69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

Ok fellows, after moving the shop truck out, I have moved another in to take its place. It is a 69 custom 10, 115 swb factory fleet, WAS a six/PG (no engine currently), manual brakes and steering, PS box has been added at some point. The old truck isn't all that bad rust wise, needs a little here and there, I guess. Factory white/lt Green. That's it for options. The PG still is in the truck, although the current condition is unknown. It was running a sbc when the front left side suffered some damage, so I know it was pulling then. Have no idea on the rear gear ratio, although PGs mostly used 3-73 I think. Here is the deal. An LS swap is not an option, just not a big fan. I have in mind 3 different powertrain configurations and would like to hear from some of you that are running similar drivetrains.
A. I have a nice little 327 long block, cam it and slide a t350 in and regear.
B. I have a 283 /2 bbl I can put in and use the existing PG
C. Buy a 454 , heat it up a little and put in a t400 and regear
Those are the options, It has to stay an auto. I will add vintage air and PBs at some point. Who has ideas and any regrets? By the way, this one is a keeper, so Its gonna be here a long time. Here is a couple of pics.

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

Nice truck! Option A sounds like a good way to go- if you don't like it, you're not out much

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

327

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

Well then if it's a keeper, be here for long time, go with the big block.

-klb

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

What do you like, how do you like to drive? The big block is going to make it nose heavy, but wont need to make much power. With all the weight on the front it'll still spin like it has power. I would go with a small block, just because its gonna get better mileage, not that we build these with that in mind. But the truck will handle better. I would spend the coin and go with a roller cam no matter what motor.

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

If mileage isn’t a concern, I’d go with the big block everyday! Put Fitech on it so it’s got some modern dependability and have fun. However, if mileage is a concern, go with the 327. I would still look into the fitech for it. I’ve heard great things about it. It looks vintage still and the price point isn’t bad. It’s also nice not having to mess with a carb.

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

Thanks everybody so far. I'm hearing more big block so far. The truck won't be a daily, more in the range of 6-8,000 miles a year. Mostly used for a couple of trips to work and back per week and cruise ins, and such. about 2000 of those miles will be road trips to the Pigeon Forge area and several 3 hr trips per season to Bowling Green and Nashville. Dependability is a must and I would like 10-14 MPG. I really haven't seen much better figures than that in any that I have owned. You guys with the 454s, how are you geared and what tranny are you using?

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

If your going to be on 3+ hour road trips would go with a small block option and then add an od transmission behind it. That way you can cruise at speed as well as go past a gas station without having to stop at it.

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

I may be in the minority here, but I'm a small block fan. If the PG is in working order then the 283 option seems like the least expensive way in. Always thought a 283 w power pack heads was a nice running engine. Just my opinion. Good luck.

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

If your going BB, go with a 700r4 trans. You'll have to put a little money in it if you like gettin on it every now and again. I had one in my 67 Chevelle that I drove like I stole it every time. Car ran 11:30's in the quarter (300+ passes) and had about 5000 street miles on it before it started slipping 2nd to 3rd. I didn't even have alto clutches just raybestos. It did have a Sonnex servo. An OD trans is the way to go with any combo for mileage and drivability.

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

Not really, I am a 61 model, and so is the 283. I always wanted to find a vehicle to try it in too. Here is one of the problems that either the 283 or the 327 bring on. Both of these motors sport non accessory hole heads. The 283 has power packs and the 327 has big valve double humps. Both motors are sentimental and that is why they are even in the running for transplant. I said earlier that I will add air to this truck at some point, sooner more than later, probably. So again, scaring up brackets for all this is a real scavenger hunt. Just thinking out loud. It will work out one way or another.

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

I’d vote 454 and th400 with the regear. That’s a perfect recipe for homemade clouds and bad decisions. Not to mention big blocks are just damn cool

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

If you think that you might ever put disc brakes on it, this would be the time.

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

My vote is the 327 (see my sig). Mine used to be in my '67 SWB; I used a car 4-speed behind it and a 3.08 rear end, and I got 22+ MPG, and I could still burn the tires. It works a little harder in my K-10, but that motor has never not been able to do everything I have asked of it.

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

I like the 327 too. I have had that engine for 38 years waiting for the right project. I will begin a build thread on this truck as soon as I get it moving under its own power. There are some pretty nice ones in the area and I don't know how far I will dig into this one. Discs? I don't know, Steel 6 lugs, and 69 poverty caps and probably an extra set of rallies for the occasional switch. Nothing too flashy, I like simple. The 327 has 52,000 original miles on the short block so I'm sure it would make a nice choice. I did pick up a quadrajet intake and a couple of freshly pulled carbs the other day....

Re: 69 Swb Opinions and Info Needed
 

You already have it, 327 all the way!