Keep the L6 or lose it? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

C20-67_N_MO · 01-16-2009, 11:28 AM

Well not sure if I should spend the money for an engine swap or just invest it all in body work and suspension & braking and do the engine later.

These engines (250 I am guessing) seems to run forever, but all the performance parts of these motors are way over priced. And it seems like for the same money you can have a very nice SBC instead with maybe a 700R4 behind it.

So what do you guys think?

theyammieguy · 01-16-2009, 11:34 AM

Do the body work and suspension.

Kayotic · 01-16-2009, 11:35 AM

I am with you on this one. I have always wanted to build the fastest street truck on the block, only done with a v8. But something with my I6 temps me to leave it in. It runs fine, it's original and sounds way cool. Damn parts prices are of high end though. As of this writing I am keeping mine. I help justify it with the weight ratio. Plus how the narrow engine is centered in the frame. Don't get me wrong, as I make this a daily driver I will be collecting parts for a v8.(see I am not sure what V8 either, SBC, BBC, Late model, early model). In conclusion I still want to keep the I6.

**70cst** · 01-16-2009, 11:40 AM

For the time being I would keep the I6 and do the other work. Later you can swap engines. SB or BB...I like the sound of the BB plus there isn't a whole lot of difference between BB and SB gas milage wise unless your driving a 1000 miles a week. JMHO I am sure there are other opinions out there.

kyull67 · 01-16-2009, 11:40 AM

keep it! they're cool, but you're right. I spent twice as much on my 250 to get the same power as a 350.

69halfton · 01-16-2009, 01:23 PM

there is something about I6s that are done up. they have a really interesting sound to them. there are this class of racecars that run up here at the cirlce track i race at, they are called the vintage modifieds. they all run I6 250s of ford or dodge equivilants. they sound like a small block at idle, but once they are going they sound pretty cool.

but if money is tight, nothing makes more power for cheap then the genuine small block chevy. once you get around to building the motor, id look into the prices of a 5.3 or 6.o they are falling in proce, and make decent power with a cam and headers. (like 400-450 hp)

thirdstreettito · 01-16-2009, 01:35 PM

Keep the engine! Invest all in suspension, body, and braking. Then when all is done, rebuild the L6 to performance standards! You'll be fast and unique!

texanidiot25 · 01-16-2009, 02:21 PM

I6s are cool. That, and not a lot of people know of them in our trucks, always expecting the little SBC to be huddled in the fenders.

Spray-Bomb · 01-16-2009, 02:49 PM

I vote keep it

Elephanthead · 01-16-2009, 02:51 PM

The world does not need more sbc v8s. I have a straight 6 chevy 292, a jeep 4.0, I am thinking of finding a straight 6 jag to add to the collection.

PanelDeland · 01-16-2009, 04:29 PM

I think a well done 6 will win you points at the shows if that's your bag.I think it can perform plenty well for the street(Check Kyull's video if you doubt).And when you open the hood everyone will beogling something different from what they expected.
I'm keeping mine.I would like to have a V-8 also so I guiess I need to get this one done so I can build another.

C20-67_N_MO · 01-23-2009, 08:11 AM

Great reasons to keep the 6 I like it!

Thanks for the replys....she's a keeper for now.

Intake, carb & headers are on their way! ($130 from Jeg's I just couldn't pass that up!)

Andy4639 · 01-23-2009, 08:22 AM

Spend the hard earn on body, suspension and interior mods first. Then once your done in those area's maybe you will have decided on what kind of motor you want.
I like seeing the straight sixes in these trucks and what everyone does with them.

Shyguy · 01-23-2009, 10:32 AM

I vote to keep the l6.

I have one of each. My '71 long stepper has a small block and my '67short stepper has a l6.

I am thinking about going back to the stock look on both just to be different.

Danny

big blue 72 · 01-23-2009, 10:56 AM

the straight sixes are definitely easier to work on especially inside the engine compartment.

longorange68 · 01-23-2009, 03:36 PM

Keep the six, and do it up right. A well placed turbo makes it a show-er and a go-er. Or you can just send it to me

01-16-2009, 11:28 AM	#1
C20-67_N_MO Champagne Taste on Beer Budget Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: High Ridge, Missouri Posts: 2,190	Keep the L6 or lose it? Well not sure if I should spend the money for an engine swap or just invest it all in body work and suspension & braking and do the engine later. These engines (250 I am guessing) seems to run forever, but all the performance parts of these motors are way over priced. And it seems like for the same money you can have a very nice SBC instead with maybe a 700R4 behind it. So what do you guys think? __________________ Coming Soon: Project 1970 Country Truck

01-16-2009, 11:34 AM	#2
theyammieguy accepting donations Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: houston tx Posts: 521	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? Do the body work and suspension. __________________ 1999 Yamaha roadstar 1600 chop. (in progress.) See my builds here>http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n238/nickrp_2006/ "Ya'll can go to hell, I'm going to Texas." David Crockett

01-16-2009, 11:35 AM	#3
Kayotic Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 300	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? I am with you on this one. I have always wanted to build the fastest street truck on the block, only done with a v8. But something with my I6 temps me to leave it in. It runs fine, it's original and sounds way cool. Damn parts prices are of high end though. As of this writing I am keeping mine. I help justify it with the weight ratio. Plus how the narrow engine is centered in the frame. Don't get me wrong, as I make this a daily driver I will be collecting parts for a v8.(see I am not sure what V8 either, SBC, BBC, Late model, early model). In conclusion I still want to keep the I6.

