Hey Kiel,
First you need to consider your budget. Next consider how much time you
have to get it going. There's not a whole lot of economy differences
between a V8 (assuming a mild build) and n i6 in these older trucks, until
you start looking at EFI setups and such, carb vs carb, you won't feel much
difference in the pocket book.
Keep in mind an engine swap to another family of engines, i/e V8, is more
than just getting the motor, you have mounts, hoses, belts, exhaust,
accessories, bellhousing, etc to consider.
If it were me, and I was on a limited budget, and wanted the truck back on
the road as soon as possible, I'd look for another 250 in good running
shape and just swap it. If I had more money and time, I'd be looking at
going with a V8...more money after that, I'd be thinking OD tranny.
Then I'd want AC, fancy wheels, new paint, redo ythe interior, put a new
bed in, etc., etc,..next thing ya know I'd be 25K poorer, 3 years
behind...but I'd have a nice truck:)
PS, if you're close to No. Cal (Oakdale), I have a 350 V8 and TH350 setup
you can have, engine hasn't been run in years, neither has the tranny, but
for the youth of America, you can have it if you're so inclined to
rebuild/refurbish and install it.
Mike
> [Original Message]
> From: Kiel Parkinson <InsanityIsBorn@comcast.net>
> To: <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
> Date: 6/28/2006 5:01:47 PM
> Subject: [oletrucks] Engine Questions
>
> Hi my name is Kiel Parkinson, I am a 19 year old College student
> struggling to make ends meet, and my transportation just bailed out on
> me. My engine blew up. I own a 1951 Chevrolet 3100, and I am struggling
> to decide what I want to do about it. What I had in my truck was a 250
> I-6 from a 72-79 Chevrolet truck, mated to an SM420 Transmission. So far
> my choices are to do a swap now with a V8 or I6:
>
> 1) Do I do a V8 swap into it. If so what size, what will I
> need to do so, and what transmissions will mate up to it
> hopefully my SM420 will mate up to it. Or!
>
> 2) Continue on with a Straight six, if so what size, what
> cars have them, what do I need, and what trannys will mate easily up to
> what ones.
>
> Also which would be safer, better and more economical..
>
>
>
> Thanks for your help
>
>
>
> Kiel Parkinson
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