larger inline 6 in the 55-59?

[alden]

Just curious if anyone's swapped out a bigger straight 6 into their taskforce pickup. I really like the look and thought of the inline six but would like to find a more highway suitable platform for some cross country trips down the road; I know it's possible with the 235, this is mostly brainstorming while I wait for various wiring parts to come in

So are there any big GM straight sixes that are common enough to be reasonably inexpensive and also powerful enough to make the swap worth the effort?

Thanks!
Alden

[TwoFiftyShifter]

I think a 292 would be worth the swap. Alot more power and torque. I would look into a 5 speed tranny with OD..... that would make the 235 way more practical.

[PDW HOTRODS]

Years ago I used a 1979 250 straight six in a 1953 Chevy PU. It had HEI, and I put a 2 brl carb on it from a 350 V8. It ran great, had alot more power than the 235, and it still got 22 mpg on the hyw. I am now doing the same set up in a 1975 short stepside for my daughter. If you want a 6, I think the 250 is the best way to go. The 292 has more power, but get closer to V8 gas mpg. I would go V8 before a 292.

[terd ferguson]

The 261 was a hot setup back in the mid to late '50s. They made some pretty good power with those big truck motors.


Check it out...
http://www.selectric.org/55chevy/soup.html

[Dan in Pasadena]

Here's a 292 in a '68. I think it looks outrageously nice but is stock mechanically. If you want power, this is the way. Add fuel injection and it would be perfect for your purpose.

[capev86]

they make a TBI system and roller valvetrain for the 292. all that with a 5 or 6 speed in 48-53 1 ton panel truck would be killer. especially if you used late model 3/4 or 1 ton disc brakes and narrowed IFS but hid everything behind stock brightwork and wheels. that is perhaps my biggest (truck) dream vehicle after my tricked up 72 burb 3/4 ton. maybe some day....i love building stock looking sleeper vehicles.