The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1951 gmc 100 228 help.

Go to a strictly GMC forum and ask what they think about the 228.
I've read that they think the engine is underpowered but is usable at lower speeds (not expressway) and works okay on a farm.
Most who have a choice would rather have the 248 or better yet the 270 inline 6. The 302 is a gas hog.
All these engines will cost much more to rebuild than a Chevy 350 V8. It's sad but that's life.
It depends on what you want, 100% original or have something that looks original but works better.

You can use a Chevrolet 216, 235 or 261 engine but to a real GMC lover, the engine has to be GMC.

My 2 pennies.[/quote]

I have a 228 in a very heavy fire truck. It is fine for the prementioned low speed work but has limitations due to the vehicles weight. I was having some issues with the 228 and was told that it required a top end rebuild . After 2500 and the rebuild, it doesn’t have any more power than it did before. It is the smallest GMC 6 built and was told to get a 270 or 302. The 270s are easier to find and almost produce the power of the 302 with less fuel usage. Either way you go between a 228 and 302 rebuild , it will be expensive.

Remember the bell housings are different between CHEV and GMC and if you find a military 302, there are many more issues that will come to light when installing it in a Chevrolet. This and oldgmctrucks forums are the places to get great knowledge and info. Do your homework, talk to the experts and go with the consensus.