Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kxnomore · 07-30-2009, 09:41 PM

I was getting ready to swap parts from a rusted out LB highlander into a cherry but gutted (no interior, wiring, or running gear) 71 GMC Short bed, and am struggling with the engine choice.

The short bed came with a Kragen Auto 350 that I'm told runs pretty good, actually, and the donor 72 highlander has a complete and all original 402 (118K miles) that runs a bit rough, and in my opinion would need a stock rebuild before I could trust it in a daily driver.

Which engine would you think is best? I've been thinking all along I would put every part from the highlander into my gutted shortbed, but this is going to be a daily driver for a year at least, so maybe these engines aren't the best at stop and go type travel? If I'm not going to use the Big Block, than I'd probably just continue to store the highlander for a future stock restoration. So I'm also kind of guilty about hacking apart a highlander just because it's rusty and would be a more difficult rebuild.

Here's the pics of the two trucks involved... Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions...

**too much stuff** · 07-30-2009, 10:32 PM

I drive my 69 cst/10 396 truck fairly often. (wheather permitting) My question is, why wouldn't you? I think i would make a driver out of your big block truck. Eric

hilandr452 · 07-30-2009, 10:38 PM

I used my 402 for a daily driver and loved the way it ran. The only issue was the 9 MPG in town.

Dan

mclairmo · 07-31-2009, 12:53 AM

Depends on what you want. If mileage and cool running are important, then the small block is the best choice. If you want power and towing/hauling capability, then maybe the big block is the way to go.

sleepertruck72 · 07-31-2009, 01:30 AM

I would go with big block !

**El Jay** · 07-31-2009, 02:00 AM

My Chevy has a slightly modified 355.
My GMC is still running the factory 402.

As far as mileage, or performance, etc., is concerned; it's a "nickel one way, 5 cents the other".

They both deliver about the same mileage (both have 4.11:1 gears), and performance.
It all boils down to what I feel like driving on any particular day, as opposed to another.

Make sense?

MYGMCANDME · 07-31-2009, 04:12 AM

I have a 72 Cheyenne long bed 1/2 ton with a 402 that I drove daily for several years. It ran great and never gave me any problems! It was bone stock except for a high-rise factory cast iron intake from a Chevelle. The intake really helped the high rpm performance. On the interstate it would outrun most of the newer trucks that I came up against, and it had over 100,000 miles on it when I bought it. Go with the big block. It's a great motor and looks cool too when you open the hood. Have fun with it.

Jon

**special-K** · 07-31-2009, 04:55 AM

I`d go with the fresher 350 and put the Highlander in mothballs.You will get better mileage,the 402 needs work,parts are cheaper/more readily available,and that Highlander is too nice to part.Rust is very repairable these days and the repairs will hold up a long time in california.

Longhorn Man · 07-31-2009, 05:29 AM

if you think that truck is a gonner, then sell it to someone out east.
that thing is WAY too nice to part out.
I daily drive my bb402 suburban all summer.
Why have it if you don't want to drive it is the way I think.

BluTrukker · 07-31-2009, 06:45 AM

What rust?, that thing looks good the way it is. 350s are a dime a dozen, 402's are a little harder to find. I would pile the miles on the 350, plus you'll probably do a little better on gas with the small block. Or you could sell me the the big block and simplify your decision

Bears63 · 07-31-2009, 09:33 AM

What rust are you talking about on that Highlander? Seriously. Don't part out a truck that nice. My daily driver is much worse than that with it's swiss cheese rockers and nonexistant cab corners and supports. Oh, and I vote 350, it will be cheaper to get it ready for the road and cheaper to drive. Plus, keep that Highlander original.

BossHogg69 · 07-31-2009, 10:20 AM

If the 350 runs and is already in the shorty, just use it. i agree with the others here, don't hack up that 'rusted out' Highlander - plus the 402 needs a rebuild anyway, so you'll have a lot more work/money going the BB route.

On the other hand, I used my '69 as a DD for a while when my '05 was down, and it did fine. It was before I swapped in the 5 spd, so I had to keep the highway speed around 60-65 with the TH400 and 3.73's but other than that, I had no issues out of it. It did run up a stout fuel bill though... If you just want to make an emotional decision and have a big block, then go for it.

kxnomore · 07-31-2009, 12:47 PM

Thanks for all the replies.

The rust on the yellow truck is worse than it looks from the pics, as the rockers, corners, and cab supports have holes in them the size of silver dollars. The floors are good though. The truck spent a few years in Idaho, where I guess they salt the roads or something? I know that's not very bad or unusual for a truck out east, but body shops charge a fortune to repair rust here, as I guess they don't have to weld very often? Nevertheless, I hear that maybe I'm giving the truck up for dead a bit too soon.

