Rebuild 230, look for crate motor or go v8?

[sags]

Folks- new to the forum. At a crossroad and trying to figure out where I am going. Here's the deal- 1965 c10 SWB fleet side. 230 starting to burn oil. Owned for a year and a half. engine shop wants a ton on money to rebuild and add dual carbs. Don't have the tools to do myself. Is there a place that we'd be a better crate option? Or do I decide to cross over to the V8 side? Thoughts welcome on this one. I really like being different than others with the I6.

[TJ's Chevy]

To rebuild your 230 back to stock specs shouldn't be more than $2000 at most. The offenhauser dual carb manifold is sold at summit as well so I'd check there. I'm thinking your machine shop has over the hill rates. Many 6 cylinders being built back to stock specs are cheaper then v8's. Less parts all together. But since hardly anyone does do them anymore the rebuild kits for them are going up. I'd do all the purchasing and then just have your machine shop do the work. There are crate engine 6 cylinders out there. 250's are still available I believe and will bolt right in place of your 230 and you'll have more power out of it as well. You could also get a 292 crate and do a single 4 barrel and headers. But that will require some mods. Personally I'd seek info for yourself, round here you'll have too many people tell you that a 350 is the one and only. Check pricing and see what your budget allows before making a snap decision. I waited 2 years before I was finally able to do what I wanted to do with my 292 and now I'm a happy man knowing I have something alot cooler than the same sbc like everyone else has. It was more expensive but the smile afterward is worth it imop. And here is a 250 crate engine for sale. Brand new.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVY-250-EN...167c7f&vxp=mtr

That's really not a bad price either. And it will bolt in place of your 230 with little to no mods. I'd look into it. Would be neat to see another buzzin half dozen under the hood for a change. lol Hope all goes well.

[sags]

Thanks TJ's Chevy! More thinking to do.

[dwcardfan]

Crate 350 would be an easy swap. My self I would go with an LSX swap but I am doing that to mine so I am bias. Lol. Just give it a lot of thought because it is a big decision. Good luck and keep us posted. Lots of pics.

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by sags

Thanks TJ's Chevy! More thinking to do.

Nice looking truck by the way! For the heck of it here's a picture of my 292 I did.

[sags]

OK - decided to stay with the 230 and Craigslist came through with a beauty!

[TJ's Chevy]

Awesome!!!!

[mattbert56]

We are all so proud of you. glad to see you made the right choice haha

[1963c-10]

Looks like a nice donar. Nice thing is you have parts off the original on hand if you need them.

[Ta2Don]

Diggin' the I6 decision...

[sags]

Thanks guys. Front disc brake conversion here in the next few weeks and then to start with the motor swap. Anyone running a dual carb setup on the I6?

[TJ's Chevy]

Not I. but many do and its perrty cool.

[wilbur46]

I've done plenty of 2 carb projects, but on a 230 you've got to use small carbs (1bbls).
Now that you have a decent engine, hop it up!
One great trick is to use an Offy manifold, and adaptors for small Weber progressive 2bbls .
(Look at VW stuff). 2 small primaries and 2 bigger secondarys.
Google for articles by Pat Ganahl, who did a build on a 51 chevy 2 door with a hopped 235.
Or get braver and put a small turbo (draw thru) on it.
I've made 260 lbs, 235 hp with a junkyard setup. The adaptor from carb to turbo is the hardest part.

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by wilbur46

I've done plenty of 2 carb projects, but on a 230 you've got to use small carbs (1bbls).
Now that you have a decent engine, hop it up!
One great trick is to use an Offy manifold, and adaptors for small Weber progressive 2bbls .
(Look at VW stuff). 2 small primaries and 2 bigger secondarys.
Google for articles by Pat Ganahl, who did a build on a 51 chevy 2 door with a hopped 235.
Or get braver and put a small turbo (draw thru) on it.
I've made 260 lbs, 235 hp with a junkyard setup. The adaptor from carb to turbo is the hardest part.

These 6 bangers can take 8 pounds easy. So good to go. lol