1970, Straight 6, 3 on the Tree.
 

Starting a full restoration, I have removed the bed and started cleaning up the frame. Anyone have any recommendations for an engine rebuild kit or anything that can help me out as far as adding a little spice to the truck. I want to do mostly original with a few modern twists to it. Any help is greatly appreciated. I am currently stationed at JBLM, WA.

Re: 1970, Straight 6, 3 on the Tree.
 

First thing you want to do is find out if you have a 250 or a 292.

250 fuel pump is rearward of the motor mount

292 fuel pump is forward of the motor mount

Also, the 292 has a large coolant bypass hose to the water neck. 250 does not.

Re: 1970, Straight 6, 3 on the Tree.
 

Its a 250. It runs solid just sounds a little rough. Also in 3rd gear it is screaming at 55. Any suggestions on an engine modifications or rebuilds and what to put in the rear end to add some speed. I want to keep it somewhat original but I am going to upgrade a few things.

Re: 1970, Straight 6, 3 on the Tree.
 

You got that fuel pump backwards!
Look again!

Re: 1970, Straight 6, 3 on the Tree.
 

I thought my 250 was screaming at 55 too. After I put a tach in my truck though I realized it was just a noisy old truck and it can cruise at 75-80mph no problem.

My bad. Thanks for the correction. That is what I get for typing before coffee. :mm:

Re: 1970, Straight 6, 3 on the Tree.
 

Hei distributor is a good mod for these 250's. I'm really happy with mine, bought one for an 80 250 and bolted right up didn't have to worry about tuning it for the right advance curve. FYI you need to remove the original resister wire and replace with a nice 12 g wire, none of that cheap parts store wire!

Re: 1970, Straight 6, 3 on the Tree.
 

You said in your original post that you were restoring your truck, but if you don't mind straying a little from original, the one thing I've really enjoyed is the T5 trans I put behind my six. At 65 MPH the engine is turning 2800 RPM. Much easier on my nerves going down the highway. You'd have to put in a floor shift, but it's all reversible if you wanted to go back original.

Re: 1970, Straight 6, 3 on the Tree.
 

I like the 3 on the tree, and with the previous replies I guess I have a 292. I've only helped people restore I e never taken one on myself. I just didn't know how much you could do to the engine to add a little power without changing the exterior

Re: 1970, Straight 6, 3 on the Tree.
 

About the only thing you can do without changing the exterior appearance is the HEI, but this is huge in performance and dependability.
If you don't want to change anything inside, there's headers, more/better carbs, and HEI.
The 292 is a great engine. Torquey, smooth, and almost bullet proof.

Re: 1970, Straight 6, 3 on the Tree.
 

Far as adding power, sky is the limit. All depends on how much money you have to spend and what you are willing to do to the engine. Bolt on parts like carb, headers, and ignition do little unless your internals are upgraded and can make good use of them. Changing to HEI does increase performance and reliability *if* you are using it to replace old worn out parts. Otherwise points are fine in a stock engine such as these.