Technical 3800 Pickup Engine Advice

Hi all, brand new to the forum but have been skimming through some posts and gathering some awesome information! I just bought a 1954 3800 pickup and am trying to decide on an engine for her. I'd love to put in an inline 6 to look somewhat original. She currently is just a frame and body in great condition, so I have plenty of flexibility (but minimal experience in rebuilds). I've been considering a 261 or a 292, understanding that the 261 is hard to come by. If you could put any inline 6 engine in a fresh rebuild like this, what would you choose for a casual driver, occasional highway truck?

 

I'd probably put a propane-fueled Ford turbo 2.3 L in it ... and try to keep the foot starter (if it has it).

Edited to add: Or maybe I'd put a motor in it.

 

I would think twice about putting a six in such a heavy truck. It depends how you plan to use it. If you are in no hurry and 50MPH is plenty fast, then ok keep the six.

What is wrong with the original engine? If it is decent or can be rebuilt there is little to be gained by changing engines.

 

6 or 8 will spin the same RPMs. 3800, 8 lug wheels?

 

A 261 would bolt right in
A 292 would require fabrication and is slightly longer than what was in it.
A truck bellhousing for a v8 from 55 to 71/2 ish (straight 6 from around 62 to 71/2 ish would bolt to the original trans crossmember.
Then fab the front mount
The gearing is what makes it cruiser friendly.
Could just change the rear end for better gearing

 

Cummins

Other wise the 292 if you can find one and afford some up grades .

Unless I was restoring it or did not plan on driving it much it would get a V8 and likely need a over drive if its got the gearing I suspect it has .

 

Welcome to the HAMB from East Tennessee, glad you're here. As for your truck engine question, yours came with either a 216 or 235, and they got around pretty well with those. Personally, I'd go looking for a 292, they're just about bullet proof. What rear end gearing does your truck have?

 

Oh, by the way, next time you post pictures, hit the full-size button.

 

I changed a six cylinder pickup truck to V8 without changing the rear gears. It had a higher crusing speed and top speed because the short stroke V8 will rev higher. It also had great acceleration and pulling power. But, if you plan a lot of hiway driving, a lower (numerical) rear gear would be nice.

 

Do you know what engine you have ? The 261 was available in 1954 in heavy trucks like yours. There is a chance it has one, or that a newer engine was swapped in at some point.

 

he says it doesn't have an engine or transmission, if you read between the lines.

It's a one ton truck, it's not a little 1/2 ton pickup truck. Do you really want an old 1 ton truck? Or do you think you want a neat little old pickup truck? This is an expensive and time consuming decision...so get it right the first time....

 

Could ditch the original trans x-member and use a nv3500 or 4500 behind a 292
That will give ya an overdrive
Dont want to change gears?
Then a 700r behind a 292.
All 3 mentioned transmissions will also go behind a gm v8

 

If you have to have a six, consider a Ford 300. I also like the Cummins suggestion.

 

If the rear axle is stock, then it’s in the high 4’s or even low 5’s. Are you dead set on keeping it 8 lug wheels? If not, swap axles and look for a ratio in the middle 3’s. I used a 12 bolt truck axle in my 1950 3100 from a 1969 C-10. 6 lug wheels to match my front and I have a 3.73 instead of a 4.11 the truck was built with. A 3.73 in your truck with a 3 speed manual and a 250 would be a nice runner.

 

Thanks for the input everyone! Certainly helps getting direct thoughts all in one place.

The truck has no engine or drivetrain currently. It's just a skeleton with a whole lot of potential. I love the giant old truck that will stand out from all the other trucks out there. Love the 9' bed even more! Don't intend for it to be much more than a weekend cruiser with the occasional small highway trip.

 

I think the full-size or whatever it is button was used, but the forum software makes it fit the format by reducing it and allowing folks to click on it to get to full-full-size.

 

Adding to that, I wonder if the 1-ton brakes (front drums, especially) and/or conversion stuff are available.

 

Its a 3800 truck, pull a 3800 Buick out of an old LeSabre and drop it in there.

 

There is a front disc conversion
The drum stuff seems to still be available. The 14 inch drum parts can be a little harder to find.
For a weekend cruiser I’d fix the stock. To cruise at Hwy speeds I’d consider a newer rear axle. Dana 60/70 or 14 bolt. EZ to locate and plenty of parts available
I had a 3/4 ton with 3:55 gears. Cruises down the road great
https://www.napaonline.com/en/shop/...truck/1954/replacement-parts/brakes/201579366

 

I'm the opposite of "puta350init" guy but in this case it might be the best answer.

 

If you don't have the skills and tools to install a engine that didn't come in the truck you should look for an engine that was fitted in one of these truck. You will still need basic hand tools to pull that off with a good shop manual for your truck.

 

I believe the stock ration was 5.14:1.

 

I had a '48 3100 and front drums weren't available (over 20 years ago), if I recall correctly.

 

Don’t doubt the drums beiing gone
I’ve wondered what it cost to have drums re-lined

 

'48 and '54 probably use different brakes. I had a 57 3800 and front brake parts weren't hard to find.

 

A 235 would make it cruise
I’ve seen running ones go cheap
I got a free one a month ago.

same for 250s.
A 292 can sometimes be hard to source
Bellhousings are EZ
The trans is easy if ya like to change gears. Sm420s aren’t hard to come up with

 

Good point.

 

The cab on this truck, and I believe at least next two sizes up are the same.

Make friends with Anthony!!!

Ben

 

I would put a Pontiac V8 in it. GMC did it starting in the tri 5 years and that wouldn’t be a cookie cutter type engine. The other thought would be a big block V6 from a later GMC truck or a 270/302 GMC I6 if staying inline.

 

Is there an easy way to change the steering if he puts in an 8? Might be a dealbreaker if he wants it simple.