Help! 1969 GMC Pick up needs a new engine...

[MMS1781]

I am having my newly purchased 1969 GMC 3/4 ton pickup worked on by the auto teacher at my school...I am a teacher....when he first looked it over, he said that he would recommend putting an entirely new drivetrain in. I am very new to restoring/working on trucks, I have just always loved them and came across this one for a good price so I bought it. The auto teacher told me to jump on some forums and get your advice for what type of engine I can put into this truck. If I can find one at a junkyard instead of buying a new one, that would be great...but if anyone has any advice on what type of engine woud for sure fit, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks in advance!

[culp7]

I would say for a learning experence just to rebuild it if its a 350 or other SBC. Then you can build it the way you want it!

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I always get a new engine from the GM goodwrench program. Culp has a good sugestion though. It would give the students good experience rebuilding it.

[PanelDeland]

Welcome!
My suggestion is to find out exactly what is wrong with the engine you have.Then decide how you will use the truck.If it's just going to be a cruise night ride then a simple rebuild may be the way to go.If you want performance a late model swap may be a good choice.Keep in mind that the engine choice may have an impact on the transmission choice.For ideas on engine choices I suggest looking thru the Projects and builds forum for lots of ideas.

[mclairmo]

I would not go with a junkyard engine unless you dont mind replacing it again in a short amount of time. I would go with a GM Goodwrench engine or a local rebuilder with a good reputation and warranty. Remember, you get what you pay for.

[Clyde65]

If it were mine, provided it isnt an all original type truck, I would go with a 6.0l and a 4l80e.

I agree with " what are you gonna use it for?" then make the decision.

[Danny Bost]

Most any small block Chevrolet will fit right in as long as you don't want fuel injection and such. Craigslist is a good place to look if you want a used engine. Rebuilding would be the best, but I understand the restrictions that a limited budget can place on you as well. Try looking for an older Caprice or van that runs good. You can typically pick them up cheap and you can drive them first to see how they run. Good luck with the project and welcome to our world.

[cdowns]

rebuiling isnt that easy on the budget and can turn into a long drawnout affair add to that i've seen alot of first time rebuilds only last a couple of thousand miles quite a few less than 500miles.. the GM crate program is very cheap for what you get and pretty much instant gratification with a warrenty

[monte0185]

Being an auto shop student back in my day i think you ought to find a 5.3/4l60e out of a later model truck and swap them out. They are very plentiful and fairly cheap as well as it would give the students a great deal of experience in doing this sort of swap as its becoming more and more common. Maybe a few of them will get the idea to do it themselves thus saving some of our old iron. Regardless good luck!!

[MMS1781]

Thanks for all the great advice! I want to use the truck not as a daily driver, but more for hauling mulch, antiques and other things that go well in the bed of a truck you know? I dont want to "show" her, but I would love to make her look like I could show her, if you know what I mean. I will talk to the auto teacher and tell him all of your suggestions to see what he thinks...thanks, this is a great forum!

['72customdeluxe]

Goodwrench 350 here. I wouldn't trust a highschool shop class built motor personally. I know kids my age too well...

[C20-67_N_MO]

Originally Posted by '72customdeluxe

Goodwrench 350 here. I wouldn't trust a highschool shop class built motor personally. I know kids my age too well...

x2 lol

I would trust them to install the engine/tranny but not on rebuilding it. As they don't have the money invested to care if they opps nick the crank's main journals or something.