saving a 1982 250 six
 

I bought my 82 C-10 earlier this year, knowing nothing about sixes and the dreaded integrated cylinder head & intake manifold. Based on manifold vacuum of 20-21 inches at idle, I doubt the intake is leaking, but I know the exhaust manifold has at least one small crack which shows signs of leaking.

The engine idles and runs OK until I get on the gas and the carb's secondary kicks in. At that time the engine falls on its face, like it's getting more air but no more fuel. The carb has a reman sticker on it and doesn't look that old, but somethings not right. Guess I could do a rebuild, but it looks to be a PITA to work on and is virtually non-adjustable. Not to mention I just hate the looks of the P.A.I.R. system with its tubes, check valves, and funky valve cover:(

So, I can do 2 things here:

1) Install a non-intregated head and manifolds from an earlier model truck, along with a 1-bbl carb. (Or possibly a small 4-bbl manifold and headers or split manifolds.)

2) Install a free 305 that's supposedly in good shape.

If I go the 305 route, I will need to buy an intake manifold, carb, water pump, fuel pump, distributor, exhaust manifolds/headers, etc. (Wish I still had the ones I've sold and given away over the years!)

But if I stick with the six, I will probably spend as much or more on cylinder head, manifolds, and carb, not to mention rings and bearings at the minimum.

Question: What year(s) head, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, and carb should I look for? Being over 25 years old, the truck does not have to pass an emissions test in Texas.

Comments?

Re: saving a 1982 250 six
 

You could make a adapter to convert the engine to a 1 bbl carb. or even a 2gc Rochester 2 bbl. The gasket between the exhaust manifold & head is a thick stainless steel one. the bolts that hold it run through the head from the top. you can plug those air pipes & change the camel hump valve cover for a standard one.