The 401 V-6 makes lots of torque, but does not turn very fast. It was famous for terrible fuel economy. The 454 makes lots of torque and lots of horsepower, plus it will turn pretty fast. Mileage isn't great either, but better than the 401.

I've heard recently that there was even a GMC kit for retrofitting the V-6 into a '47 to '54 GMC and recently a guy I know bought a '54 with the V-6 in it. If you could acquire that kit or the parts that would simplify installing the V-6.

The 454 will require changing the steering but otherwise isn't a real difficult swap.

How are you going to use the truck? If its just for show or just for working locally, and doesn't need to run down the freeway the V-6 might be your best choice. If you want to move a load at speed the 454 will be more satisfactory.

My own choice would be the 454 but I'm a fan of big Chevy motors.


1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble...