47-55.1 49 GMC 228 Build

[CTZR1]

Here is the scoop,
I have a '49 GMC 1/2 ton 4 speed with a 228.
I am doing a rebuild and looking for some advice and or insight...
I got the 228 out and torn down. I am hoping to get it into the machine shop on Monday. She is probably going to need a little boring.
My direction is a little performance minded.
with th 477 head is it worth going with a 264 grind 3/4 cam, new push rods, springs, lifters.
Am I going to be able to time it with the current crank & cam gears?
I was also going to go with a single 4 bbl. intake with the fenton headers to boost performance a bit as well.

I know a 228 is not much but I would like to make it all it can be.
Am I on the right track. I am going to be dropping a bucket of money into this engine, I would like to get a little something back

[Bigblue29]

I am not sure you which way you should go, but for me I could not justify the cost of a complete rebuild. I ended up finding another good running 235 from a later model truck (1961 C10) with the better oiling system and clean everything up and put that in my 1950.
Its all up to you do decide. I dont think you will get much horsepower improvement, but you will have a completely new motor, and it will look great with all the goodies.

Here is a picture of mine- I just need new spark plug wires, battery, and fluids, and it should be ready to start up.

[CTZR1]

Thanks Bigblue29
I must say she sure looks nice

[Bigblue29]

I have a 1962 235 you could have if you want it... That motor came out of the red 1950 and was replaced by the one in the photos above.

It also needs to be bored out but it might be a better engine than the 228? Someone else would have to let you know about whether or not it is a better engine as far as oiling, or power.

Never the less you could have it if you want it...

[CTZR1]

Originally Posted by Bigblue29

I have a 1962 235 you could have if you want it... That motor came out of the red 1950 and was replaced by the one in the photos above.

It also needs to be bored out but it might be a better engine than the 228? Someone else would have to let you know about whether or not it is a better engine as far as oiling, or power.

Never the less you could have it if you want it...

That is great of you to offer but I will have to decline.
From what I understand the GMC 228 is a better engine than the chevy 235.
with no disrespect intended all the GMC engines are better built and more heavy dutier than the chevys. and the parts are not interchangeable. With my truck being a GMC I would rather keep it as much GMC as possible.
Thanks just the same

[CTZR1]

Photos did not come out

[CTZR1]

I am triing to get these pictures loaded

[CTZR1]

I think I got it

[CTZR1]

I know how every body likes pictures, so I loaded some for ya.
Thats my '49GMC

[MrTucker]

where are you getting your parts for the rebuild? I have a '53 GMC with a hydramatic auto and I've been really considering rebuilding the original 228 vs a sbc.

The only parts I've been able to find are in the $2k range...

[MrTucker]

Originally Posted by CTZR1

From what I understand the GMC 228 is a better engine than the chevy 235. with no disrespect intended all the GMC engines are better built and more heavy dutier than the chevys. and the parts are not interchangeable. With my truck being a GMC I would rather keep it as much GMC as possible.

I cant speak on GMC's being "better" but they are definitely "tougher." Chevy's had the same motors they put in cars - GMC's were straight up truck motors. No clue what the difference is, but I've read on several other boards that the GMC motors were pretty much bullet proof...

[CTZR1]

Originally Posted by MrTucker

I cant speak on GMC's being "better" but they are definitely "tougher." Chevy's had the same motors they put in cars - GMC's were straight up truck motors. No clue what the difference is, but I've read on several other boards that the GMC motors were pretty much bullet proof...

You know, you are right.
I guess I did not mean to say they are better, but like you, I have read that they are definately tougher.

[CTZR1]

Originally Posted by MrTucker

where are you getting your parts for the rebuild? I have a '53 GMC with a hydramatic auto and I've been really considering rebuilding the original 228 vs a sbc.

The only parts I've been able to find are in the $2k range...

I have not decided were actually. There are a few sites out there to deal with. But Patricks sticks in the back of my mind. They are a good bunch to deal with, at least in my experiences. If you run into problems you can call them up and they can talk you thru them and can give loads of advise on these old trucks.
The prices I have found are running into the $1500-2000 range as well, and very competitively priced. so really it depends on who you want to give your business to.
The machine shop I am dealing with has told me he can get all the parts I will need as well. They do a lot of old engines and a lot of connections.
I do know that the GMC parts are more expensive than the parts for a chevy engine. It must be because these GMC trucks are tough and the price for parts proves it.
I used to have a '49 Chevy 1\2 ton 30years ago when I was in the Navy in SanDiego, and working on it was not nearly as expesive as working on my '49 GMC. That Chevy was stolen by the way, while we were out to see all week. Pull back into port to find my truck had been stolen right off the base. It takes a pretty cold dude to steal a sailors wheels while he is out to sea.
there I go rambling on...
I am going to stick with my original 228. I could probably get off cheaper by dropping in a stoker but that is not what I got into this for... My next truck however...
good luck with your '53

[1949gmc]

Last post was over three years ago......what's happened since then??
Posted via Mobile Device

[CTZR1]

Wow has it been that long?
I have been getting some work done. But the latest is I picked up a 4 barrel intake and a set of Fenton headers.
I did a front disc brake conversion, bearings, king pins, rebuillt the old knee knocker shocks, rebuilt the rear brakes, bending up new brake lines, new clutch,
I did rebuiuld the engine. had a valve job done, bored the ole girl 3 over had a performance grind done on the cam, new lifters, new pistons, rings, bearings, timing gear, a little paint, bla,bla,bla...
Its been a blast. get out of the house, into the shop, Thank God for old trucks
heres some pictures

[CTZR1]

Got my 4 barrel intake and Fenton headers
Wooo-Hooo- installed
Rock on

[mknittle]

where did you find that intake? GMC intakes are like looking for hens teeth.

[CTZR1]

Originally Posted by mknittle

where did you find that intake? GMC intakes are like looking for hens teeth.

I found it on E-bay from a classic parts store out of Texas.
And I have looked. nobody has an intake for a GMC.
Of course I have the old one that came off my truck with a carb and an exhaust manifold. And it all ran when I took it apart.. I guess its for sale now

[Katrina/10]

Looks good, I used to have one of those 228s in my truck. Glad you were able to find parts to rebuild it. Definitely a much heavier duty engine than a Chevrolet, there used to be some interest in hopping those up back in the 50s.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by CTZR1

I found it on E-bay from a classic parts store out of Texas.
And I have looked. nobody has an intake for a GMC.
Of course I have the old one that came off my truck with a carb and an exhaust manifold. And it all ran when I took it apart.. I guess its for sale now

That is the main reason I didn't use my 270. I couldn't find a Intake manifold that Iliked.

[1949gmc]

Bringing this one back to the top.... curious if it ever got finished. Anyone know?