I know that I have not Posted hardly any Threads here. However, I do read a few Threads now and then. With my Job and my NEW Grandson here most of the time, I do not have as much time for myself anymore. Now for my question or comments. I have a 1957 GMC 1/2 ton with the original 6-cylinder. Runs great and shifts very good. But I have a very good friend who is thinking of pulling out his Hopped-up Chevy 350 that sounds and runs REALLY GOOD out of his Studebaker. He is going to put in a 500 Caddy engine in his Studebaker unless he changes his mind which he has done in the past. If he does not put in the Caddy engine, would you (if you were me) grab it and hang on to it so I can put it in my 57 GMC Truck? Or if he pulls the Chevy 350 out grab it and put it with a 4-speed Muncie and put it in my GMC? I guess I am saying... which engine would be the best and on my very SLIM Budget the easiest to fool with? If the Caddy engine is going to be alot of trouble to put in then I might want to p*** on it. I know Chevy Engines are very good and parts are easy to come by as well. But that Caddy engine sure sounds good as well as I think it should have alot of power. Did they come with 400 Turbos behind them? Thanks in advance for your Comments and Suggestions! Ya'll are GREAT!
First, how did the body get so damn rusty and the chrome stay good. ................I'd go with the 350 or leave it stock except r/e.
I believe the Caddy 500 was only used in Eldorados and therefore would not ever have had a 400 Turbo behind it. But they can use the same BOP T400 that might have been behind a Cad 472. I've just done some trading and will soon have one myself which I'll use in an old GMC pickup. The 500 makes lots of torque and in a work truck should be real useful. That's why I'm doing it. If you want an economical driver the 350 would probably a better idea and easier to install. Which GMC motor do you have now? Lots of people would want that motor, especially if its a 270 or 302.
Well it had been in a Barn...(I know you have heard that before but this time it is true) and it had been a farm truck all it's life until the original owner p***ed away. As far as the chrome....you might want to see it up close. Thanks for the Comment about the engine too! I appreciate it!
I have the original 270 in it. It runs great now and uses no oil. I drive it nearly everyday up until it got cold here a week or so ago. Thanks!
If your tight on money the 350 is the only way to go. So many parts for the motor and the swap. Should be a breeze Acechev55
Why not hop up and detail that 270. It' a great engine. A lot of guys would LOVE to have one, and every one (including me) is running a small block in their old Chevy truck. Then you will have more time and money to spend on that new grand baby.
I agree with what many others are saying. On a budget and want some more go, the SBC is a good choice. (Ugh, I'm gonna cop it from mates for saying that) It will fit in a hell of a lot easier too. BUT, it all boils down to the almighty buck. How much can you afford??
the 500's came in devilles about 71-75 and you can stick a 400 on the back of an eldo. actually, the eldo woud be the preferred engine due to the pan and hp...
You'll spend a lot of money and still have less power than a stock V8, plus it won't have that V8 sound.
I'd keep the Jimmy in it. How many Jimmys do you see? I don't see many. Personally I love the feel of driving an old truck. I don't need another V8 automatic mindless cruiser. My old truck has a small V8 with a 3 spd. It's fun to drive. I feel like I'm driving it and not just steering it. Yeah I rev it up higher than I should, Sunday shift it and then run 'er up in second. I know it's not for good gas mileage but that's half the fun of an old truck. How many street races have you've been in lately that you REALLY cared if you won or lost? Is burning rubber important to you? Others won't agree but once you turn your old truck into a Chevelle or a Coupe Deville, you wont have an old truck anymore. You'll be thinking Mustang II, PDB, PW etc. etc. Before everyone screams you're a restorer and not a hot rodder...I never said don't hot rod it. I'd hot rod the 270...dual carbs, a header and some detailing. (I'd leave the outside alone) I've never owned a Jimmy but I've heard a lot of stories about them. They always had a mysique about them. To me they rank right up there with the flathead and the 303 Olds. You may find that you miss your old truck once you change it's personality. For those who have never enjoyed the personality of a good running old truck...you won't understand. I sense you may like the way it drives now. I would!
Thanks for the sound advice. I have had so many people ask me, When are you going to V/8 that truck? I have always said that it runs GREAT now and I hate to mess up a good thang when you have one. It is just my good friend that I trust has that killer 350 and I having been thinking so long about that 350 engine, that I thought that the way to go would be to get a second opinion by asking my good freinds here on HAMB. Is there any places to look up for Hop-up parts for my 6-cylinder now? Thanks!
IMHO I'd keep the 6. Bottom line is DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO not what your friends think you should do. If they don't *get it* it's thier loss.
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