I've said it before, I'll say it again. If you want the most out of a truck which has a 216, 235, or a 261, leave the engine stock except for maybe put a Carter YF on it, and put a better drivetrain behind it.
That would be a T-5 transmission and a rearend geared best for the T-5 you end up with.
If GM would have come up with the T-5 in the '40s, there would be fewer auto manufacturers right now.
It is that good behind a stock Stovebolt engine. Just ask anyone who has done that swap.
Every time you shift gears and dump the clutch, you are in the optimal power range of these engines. You have more gears and they are closer together. No more lugging, then gradual increase in RPM until you make it scream so as to prevent it from lugging from the next gear change.
I am not trying to take the fun away from engine tinkerers, but those gains are hard to find.
Last edited by 52Carl; 03/11/2022 12:22 AM.
