I hate to keep launching this thread but I am anxious to understand the engine question in my new 52 panel half ton as the motor represents the most costly and critical decision in the redo. I've decided to restore the truck this winter into a daily driver.
I can get my hands on a Mercruiser 454 Mag or 500 EFI used for cheap with my contacts here. Fuel injected, loads of power, no smog. But then the car becomes somewhat of a hot rod. And the steering column has to be redone, etc. I kind of like the idea of having modest but adequate power. I don't know much about the 235. But I hear you guys talking about upping the ante to the 261 for various reasons. There I go changine engines, though. The original "updated" or a big block sound better for some reason than a bigger, better six.
For a few thousand dollars can the 235 be full flowed, bored, (maybe stroked), moderate cam, bigger valves, ported, etc, and result in a, say, 150hp motor that is tame and easy to daily drive?
I do know that a stock 327 or 350 will provide all the power that I'm looking for and then some. So what to do here. Help. I want to start this process but don't know enough yet. Thanks. Richard Myers....north of Dallas TX