So it seems that the consensus would be to keep the BB complete, if possible? are the 1/2 ton big block highlanders really rare, where it would be worth the time to save $ for the body work?

The list of parts I am needing for the SWB GMC is pretty large: Steering column, guages, battery, wiring, seat, carpet, engine, trans, brakes, power steering box and pump, all wiper stuff, AC controls, heating boxes, ducts, you get the picture. So the thought was I have all this stuff from the yellow BB truck. But I trust your guys opinion on these trucks, and if this highlander is special and worth saving, I will look around for another donor truck, and mothball or sell the yellow truck complete.

Thanks again for any advice or more input!

**70cst** · 07-31-2009, 06:16 PM

My vote goes to the 402 Highlander...I agree that the Highlander is to nice to chop up.

mclairmo · 07-31-2009, 06:19 PM

Oh nooo, not rust! Strip it of what you need and junk the rest.

haulnrat · 07-31-2009, 10:01 PM

Turn your short box into a "highlander" that would be realy "rare".

I will vote for a big block any time. Wish my 'burb had one, like my short box does.

Longhorn Man · 07-31-2009, 10:11 PM

putting a highlander seat in a 71 GMC won't make it rare, it'll make it a truck with the wrong seat.
My truck has a caddy motor in it... that doesn't make it rare. (but it being one of 1404 built DOES make it rare)

07-30-2009, 09:41 PM	#1
kxnomore Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: CA Posts: 331	Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? I was getting ready to swap parts from a rusted out LB highlander into a cherry but gutted (no interior, wiring, or running gear) 71 GMC Short bed, and am struggling with the engine choice. The short bed came with a Kragen Auto 350 that I'm told runs pretty good, actually, and the donor 72 highlander has a complete and all original 402 (118K miles) that runs a bit rough, and in my opinion would need a stock rebuild before I could trust it in a daily driver. Which engine would you think is best? I've been thinking all along I would put every part from the highlander into my gutted shortbed, but this is going to be a daily driver for a year at least, so maybe these engines aren't the best at stop and go type travel? If I'm not going to use the Big Block, than I'd probably just continue to store the highlander for a future stock restoration. So I'm also kind of guilty about hacking apart a highlander just because it's rusty and would be a more difficult rebuild. Here's the pics of the two trucks involved... Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions... Attached Images

07-30-2009, 10:32 PM	#2
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,713	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? I drive my 69 cst/10 396 truck fairly often. (wheather permitting) My question is, why wouldn't you? I think i would make a driver out of your big block truck. Eric __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

07-30-2009, 10:38 PM	#3
hilandr452 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 357	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? I used my 402 for a daily driver and loved the way it ran. The only issue was the 9 MPG in town. Dan __________________ Dan Smith Colorado Springs, CO 71 GMC Custom Camper "Longhorn" 454, TH400 73 Chevy Camper Special (Yes, it's badged a camper special) Flat Bed Motorhome conversion 454, standard tranny *"DON'T TREAD ON ME !!!"* My Project: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20829244 , http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24654442

07-31-2009, 12:53 AM	#4
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? Depends on what you want. If mileage and cool running are important, then the small block is the best choice. If you want power and towing/hauling capability, then maybe the big block is the way to go. Last edited by mclairmo; 07-31-2009 at 12:54 AM.

07-31-2009, 01:30 AM	#5
sleepertruck72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Turlock California 95380 Posts: 2,075	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? I would go with big block ! __________________ 72 C20 Longbed 05 1500 Z71

07-31-2009, 02:00 AM	#6
El Jay Gone to greener pastures Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gateway to the Delta Posts: 7,354	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? My Chevy has a slightly modified 355. My GMC is still running the factory 402. As far as mileage, or performance, etc., is concerned; it's a "nickel one way, 5 cents the other". They both deliver about the same mileage (both have 4.11:1 gears), and performance. It all boils down to what I feel like driving on any particular day, as opposed to another. Make sense? __________________ '69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck

07-31-2009, 04:12 AM	#7
MYGMCANDME Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: BOWLING GREEN, KY Posts: 115	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? I have a 72 Cheyenne long bed 1/2 ton with a 402 that I drove daily for several years. It ran great and never gave me any problems! It was bone stock except for a high-rise factory cast iron intake from a Chevelle. The intake really helped the high rpm performance. On the interstate it would outrun most of the newer trucks that I came up against, and it had over 100,000 miles on it when I bought it. Go with the big block. It's a great motor and looks cool too when you open the hood. Have fun with it. Jon

07-31-2009, 04:55 AM	#8
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? I`d go with the fresher 350 and put the Highlander in mothballs.You will get better mileage,the 402 needs work,parts are cheaper/more readily available,and that Highlander is too nice to part.Rust is very repairable these days and the repairs will hold up a long time in california. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-31-2009, 05:29 AM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? if you think that truck is a gonner, then sell it to someone out east. that thing is WAY too nice to part out. I daily drive my bb402 suburban all summer. Why have it if you don't want to drive it is the way I think.

