Welcome,Iron Byron!!Three engines offered for'58 Chevy trucks. (G.M.C.'s another story.) The smaller trucks,(up to 1-1/2-ton,had the option of the 235 "Thriftmaster, L-6,or the 283,which replaced the 265 V-8,in'57. The 1-1/2-2-tons, were offered with either the 261 L-6 "Jobmaster",or the 283 V8,which only had approx. 5 H.P. more output,than the 261. No knowledge on Canadian codes. I don't think the 248's/409's,(V-8's) were available until '59. Sounds like a NICE find! Any pic's? If you can work on an old car or truck,with no computer crap,then you'll have no problem with a bigger truck. Some items,(like wheels),require bigger tools/torque settings,and a few more vacuum-operated items,(2-speed rear)but,designed for easy service. 5-speed may be O.D. unit,(check data tag),and coupled with a 2-speed rear,would give you decent gas mileage,at lower engine R.P.M.'s,less engine wear,increased fuel mileage.
Last edited by wetwilly5757; 08/27/2013 2:33 AM.
