HELP! I'm having second thoughts on current set up.

[CST10]

Thanks everyone for the help and advise.

Think I'm install intake, carb, headers and see how that runs.

After that maybe head work if I crave more power.

Just can't bring myself to molest the ol truck too bad since it's so original. And as others said, I do have 2 other power house vehicles in the stable already.
Been talk Big with Tom Lowe and Tom Langdon about upgrades and what's best to start developing a plan of attack.

[Hdogkuvachio]

Cool I like those old inlines. Also I think they were used in a lot of foreign GM cars so you could probably find a good aftermarket for them internationally, Idk though. If not check out Clifford Performance. I've never used them but I know a lot of F!@D guys use them on their 300s.

[dan42]

Just remember they can turn into bottomless money pits in a second. I like your thoughts of mild upgrades, give yourself a clear picture of what you want, it can get out of hand fast.

[MARKDTN]

As said you already have power in other trucks. With such an original truck and so low mileage, I would leave it alone and just drive it. I have a friend that owns a hot rod shop. Out of all the cars to go to a cruise-in he usually picks a particular unmolested, low power, survivor stocker. Why? Because nobody else has that. It sticks out because it isn't built to the hilt, slobbering, shaking, and dressed up. He says people walk by other cool cars to look at his because it is so plain.

[CST10]

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

As said you already have power in other trucks. With such an original truck and so low mileage, I would leave it alone and just drive it. I have a friend that owns a hot rod shop. Out of all the cars to go to a cruise-in he usually picks a particular unmolested, low power, survivor stocker. Why? Because nobody else has that. It sticks out because it isn't built to the hilt, slobbering, shaking, and dressed up. He says people walk by other cool cars to look at his because it is so plain.

Yes, I am one of those people who walk by highly modified trucks to look at a plain Jane original truck.

It gets to the point that most of them all look the same, like oh look, yawn, another perfect ls1 swapped camaro or truck or car or.....you get the picture.

Problem is that on my own vehicles I'm addicted to POWER. Lol. Speed junkie sort of. Lol.

[CST10]

Originally Posted by dan42

Just remember they can turn into bottomless money pits in a second. I like your thoughts of mild upgrades, give yourself a clear picture of what you want, it can get out of hand fast.

Yes my last 2 turned into money pits. They kinda snowballed into and Avalanche.

I'm try to control myself and not chase every HP/TQ I can squeeze from it.

You know........oh well if I'm putting this part on I can add these parts for a few more bucks and get this, and then add this part, might as well add this one too, hell one more ain't gunna hurt, crap well I've done all XYZ, this part will add a few more HP.........and the avalanche goes on and on. Trust me, I know that avalanche. Lol

[CST10]

Originally Posted by Hdogkuvachio

Cool I like those old inlines. Also I think they were used in a lot of foreign GM cars so you could probably find a good aftermarket for them internationally, Idk though. If not check out Clifford Performance. I've never used them but I know a lot of F!@D guys use them on their 300s.

I talked to Clifford performance. They have a 250 combo package that they claim adds 70% more HP with just intake, carb and headers.

That seems like a huge unrealistic power gain with just bolt ons. I could see maybe 30% but 70%?

Anyone have this set up and can verify that claim?

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by CST10

I talked to Clifford performance. They have a 250 combo package that they claim adds 70% more HP with just intake, carb and headers.

That seems like a huge unrealistic power gain with just bolt ons. I could see maybe 30% but 70%?

Anyone have this set up and can verify that claim?

No offense meant to you or to anyone who prefers "original" trucks, stuff, motors, etc. But you my friend (sound like me and my buddies) are a HOT RODDER. In my opinion the only way you will ever be happy with that 6 banger is to put a big a** turbo on it.
There is a reason ALL the drag racers went away from the flat head fords and the 6 bangers. Yeah you can buy expensive pieces, and drill this out and bore that and in the end you will almost be somewhere close to where a wore out 5.3 LQ9 would be after it had 300,000 miles on it.
Sometimes we have to be honest with yourself and to yourself.
That is a beautiful truck and to the guy who could love it as is it is perfect. To a true HOT RODDER, not so much.
Now to me, I have a 67 Nova drag car project with a 496 and a glide. A 67 black pro-street car with an LS-2 and a 6 speed. Building a 68 1 ton dually short bed step side 327 (for now??). If I had that truck I would probably drive it as it sits. (for now??) I dig it just how it is. But I also know what you mean about firing it up at the show and driving out wishing it was loping like a blown big block instead of sounding like grandpa's farm truck.
Like Popeye used to say. "I Yam What I Yam, and dat's all that I Yam.

[CST10]

Yes I do love those fire breathing BB's and LS engines.

The drag racer in me if I know myself will always crave that next speed bracket.

I did it with my car and BB truck......."I'll be happy if it runs 11.5's, then low 11's, then upper 10's then mid 10's, etc etc"......

But im try to control myself and love it with just a lil extra power or as it is currently.

My wife says I get too carried away building power......I told but it's quickly. Lol. But she says she will support whatever I choose.

[RenoKeene]

I can't believe no one suggested putting a semi correct date coded 68 396 in there. Rectangle port heads and a mild cam should get you the fun factor and of course you could dress it as factory stock. It was an option in 68 so.....

