Hi Folks I picked up a 1963 Chevy pick up with a straight six, I am looking for some hot rod and dress up parts, as in Alum. side covers and valve cover and a nice intake and help in finding such would be great
Two or 4 wheel drive it's been a long time but I remember Chevy using 235s in 63 four wheel drive trucks.
I got my side covers and my valve cover for my 292 from this guy. https://www.12bolt.com/ Nice quality aluminum pieces but not cheap. He has taken on some of Tom Langdon's stuff since Langdon has decide to cut down on his work.
Seems to me,. even the 261 was still an option AFTER the later style sixes came out; pretty sure my Father had a 261 in his later year 62. I'd hope for one of the 7 main bearing sixes as opposed to the older 4 main bearing "Stovebolts". More power, smoother operation, cheaper parts, lighter weight, and more aftermarket parts available for them. Clifford or Offenhauser 4 barrel manifold with a small Holley, cast iron headers, a "good" ignition such as a later factory HEI or an aftermarket distributor. Side covers (2 on the later six, one on the older), and a valve cover are $$$, and don't add any power; if looks is all you're after, just know some guys have had sealing issues with the aftermarket aluminum valve covers. Sixes sound good with improved exhaust (headers and duals). Be sure to read the tech articles on 12bolt.com, especially the 66 Olds F-85 one.; they will give you real world examples of how to build a later six. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.