The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 302 GMC engine

I have started down the modernization road with my GMC 302, without the 'extreme' part. The engine is rebuilt with a bump in compression, lighter pistons, balanced assembly, mild cam, mild head porting, and full flow oiling conversion.
The modern part is the addition of HEI, and a FiTech EFI system on the factory 2 barrel (military) manifold. This will be backed up by a T5 overdrive manual transmission, and a 3:38 diff, and all of this under a '53 GMC panel truck.
As it is yet to run, I can't say how it will perform, but I expect a world of difference from stock!
The goal was to make this set up be as smooth, reliable, economical, and powerful as possible without the very specialized work you are planning on doing. I plan to drive the heck out of this truck, and reliability is paramount!

I collect vintage motorcycles, and sell insurance for vintage vehicles, so this truck will transport me to shows all over the West Coast, serving as my transportation, as well as a way to haul my bikes and booth to shows. Looking forward to it!

This was piggybacked on a swap meet thread. Had nothing to do with the thread.

Sounds cool! Let us know how she performs!

I suspect that you will spend very little time in 5th gear/overdrive with the 3.38 rear gears. What size tires are you going to run? Shorter tires will make overdrive more usable.
If you haven't selected your T-5 yet, I would suggest the .86 to 1 version. This would work better with your 3.38 gears than the .72 to 1 T-5.
Carl

I don’t have experience with the 3:38 gears, I do have experience with the 3:55z

I’m running a 302, with Pertronix, dual Zeniths, and a Truckstell .73 overdrive, with Patrick’s 3:55 gears, and 16 inch tires. It does very well and I use overdrive often. This set up in the 45 Art Deco GMC does very well. I’m confident your 302 can handle the 3:38 in overdrive. Log some miles for yourself and then adjust if necessary.

I am very interested in your FiTech install. We have used the FiTech on a number of V8's including replacing the factory system on LS engines. I've been waiting for a customer to request one and figured we would have to get a 4bbl intake for a 235/261 and then use a four to two barrel adapter. Your 302 is already there. GMC's were often worked hard and were in the 10-12 mpg range and maybe 13 or 14 for an unloaded highway pickup so mileage with the FiTech will be of interest. Keep us posted!

I missed the part about the FiTech. If that system has the sensors and a computer which will continuously adjust fuel delivery rate efficiently at all RPM, the 3.38 rear gears may not be much of an issue for performance and efficiency. I would suspect that with the 3.38 gears, you will not be able to pull stumps in 1st gear however, but you can't have everything I guess.

With a spiced up 302 and loaded with a bike you will HAVE to have a World Class T5. We have a pile of broken regular T5's from behind V8's with sticky tires. If shifter position is not a factor the WC ones for Mustangs are easier to find and easy to adapt. Seems you allotted sufficient funds for the build so you might check out the TKO 500, a 5sp that will take everything your 302 can dish out.

The OP hasn't been on site since the first post. Don't expect a lot from this thread.

Tiny, I am not too familiar with these threads, so if I did something wrong I apologize.
Thanks!

The T 5 is already installed and is a .72. We will just have to see how it works out. Tires have not been purchased so I may have some wiggle room.

Coilover, I have friends that have used the FiTech with good results. I hope for the same, and will let you know what happens.

52Carl, you are absolutely right, there is always give and take with these builds.
I had a '54 Chevy 3/4 ton some years back that I drove the heck out of. With a speed of 55 mph that engine was spinning way faster than was comfortable. The Granny Gear low on that truck was great for pulling stumps, as you said, but was pretty useless for my daily driver. The hope is that this transmission compromise will allow me the opportunity to use the truck as more of a highway cruiser as opposed to a tractor.If it doesn't work as I hope, I will have to make changes. My fingers are crossed!

Also Coilover suggested that a World Class T5 was the way to go. That is what I installed in the truck. I have the early tail shaft housing on the WC trans to get the shifter in the right location, and can set up the mechanical Speedo down the road.

More questions than answers, but it is still exciting to be getting close to having a runner!

I have attempted to add a photo of my panel. If you can access it, we have a '53 with a '54 front clip on it. It's ugly as sin, but a solid truck.

Great looking Jimmy!

That is the kind of ugly I prefer! You won't have to worry about belt buckles, kids with ice cream, or greasy finger prints.