[kwmech]

If that were mine I would keep it as is, detail it out some and maybe put electronic ignition on it and enjoy the fuel mileage as opposed to my big blocks. I also would look into power steering and power brakes. On the absolute outside my wife would probably talk me into installing an automatic so she could drive it.

[CST10]

Originally Posted by kwmech

If that were mine I would keep it as is, detail it out some and maybe put electronic ignition on it and enjoy the fuel mileage as opposed to my big blocks. I also would look into power steering and power brakes. On the absolute outside my wife would probably talk me into installing an automatic so she could drive it.

Actually it gets about 13 mpg with the hei installed. 3:73 rear gear kills the gas mileage. My 462 CI BB gets 12 with a 3:07 rear gear.

[CST10]

Originally Posted by RenoKeene

I can't believe no one suggested putting a semi correct date coded 68 396 in there. Rectangle port heads and a mild cam should get you the fun factor and of course you could dress it as factory stock. It was an option in 68 so.....

Now that is an interesting idea. 396, hummmmm.

[RenoKeene]

Factory stock (almost) 68 big block short stepper.
Would be sweet. And I bet you already know where you can find a motor

[CST10]

That would be sweet but I'm try to keep it under control with the lil 6.

[2002yanks]

Here's a photo of mine mocked up out of the truck. like i said it will be mild for now. no cam or lump ports at this time. maybe over the winter/spring(need to save up some more $$). I did get a 194 head, so that will bump the compression up some(to 9:1). Starting to tear down, install tomorrow. will report back my impressions on it.

[CST10]

Originally Posted by 2002yanks

Here's a photo of mine mocked up out of the truck. like i said it will be mild for now. no cam or lump ports at this time. maybe over the winter/spring(need to save up some more $$). I did get a 194 head, so that will bump the compression up some(to 9:1). Starting to tear down, install tomorrow. will report back my impressions on it.

Sweet. Let me know your impressions and how it runs.

[Warrens69GMC]

Blow thru Turbo

[CST10]

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

Blow thru Turbo

Lol. Little more than I'm looking to do.

[2002yanks]

Got all the engine parts in and if fired right up(after it got fuel to the carb). Only ran it in the driveway because i dont have exhaust on yet(just headers). There are some difficulties with the headers(might just be for me). First the one closest to the firewall dumps right were the shift arms from the column to the tranny go. This might only be a problem for me because i am laying frame on full pb suspension. I solved this by ditching the 3ott and going to floor shift. Next the front header aims right at the z bar. Now it says in the instructions you will need a sharp bend to clear it, and i think it would. But i chose to modify the z bar by moving the bottom bar over 2 inches to allow a straight back dump to pass. Works like a charm. check out my build thread for some installed photos(some good ones of the headers).

That brings us to today. I went to bring it in the shop and jack it up. I noticed it was dripping coolant. Took awhile to find it, but my waterpump took a dump. Have to get a new one tomorrow and get it in. Then i will be able to actually take it for a ride.

Initial reactions are it definatly has more power. The edelbrock 1404 500 cfm carb fired right up and seemed to run smooth. cant wait to drive it. sounds good on just headers. I am running 2 1/4 duals and dumping behind the trailing arm crosmember. Running 2 22" cherry bombs.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Tuff call, because this has such low miles and is original... Too bad you don't have an option for an additional truck? Keep this as is, build your dream on another. I think that's what I'd do.

[2002yanks]

Just wanted to drop by and let you know i put 150 miles on it this weekend driving to the syracuse nationals(my biggest show of the year). In my opinion it was definatly worth it. It has alot more power. Throttle response is crazy now(compared to a stock 250). I would say i have about $14-1500 into it. Now again this was done without any block work. I had a guy watching over me that has done alot of rebuilds. He said the block looked good(said it wouldnt even take .010 to clean it up. Piston cyclinder walls looked real good also. If there is a next step it would be cam and springs with a port and polish on the head(and lump port kit). Not sure if i want to go down that road yet. I am happy how it is......for now. Think i would rather get started on another project. We will see.

[CST10]

Originally Posted by 2002yanks

Just wanted to drop by and let you know i put 150 miles on it this weekend driving to the syracuse nationals(my biggest show of the year). In my opinion it was definatly worth it. It has alot more power. Throttle response is crazy now(compared to a stock 250). I would say i have about $14-1500 into it. Now again this was done without any block work. I had a guy watching over me that has done alot of rebuilds. He said the block looked good(said it wouldnt even take .010 to clean it up. Piston cyclinder walls looked real good also. If there is a next step it would be cam and springs with a port and polish on the head(and lump port kit). Not sure if i want to go down that road yet. I am happy how it is......for now. Think i would rather get started on another project. We will see.

Thanks for the follow up on the results. Yea it's s tough call as to modify or find another to build.

I'm still torn on building or leaving as is since it's a low milage original truck. Yea I know it doesn't change the price or value of the truck. It's just the thought that not many still exist like this.

Decisions decisions. Lol.

[CST10]

How bout a few pictures of the carb linkage and the entire set up of the bolt ins. Pleeeeeaaaaasssseeee.

[2002yanks]

Will take some tonight.