Silver girl, Welcome to the 'bolt. I will add my voice to those that think it would be prudent to retain the 6 cyl. If more speed is needed, there is an engine called 261 that will bolt in to your truck with hardly any modification and will make a real runner out of it. Look over the site and you will read a bit about the 261 engine, I think it will be a good choice to you. You can also use a 5 speed transmission and get overdrive making for easy 75 m.p.h. cruising. I put an overdrive in a 1954 Chev. pickup and it was very satisfactory and would cruise at 75 easily. With a little attention to the front axle like new bushings, etc. the suspension will be adequate for the speed. Good luck with whatever you do with your "new 'bolt", just get it driveable and enjoy it.
