torn between engines

[krazy_texan]

ok here is my dilemma, my truck has an inline 6 which runs great for the most part, it leaks a little oil and after driving at high speeds after coming to a stop it takes a litte bit for the oil pump to catch up so i have to sit at traffic lights with my foot on the throttle just a little bit. this thing starts up for me every day rain or shine. It is a tried and true straight six. Now i also have a 350 bored .30 over sitting in the shed just dieing to be built and intentions where to put it in my 65 and have a nice ground pounding daily driver when all said and done. But now i cant make up my mind cause this old inline is really starting to grow on me. What do you guys think should i keep the inline and proceed on with other plans for the truck and put the 350 in another project or should i should i build the 350 and drop it in. Lets here it guys.

[MOTOIMPAIRED]

Me personnally, I would do the 350. I like the sound of a good V8 and parts are pretty cheap and abundant for small blocks.

[purebred]

If you don't mind the fuel mileage from the 350 versus the 6 go for it. I did and like the power of the 350. Like motorimpaired said parts are cheap and plentiful.

[chevyrestoguy]

V-8 all the way. Cheaper to rebuild than the ol' 6-clicker, too. Much more power and torque, which a truck needs.

The sixes are neat, but for a truck that you're going to use, go with the 350.

[srziemkowski]

I have a similar issue but contiplating 5.3 carbed,5.3 injected,or big block

[scottofksu]

Why not build the 350, pull the 6, install the 350, rebuild the 6, and then decide which you like better? To me, it sounds like your main/rod bearings might be on the way out with the 6, as is indicative of the oil pressure dropping after the engine is warmed up. Might as well pull it before it eats itself unless you'd rather let this eventuality make the decision for you... Either way, you have a running 65 C-10, which is awesome, and that's more than I can say for myself!

[T2vigil]

Everybody - almost - runs the small block chevy. I like the sixes since they are different. I have had mine bored 30 over using flat top pistons from a 305 and a Comp Cam. Just enough to perk it up a bit. I won't be able to install it for several more weeks, shoulder surgery, but will post more after the install. Yes it is just a bit more expensive but the fact the truck came with a six I wanted to keep it.

[padresag]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

V-8 all the way. Cheaper to rebuild than the ol' 6-clicker, too. Much more power and torque, which a truck needs.

The sixes are neat, but for a truck that you're going to use, go with the 350.

how many of you really use your trucks other then putting your beer in. it really doesn't matter what eng that you are going to use; in reality you will more than likely get to your destination at the same time no matter what eng you have in there . it is whatever that you are happy with
the sbc may be cheaper to build. with the i6 you more than likely won't break as many things(showing off your power),gas mileage and tire wear.
as for torque the I6 is no slouch.
ron

[Narxoleptic Customs]

I vote for a simple Rebuild on the 6. It's cooler than the 350 everyone puts in em... Gather all the parts u need before hand and maybe u can have it out and back in over just a couple weeks. Keep us posted.
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[Heater63]

Everyone above gave good advice, all true. Since your 6 is obviously getting worn with high tolerances, why don't you put the 350 in for a while, and think about rebuilding the 6 later if you decide you want it back. Yes, everyone runs a SBC, but there are still a lot of us guys running 6's ...its not unusual and not that "different" unless you turbo one.

[vin63]

It sounds like you might be able to get a jump on the 350 while the L6 is still running. This may help to make the transition a little quicker, allowing less downtime of the truck between engine swaps. Sometimes that helps with keeping the motivation up. As mentioned by the others, then you can take your time on deciding what to do with the L6.

[jimmydean]

Pic of Lucy's engine bay to the white courtesy phone.

I would vote 6.

<edit>

I'm torn between building a Corvette 327, or going LS1...

[krazy_texan]

well my prob with the 350 is it is sitting right now as a bare block not even the crank is in it at this time, im really debating on if i want to spend the money building it or if i just want to keep the I6 cause it perfectly suites my needs for what i do with the truck.

[biohazardbill]

Originally Posted by krazy_texan

well my prob with the 350 is it is sitting right now as a bare block not even the crank is in it at this time, im really debating on if i want to spend the money building it or if i just want to keep the I6 cause it perfectly suites my needs for what i do with the truck.

Build the 350 and decide then....

If you use it on the truck or another project, at least you have the motor work out of the way.

[Clyde65]

My .02? if your truck is mostly original, go back with the 6, if it is custom, go with a 4.8/5.3 and an overdrive tranny. I have found I prefer to drive mine alot more since the LSx swap and the FI and 4speed makes it more cost effective and a much smoother drive on the highway. I liked driving my truck before but it took alot longer to get to temp and it was definately not cost effective and not fun to take on longer trips.

BTW my truck is not stock anywhere else so that helped my decision.

[OC 72]

My opinion...use the 350.

[krazy_texan]

Well i guess the crowd speaks lol. plus with the research i have done the inline needs new bearings in it so i think i am going to go on like planned and finish building the 350 and mate it to the TH350 i have and drop it in the 65 then while the I6 is out i will put new bearings in it and freshen it up and drop it in my 67 3/4 ton which currently does not have an engine and wont be a daily driver.

[Rogue]

Nurse the Inliner while you collect parts and build the V8.
our trucks had V8s so you can bling one out or make it look stock.
I am replacing my 230 with a 327 done traditional early '60s style.
Vette covers, 2.5 Rams, 3 deuces etc., just as my dad would have built it.

[krazy_texan]

i was thinking being as this is a daily driver some sort of aluminum intake, i have a performer for it but not sure if i want to use it. maybe an old holley 4 bbl paint the intake and the engine all the same color then put finned valve covers with the fin inserts painted the engine color, maybe might upgrade to a serpentine setup but not sure on that yet

[rockdogg2020]

i have the same problem. 230 six. can buy a running 350 for $300. Scared of how bad the 350 is on gas. never owned a v8

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

A hint on your cam choice.......
Teehee.....

Thumpr Cam Dyno (Full Version) - YouTube

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[darkhorse970]

A clean and mild cammed I6, with the right induction is pretty strong and COOL!

[Fastrucken]

I'm Part of the 5.3l fan club. I think you could probably come out cheaper that rebuilding the 350. Mine is fuel injected but I think a carbed version would be killer.

You can pick up a used 5.3l for under 500$ all day long. Sell all of the fuel injection stuff you dont need for a little recoup of funds. Get a performer RPM manifold, 650 or 750 carb and the msd 6010 ignition box to run the coil packs and drop her in. You will be very happy with the end results. And when you get board just add some boost, these little motors LOVE boost.

Graham