got my chevy truck

i realize that none of you really know me and it's not like i post all that much at all, but i've been reading the boards for a little while and i think it's time to start posting a little.

recently i finally got my truck...51 chevy 1/2 ton. it's got a 250 inline 6 from a '72 nova, auto trans and a 12 bolt rear. i got a buddy at my work that is pushing me to put a sbc 350 in it, but i've been reading a lot about 250 6 cyl's that are putting out some good power. (mostly from leo santucci's book, but...) anybody have any opinions on either motor? i know A LOT of people run the 350 and parts are cheap and available, any opinions?

thanks to anyone and everyone who reads this/posts to this...

mike

 

Very nice… Congrats on the purchase. 51’ Chevys are nice trucks. As far as the engine goes the sky is the limit with either one. If you want to be a little different than the next guy and save some money for other things for the truck then hold off on the 350 and stick with the 250. But personally if I were to swap engines I’d probably be looking for a pre-350 era (1969) small block Chevy like a 265, 283, 302, 307 or 327 if you want to stay some what traditional. Just my 2 cents… Good luck with her!

Got some Pictures?

 

Congrats, It all depends on what you would like to do with it. For myself and clark and motor mikey we all run sbc, some bigger than others.. Do what ever makes you happy..
Just my opinion and here is what mine looks like 48 GMC

 

if you're on a budget keep the 6 banger and drive the shit out it. I personally like the sbc 283's

 

Welcome and naturally I have no problem with your choice of ride. Take some time to enjoy your truck the way it is and if you get a chance to drive someone elses truck with a V8 then you can judge for yourself.

 

Dollar for dollar you will get more power with a 350. But if power is your biggest issue a big block 572 is going to beat that 350.

It really has to start with what you want the truck to be when its done. For a fun driver I'd sure be temped to keep that 250. For a racer it would come out ASAP.

My '55 1st GMC has a GMC 270 under the hood. It gives plenty of power for a daily driver, but isn't up to pulling a loaded trailer and certainly is not going to win a race. I did blow off a little ricer with it once.

 

350s are great engines, you know all about parts availability and low cost etc. The 250 would be cool too. I'm planning to use an inline6 in my '37 IH.

I'd say (not having any experience with the Chevy 6) Go for the 6! Dare to be different (or ridiculed)!

 

Like alot of people have said its all up to you and your budget. I put a 63 327 in mine. I like to think that its period correct but its really not. In all honesty unless its a 265 its not period correct. I had a conversation with 00Mack once and we agreed that no one would have built an AD chevy once the 55 model year chevys came out. So even saying that a 265 is period correct is pushing it. However, building a SBC will be cheaper if change is what you want. You can also dress it up however you please and it will look like it was popular when the truck was built. It seems that you have the rear end to back it up with the 12 bolt. Here's a picture of my motor and chassis, I like to think that it looks period but at least it doesn't look out of place.

 

oh yeah and you can make a 350 or any later model SBC look like a 265 anyway

 

thanks to everybody for your opinions, i appreciate all of what is being said. i think what i'm gonna wind up doing is running the 250 for awhile (since it's installed and running....except for that damn cracked radiator) and build a 350 for the future. i'm not totally into being completely period correct. i'm really just looking to build something fun and something for me. either way, it'll be an experience for me, not being all that up on the tricks and the insider information. thanks again!!!

mike

 

I think your making a good choice. Especially like most of us..hP and money dont grow on trees. I had an early 350 in my Chevy and love it. I loved eating Mustang 5.0's up.

Now keep in mind this was done back in the late 80's.

 

Run the 250.
Get a four barrel intake and a Holley 390.
Get a set of tube headers and put an HEI with a hotter coil in it.
Use the V8 advance in the distributor.
Get a little hotter cam for it and be done with it.
Oh, maybe run a 5-spd behind it.
You will be pleased with the end results and hardly anybody out there will have one like it.

All the above is subject to chenge if you want to do a lot of heavy hauling in it (like me).
That's why I changed directions in my '54.
r