01-16-2009, 11:40 AM	#4
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,375	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? For the time being I would keep the I6 and do the other work. Later you can swap engines. SB or BB...I like the sound of the BB plus there isn't a whole lot of difference between BB and SB gas milage wise unless your driving a 1000 miles a week. JMHO I am sure there are other opinions out there. __________________ 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! Last edited by 70cst; 01-16-2009 at 11:40 AM.

01-16-2009, 11:40 AM	#5
kyull67 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Springfield/Kansas City Posts: 1,842	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? keep it! they're cool, but you're right. I spent twice as much on my 250 to get the same power as a 350. __________________ The first '67 The current '67 '63 Biscayne

01-16-2009, 01:23 PM	#6
69halfton Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: King City, Ontario, Canada Posts: 974	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? there is something about I6s that are done up. they have a really interesting sound to them. there are this class of racecars that run up here at the cirlce track i race at, they are called the vintage modifieds. they all run I6 250s of ford or dodge equivilants. they sound like a small block at idle, but once they are going they sound pretty cool. but if money is tight, nothing makes more power for cheap then the genuine small block chevy. once you get around to building the motor, id look into the prices of a 5.3 or 6.o they are falling in proce, and make decent power with a cam and headers. (like 400-450 hp) __________________ - Jason If you can turn, Youre not going fast enough. Favorite caption: first car to 200 mph in the 1/4 mile, no parachute, drum brakes all the way around.. ..back when men were men.

01-16-2009, 01:35 PM	#7
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? Keep the engine! Invest all in suspension, body, and braking. Then when all is done, rebuild the L6 to performance standards! You'll be fast and unique! __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

01-16-2009, 02:21 PM	#8
texanidiot25 Eat My Rust Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 3,362	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? I6s are cool. That, and not a lot of people know of them in our trucks, always expecting the little SBC to be huddled in the fenders.

01-16-2009, 02:49 PM	#9
Spray-Bomb Texas Big Wig Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 5,620	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? I vote keep it __________________ Just not low enough... ----------------------------- Sinister Killer

01-16-2009, 02:51 PM	#10
Elephanthead Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 187	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? The world does not need more sbc v8s. I have a straight 6 chevy 292, a jeep 4.0, I am thinking of finding a straight 6 jag to add to the collection.

01-16-2009, 04:29 PM	#11
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? I think a well done 6 will win you points at the shows if that's your bag.I think it can perform plenty well for the street(Check Kyull's video if you doubt).And when you open the hood everyone will beogling something different from what they expected. I'm keeping mine.I would like to have a V-8 also so I guiess I need to get this one done so I can build another. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

01-23-2009, 08:11 AM	#12
C20-67_N_MO Champagne Taste on Beer Budget Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: High Ridge, Missouri Posts: 2,190	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? Great reasons to keep the 6 I like it! Thanks for the replys....she's a keeper for now. Intake, carb & headers are on their way! ($130 from Jeg's I just couldn't pass that up!) __________________ Coming Soon: Project 1970 Country Truck

01-23-2009, 08:22 AM	#13
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? Spend the hard earn on body, suspension and interior mods first. Then once your done in those area's maybe you will have decided on what kind of motor you want. I like seeing the straight sixes in these trucks and what everyone does with them. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-23-2009, 10:32 AM	#14
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? I vote to keep the l6. I have one of each. My '71 long stepper has a small block and my '67short stepper has a l6. I am thinking about going back to the stock look on both just to be different. Danny __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

01-23-2009, 10:56 AM	#15
big blue 72 Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: hamilton,ohio,usa Posts: 1,499	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? the straight sixes are definitely easier to work on especially inside the engine compartment. __________________ Broken Back Club 72 Club GMC Club Panel truck Club 6 cylinder Club Unfinished Projects Club Outdoor Sportsmens Club



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01-23-2009, 03:36 PM	#16
longorange68 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hockinson, Washington Posts: 115	Re: Keep the L6 or lose it? Keep the six, and do it up right. A well placed turbo makes it a show-er and a go-er. Or you can just send it to me __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C-10, 2WD, Longbox, Vortec 350, 700R4, 3.73 gears Good judgment comes from experience, and experience, well......that comes from bad judgment. 1968 Chevy C-10 "Longshot": Bought used from my Uncle George in 1994 and proceeding to beat the hell out of it for 4 years. Sold it. Bought it back, dumped an ungodly amount of money into it since then.

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