Intro and a few questions.

[murdoc3]

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to take a few minutes and introduce myself and ask a few questions.

I've been reading the forum for a few months now as I'm currently shopping for a 1960-1966 C10. I haven't owned a truck before, but now I need one for infrequent use, and I'm really drawn to the C10.

So here are my questions...

1) What do you think is the best engine for a C10? I'm personally looking for something which has the best fuel economy. I'm not trying to race in it.

2) What are the advantages of installing an LQ9? I've seen a few installs on the board with this engine..

3) 4x4 C10. Is this a considerably sought after feature? Are there any advantages / disadvantages to 4x4 on the C10 that I should be aware of as a potential buyer?

Thanks everyone!

[ralf]

66 250 cid

[TopFuel1966]

I have a 5.3 w/4L60E trans in my truck. Drivabliliy and dependability are excellent with pretty decent mpg to boot.

[aerotruk63]

4X4 is a K series, therefore you drop the C and add the K.
K10 = 1/2 ton four wheel drive.
Used to have one and now I'm building one.

[murdoc3]

Originally Posted by ralf

66 250 cid

Thanks Ralf!

Originally Posted by TopFuel1966

I have a 5.3 w/4L60E trans in my truck. Drivabliliy and dependability are excellent with pretty decent mpg to boot.

I know mpgs are relative to the driver but what would you say you are getting on average? and what made you choose a 5.3?

[ralf]

If you want old school then the 66 250 engine (first year) is a good choice they used the same engine in the next series of C10's so they are more plentiful than the smaller straight 6's used up through 1965.

For a more modern trouble free motor then the LT or LS series of Chevy engines can't be beat but they are several skill levels above a 250 straight 6. If you buy a c10 with one of these conversions done right you will pay a premium price.

[TopFuel1966]

Originally Posted by murdoc3

Thanks Ralf!



I know mpgs are relative to the driver but what would you say you are getting on average? and what made you choose a 5.3?

Good power and torque out of a stock, smooth running, dependable engine/trans combo. I'm averaging about 18.5 mpg at highway speeds (75) with the a/c running in a 3820 lb. truck with a 3:70 gear.

['63GENIII]

I have heard great things about the 5.3. I have a LQ9 in our Yukon and while it pulls fine, it also gets mileage not much better than my carbed 396 Pros to 4x4; don't get stuck too often and pretty high cool factor.
Cons to 4x4; lower fuel mileage, more parts to break, when you do get it stuck you're usually really stuck!
Pros to 2wd; better fuel mileage, less parts to break fairly high cool factor
Cons to 2wd; need a floor jack to work under them

['63GENIII]

My appologies. Welcome to the forum!

[murdoc3]

Originally Posted by TopFuel1966

Good power and torque out of a stock, smooth running, dependable engine/trans combo. I'm averaging about 18.5 mpg at highway speeds (75) with the a/c running in a 3820 lb. truck with a 3:70 gear.

That actually sounds a lot better then I was expecting to get. Thanks for your reply!

[krazy_texan]

if you are looking for an occasional driver that is prob going to be used for stuff like home depot runs and that is not going to see much highway use i would go with an inline 6, i have one in my truck and around town it gets incredible gas mileage as long as i stay off the highway plus they are incredibly easy to work on. I would not opt to get a 4x4 unless you actually plan on using it just simply because that is just more moving parts to break on you, desirability is in the eye of the beholder not everyone likes 4x4s though a factory 4x4 is not to common.

[murdoc3]

Originally Posted by krazy_texan

if you are looking for an occasional driver that is prob going to be used for stuff like home depot runs and that is not going to see much highway use i would go with an inline 6, i have one in my truck and around town it gets incredible gas mileage as long as i stay off the highway plus they are incredibly easy to work on. I would not opt to get a 4x4 unless you actually plan on using it just simply because that is just more moving parts to break on you, desirability is in the eye of the beholder not everyone likes 4x4s though a factory 4x4 is not to common.

The occasional home depot run, and having a spare car is exactly why I'm looking to get a truck. I was thinking that 4x4 would mean that I could occasionally use it for camping or snowboarding trips, but it wouldn't be a necessary option.