"63 GMC 305 on AL CL

[reighmey]

http://columbusga.craigslist.org/pts/1656904732.html

[chevyrestoguy]

How well do those 305 GMC engines run? I always wondered if they were torque-monsters. Do they make a decent street engine, and are parts hard to come by?

[reighmey]

No personal experience but the following websit is awesome for GMC

http://www.6066gmcguy.org/

[Joemomma1]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

How well do those 305 GMC engines run? I always wondered if they were torque-monsters. Do they make a decent street engine, and are parts hard to come by?

I never had to tow anything with mine but it had no power. The red line was at like 3500, gas mileage was horrible and parts were a real pain in the ass to get, everything had to ordered and cost at least 2x as much as a SBC. Hell, you can almost walk into a liquor store and pick up something for a sbc. So I guess what Im trying to say is I dont think it was very streetable. Oh you want to put an auto tranny behind it? Sorry, the typical gm trans wont bolt up. A big block v6? WHY! (Please dont answer, its not a real question) Alright Im done, you can see I am not a very big fan of those engines.

[BobS]

chevyrestoguy,

If you want a truck engine, the 305 is a good engine, the 351 is better. If you want your truck to be more like a car, stick with a small block. The GMC V-6 doesn't like to rev very high, they do have a lot of torque down low where you can actually use it and parts are easy to find if you know what you're looking for. As for gas mileage, I have a 305 with a Holley 500 on it, backed by a TH-400 and Spicer 60 with 4.10s that I've gotten as high as 17 mpg with while pulling a trailer. Jolly's site that reighmey mentioned is a good source of information on the GMC V-6. These engines get a rap because the examples that are cited often haven't been maintained well, the carbs are shot and people don't know how to drive them.

Bob

[jbgroby]

I agree with Bob S,

Without trying to start an argument, one of the main reasons that we build our trucks is to be “a little different” from the next guy and this goes for all in the group, examples such as chrome dress up kits non-standard paint jobs, special rims, and other do-dads etc.

Many of us in the 305 world have long since recognized the classic work and feel for the V-6. It truly nice when you get someone to take a look at a cruise night, show and shine, charity event, etc. and learn that these engine were made. Many, many folks never knew they even existed at all, especially the younger guys. It’s nice to stand out from the herd of S-6 and 350’s. Without a doubt at least the engine is a true piece of automotive history. Does the engine give up the power to jump off the line at a stoplight – No it was not built for that, however, once up to speed, don’t try to stop the stuck, it’ll pull up the road..

Joemomma,
“Oh you want to put an auto tranny behind it? Sorry, the typical gm trans wont bolt up.” Yes it will with a adaptor plate that made from Bendtsen Transmission Adaptors.

http://www.transmissionadapters.com/...%20&%20V12.htm

If you’re lucky to have the automatic already many transmissions will bolt right up to the existing plate. This picture shows an original set up.

[4dranch]

Originally Posted by BobS

chevyrestoguy,Bob

Well said Bob..

[daxloves]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

How well do those 305 GMC engines run? I always wondered if they were torque-monsters. Do they make a decent street engine, and are parts hard to come by?

I love my 305 v6. Not the perfect choice for drag racing but for work its perfect. So far I havent found a thing I cant pull as long as i get enough traction. My truck with the 305 out pulls my tractor.
As for parts... I wouldnt know. had the truck for close to 15 years and worked the crap out of it and havent had to buy any eingine parts except a water pump, carb kit and some new brushes for the starter. In my experience they are extremely dependable so long as you dont over rev them.

[Joemomma1]

I remember people would ask "Is that a diesel?". So I understand what you mean by people not knowing it existed. I am just not a fan. Thats not really "bolt up" you need the adapter, without it you cant. I have the same set too.

Oh, and it doesnt take a genius to rebuild a carb or drive a truck.

[jbgroby]

BTW, If you're not using your a few folks on Jolly's site are look for the setup, Why don't you drop them a note?

Jake

[Joemomma1]

Originally Posted by jbgroby

BTW, If you're not using your a few folks on Jolly's site are look for the setup, Why don't you drop them a note?

Jake

I will never use it and would like to sell it. Im thinking about putting it up on ebay. I have no solid asking price.

[justcuz]

Jollys site would give you a realistic idea what it is worth. E-bay is the right place to sell it for the exposure, but you may not get what it is worth on there.

[rwgregory]

Coming from a certified, bonified GMC V-6 nut, I think the GMC V-6 is the best pure truck engine ever built. nuff said...