Originally posted by MAC 38:
How about a GMC 302?
Excellent choice!
The 302 is longer and will require moving the radiator and front engine mount forward. The GMC motors are a little better than the Chevy motors, they all have pressure oil and are made of better steel.
If you can't find a 302 look for a 270. Externally looks the same, but not quite as big. 32 cubes will make a difference, but if you are looking for appearance and sound, not max power, the 270 could be easier to find and cheaper to buy.
Be warned hop up parts for these are hard to find and often expensive.
I have a 270 in a '55 1st GMC Suburban. With 3.08 gears it isn't strong enough to pull a loaded trailer the way I'd like, but otherwise it has always seemed to have plenty of power. It will easily exceed the speedlimit everywhere I drive and does not have any trouble keeping up with traffic.
For comparison when I pull a trailer I typically use a 454 powered truck. The 270 just doesn't compare very well.