07-31-2009, 06:45 AM	#10
BluTrukker BOHICA Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stewartville, MN Posts: 440	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? What rust?, that thing looks good the way it is. 350s are a dime a dozen, 402's are a little harder to find. I would pile the miles on the 350, plus you'll probably do a little better on gas with the small block. Or you could sell me the the big block and simplify your decision __________________ Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig!

07-31-2009, 09:33 AM	#11
Bears63 ...just another truck junkie.. Join Date: May 2009 Location: Watertown, SD Posts: 698	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? What rust are you talking about on that Highlander? Seriously. Don't part out a truck that nice. My daily driver is much worse than that with it's swiss cheese rockers and nonexistant cab corners and supports. Oh, and I vote 350, it will be cheaper to get it ready for the road and cheaper to drive. Plus, keep that Highlander original. __________________ Mike "Bear" Shea

07-31-2009, 10:20 AM	#12
BossHogg69 motor exploder Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,346	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? If the 350 runs and is already in the shorty, just use it. i agree with the others here, don't hack up that 'rusted out' Highlander - plus the 402 needs a rebuild anyway, so you'll have a lot more work/money going the BB route. On the other hand, I used my '69 as a DD for a while when my '05 was down, and it did fine. It was before I swapped in the 5 spd, so I had to keep the highway speed around 60-65 with the TH400 and 3.73's but other than that, I had no issues out of it. It did run up a stout fuel bill though... If you just want to make an emotional decision and have a big block, then go for it. __________________ Adam 1969 Chevy CST/10 stepside, DART Big M/TREMEC Magnum Extreme/3.73's w/Detroit Truetrac 1965 Chevy Bel Air Wagon (daily driver), 327/TH350,10 bolt w/3.08's 1961 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe, ZZ454/M21/9" rear w/3.50's & Detroit Truetrac 2005 GMC 1500 ccsb 2wd, 6.0L/4L65e/3.73 G80 2006 GMC 2500HD ccsb 4x4, DMax LBZ/Allison 6spd/4.56's w/Detroit TrueTrac Use the SEARCH function on this forum - it is your friend!!

07-31-2009, 12:47 PM	#13
kxnomore Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: CA Posts: 331	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? Thanks for all the replies. The rust on the yellow truck is worse than it looks from the pics, as the rockers, corners, and cab supports have holes in them the size of silver dollars. The floors are good though. The truck spent a few years in Idaho, where I guess they salt the roads or something? I know that's not very bad or unusual for a truck out east, but body shops charge a fortune to repair rust here, as I guess they don't have to weld very often? Nevertheless, I hear that maybe I'm giving the truck up for dead a bit too soon. So it seems that the consensus would be to keep the BB complete, if possible? are the 1/2 ton big block highlanders really rare, where it would be worth the time to save $ for the body work? The list of parts I am needing for the SWB GMC is pretty large: Steering column, guages, battery, wiring, seat, carpet, engine, trans, brakes, power steering box and pump, all wiper stuff, AC controls, heating boxes, ducts, you get the picture. So the thought was I have all this stuff from the yellow BB truck. But I trust your guys opinion on these trucks, and if this highlander is special and worth saving, I will look around for another donor truck, and mothball or sell the yellow truck complete. Thanks again for any advice or more input!

07-31-2009, 06:16 PM	#14
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,365	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? My vote goes to the 402 Highlander...I agree that the Highlander is to nice to chop up. __________________ 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!

07-31-2009, 06:19 PM	#15
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? Oh nooo, not rust! Strip it of what you need and junk the rest.



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07-31-2009, 10:01 PM	#16
haulnrat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Iowa Posts: 136	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? Turn your short box into a "highlander" that would be realy "rare". I will vote for a big block any time. Wish my 'burb had one, like my short box does.

07-31-2009, 10:11 PM	#17
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Anyone ever used a 402 as a daily driver?? putting a highlander seat in a 71 GMC won't make it rare, it'll make it a truck with the wrong seat. My truck has a caddy motor in it... that doesn't make it rare. (but it being one of 1404 built DOES make it rare)

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