myfirstcarwasa73trk Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: TEXAS scurry Posts: 183	Re: 6 VS 8 please why would i have to change the fan shroud?

11-15-2007, 11:09 AM	#18
myfirstcarwasa73trk Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: TEXAS scurry Posts: 183	Re: 6 VS 8 please Well I have the little pice of metal there two and have been doing some looking around and it should be fine but I think I am going w/ the 350 even though they did not have them in the 67 it is just more reliable Last edited by myfirstcarwasa73trk; 11-15-2007 at 11:10 AM.

11-15-2007, 02:46 PM	#19
Classic69 Love That '69 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada Posts: 360	Re: 6 VS 8 please As a fellow board member that was in the exact same position you are in and asked the exact same question.....Keep the inline 6 or swap in a SBC V8 I'd strongly suggest you swap in the V8. You'll be a lot happier. __________________ *I AM CANADIAN!!!!!* 1969 Chevy C/10 Truck - SBC V8, TH-350, 3.73 Posi, 1000W Rockford Fosgate Stereo System, B&M Megashifter, GT Grant Steering Wheel, Dual Magnaflow Exhaust System, Dynomax Headers, Lowered 1" Front & 3" Rear, Front/Rear Sway Bars, Racing Seats, 6000K HID Headlights 2008 Chevy Colorado LT - 3.7L I5, 4 Speed Automatic, Crew Cab, 4X4, Z71 Off-Road Package, "Ground Effects" Package, K&N Cold Air Intake, Supermod PTB, Magnaflow Exhaust w/ Resonator, 500W Kenwood / Rockford Fosgate Stereo System, Custom LED Lighting, 6000K HID Low's / High's, Blackcat Customs Gauges / Needles, Carbon Fiber Interior Accents, KrFabs 2" Lift Shackles / Torsion Bar Crank with Rancho RS5000 Shocks, Superskids Skid Plates Last edited by Classic69; 11-15-2007 at 02:46 PM.

11-15-2007, 02:51 PM	#20
myfirstcarwasa73trk Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: TEXAS scurry Posts: 183	Re: 6 VS 8 please I Think the 6 would be fine if I had the money to do it right but I own the 350 already and it is my daily driver. I want to drive the 67 daily so swap I will. lol

11-15-2007, 05:34 PM	#21
JAKES 68GMC Aluminum slot wheels rule... Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 6,211	Re: 6 VS 8 please Swap in the 350.

11-15-2007, 06:15 PM	#22
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,886	Re: 6 VS 8 please I've had both and the "fun-factor" is just way higher with the 350,and mileage not that much different.If you can handle doing the conversion I say do it.If you just want to get from point A to point B,keep the 6. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme.

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