Working on 6 cyl question

[LilD]

So Im looking at several trucks in the 60-66 and 67-72 range. Some have V8s but alot of them have the inline 6s. How tough is it to work on the 6s and are parts readily availiable? Also are these engine good for torque? Some of the ads state being good tow vehicles but was in the train of thought that a 6 would be under powered for towing.

[bubba327]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
I have a 230 in my 64 and a 250 in my 71.
I left the Inline six in both since they both had good compression and ran good. The inline six is a strong motor due to the straight design and was the standard used since early days.
I have had no problems finding what little parts i need BUT they are more money. Torque and low end is outstanding.
There are books available where performance motors are getting 500-600- Horsepower from a inline six .
Check out Inliners .com Or Tom Langdons Stovebolt Pages
Now having said that. The V-8 is everywhere now. Parts are cheaper and interchange easily. Performance parts are more available and horsepower is better. No brainer there if you are building a new motor.
I wanted to be different and will run the Inline till it gives me trouble then out it comes.
Good luck Bubba

[LilD]

Ive had way too many projects that Ive swapped engines in and out of. I really want to be done with that. I am trying to hold out for a V8 and automatic. Changed too many clutches too. Theres just so many trucks out there with the 6 and 3 speed that are close and cheap. Thats why I thought Id ask.

[Shaky]

Sixes are very easy to work on.

A 292 makes a lot of torque down low but has a low redline. A 250 makes less torque but is a little "sportier".

The 3-speed will be the limiting factor. You can "get by" with a three speed, but to make a six work with todays highway speeds you need a wider range of transmission gears.

My '66 has a 250 and Richmond 5-speed (3.27 first and 1:1 fifth). It goes acceptably on the highway and the low first helps at the low end.

My '67 has a 292 and SM420 4-speed (really a 3-speed with a granny first). I'm going to put a Gear Vendors overdrive behind it so I can retain the low first. It turns the 4-speed into an 8-speed since you can engage the overdrive in any gear. It ain't cheap...

[72lb4x4]

Shaky that makes no sense. All nonoverdrive trans are 1:1 in the top gear so at highway speeds it makes no difference.

For the OP, I think if you get a truck with a six the rear end gear ratio will be lower than a truck born with a V8. If you decide to swap to a V8 that low gear may be lower than you want.

[Shaky]

Originally Posted by 72lb4x4

Shaky that makes no sense. All nonoverdrive trans are 1:1 in the top gear so at highway speeds it makes no difference.

I beg to differ. It allowed me to get rid of my 3.73s and run 3.07s without losing the bottom end.

[LilD]

Guess its easy enough to confirm what I already thought. Small block and automatic parts are everywhere and cheap. Ill drive the extra miles and pay the extra money to buy a V8/auto

[72lb4x4]

Originally Posted by Shaky

I beg to differ. It allowed me to get rid of my 3.73s and run 3.07s without losing the bottom end.

You're the only one who knows what "it" is. Try saying what it is first. Your second post makes as much sense as the first.

Sorry OP, I'll unsubscribe and stop intruding...

I think for towing a six may be underpowered. If it were me I'd be looking for a 71-72 truck with a 350, or 383. These trucks have disk brakes in the front from the factory.

[Shaky]

"It" is lower rpm on the highway without sacrificing low end torque multiplication. My apologies if I wasn't clear...

[Shaky]

Originally Posted by 72lb4x4

I think for towing a six may be underpowered. If it were me I'd be looking for a 71-72 truck with a 350, or 383. These trucks have disk brakes in the front from the factory.

They put sixes in dump trucks - they just geared them way down. It all depends on what your expectation is for ability to accelerate and a comfortable highway speed.

I agree - a V8 is probably a better choice and the disc brakes save a lot of work.

In my mind an LS motor with stock injection is a great set-up: you can beat the six's gas mileage and have loads of power and reliability to boot. However, the OP's question revolved around obtaining a 6-cylinder, 3-on-the-tree truck and leaving it as-is. I think he'll be disappointed, but a transmission change might make it livable.

[factorystock]

The early 60's truck buyer was different than the early 70's and later truck buyer.Business and Farmers were the largest market for pickups and they weren't interested in nicities. "For Economical Transportation" was the moto attached to kick plates and this was the buyers priority. The majority of early to mid 60's pickups will be found with 6 cylinders and manual transmission no power brakes, no power steering and no air. If you want all the goodies, it would be more economical to find an early 70's and later pickup.