60's GM V6 in an AD?

[mrf1002u]

Anybody ever used a 60's truck V6 in an AD? Wondering about fitment with SM420 trans and steering clearance. Same issues as a V8? Apparently they came in a variety of sizes?

Larry W.

[Trekster]

According to Jolly, GMC made "kits" in the '60's to install GMC V-6's into other trucks, including AD trucks.

[URL="http://6066gmcclub.com/gmcguy//URL]

[mrf1002u]

Sounds like it is possible then. Wonder if there are steering mods needed?

I will say I read later that they are heavy and get really bad mileage, so maybe not a good choice. I was thinking that the 60 degree V6 might be easier than a V8 and I don't really need a V8.

Larry W.

[Speedbumpauto]

Since you brought it up, I don't think there could be a much worse choice to do all that work on and get what you get. In some of the larger CID versions, they were OK in bigger work trucks, but, IMO, the 305 version was heavy, dimensionally large, under powered for a lighter vehicle and got pretty horrible gas mileage. I would guess hard parts would be hard/expensive to find for a re-build also, kind of like the 348-409. A little bit of the wow factor would be there but there is a good reason those things aren't around any more.

[mrf1002u]

Originally Posted by Speedbumpauto

Since you brought it up, I don't think there could be a much worse choice to do all that work on and get what you get. In some of the larger CID versions, they were OK in bigger work trucks, but, IMO, the 305 version was heavy, dimensionally large, under powered for a lighter vehicle and got pretty horrible gas mileage. I would guess hard parts would be hard/expensive to find for a re-build also, kind of like the 348-409. A little bit of the wow factor would be there but there is a good reason those things aren't around any more.

Yeah,

One of those things where you see something and go, "hey that would work good". Then the more you look into it, the more it turns to crap. LOL

Larry W.


To continue the string of bad ideas...Buick 90 degree V-6? Not too powerful, but surely more than a 216 LOL. Pretty compact and light and way better than the 2.8 60 degree v6. The jeep guys used a lot of them.

Larry W.

[mrf1002u]

Originally Posted by mrf1002u

To continue the string of bad ideas...Buick 90 degree V-6? Not too powerful, but surely more than a 216 LOL. Pretty compact and light and way better than the 2.8 60 degree v6. The jeep guys used a lot of them.

Larry W.

Nevermind that one either...I forgot that a special bellhousing is required to get from the Buick to the SM420 trans. Should have remembered that from my Jeep days.

Larry W.

[Speedbumpauto]

Had one of the odd fire 90's in a jeep with intake and headers and it was pretty sweet in a lighter vehicle. I think the 4.3 Chevy version would be the best choice since it makes more power and shares pistons, rings, etc with a 350. Might not find one any cheaper than a small block V-8 though. If I was building a driver again I'd have to opt for the 5.3 LS engine, SIMPLE: slap an intake and carb on it. HARDER: do the computer and find a 6LXX auto trans for it.....and CRAZY: turbo it. In case you wonder, I lean toward crazy.

[mrf1002u]

Sounds fun...I was just contemplating newer power plant without all the exhaust, steering box, radiator, etc issues with the wide V8's. Most likely I will end up with a newer 235. I would go 250 if the length would work, but too long for the 53' 3800 sheet metal I hear.

Larry W.