Greetings- I bought a 1949 3600 Chev truck back in September of 2019. I had this same year, make and model truck when I was 18 years old. I'm now 62. I found the truck on-line through Hemmings. Body-off restoration and she looks great ... get a lot of thumbs-up when we take her out on nice days. I am new to this website and I've spent some time reviewing posts and information. This looks to be the perfect site for good information and guidance. A little about myself. I live and work in the Pacific Northwest (Seattle). I'm a lifetime PNW native. I have interest in cars but quickly and humbly admit, my mechanical aptitude is limited. However, I'm learning and as I grow closer to retirement, this is a hobby I intend to pursue. Beside my truck, I also own a Porsche - 1988 911 Carrera. I love the blend of my old graceful truck to the classic German sport cars. I take great pleasure in driving them both. The engine is the original 216. It's an old tired engine, blows some smoke and compression is off by 20psi between cylinders. It runs adequately, but will need a rebuild in the next year or two. I haven't investigated to engine numbers to determine if this is the original motor. In reading the forum and as I become comfortable and knowledgeable in navigating/posting, I'd like to find out the pros/cons on 216 versus 235. If the engine turns out to be the original, I'd definitely re-think my approach and stick with the 216. My interest in a 235 would be in hopes to get more top-end speed and have the ability to make drives between Washington down to Oregon on occasion. I've read where I might need to consider transmission change/modification and appropriate gear ratio for more top-end highway speed. Currently, top-end is about 45 mph-ish. I'd like to find a solution to get to a comfortable 55-60 mph if possible. Other changes are more modest and again, this site and membership group will be ideal. Being new to Stovebolt, I'm looking for help in learning how to efficiently post information and questions and engage with members. This site looks to offer a lot of valuable information and history. Thank you for allowing me to join this group. In introductory guidance on posting and receiving information will be appreciated. Todd
