The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1st Project

My first one, and my wife's even excited! A '48 GMC 1/2 ton. How big of as deal to put in a 305 out of a '82 Camaro? I've got an inline 6 from a '68 Chevy now. I've heard put the ex. manifolds on the oppposite sides and run them out the front and it should work...

Welcome,

Hang around for a while and read some older posts.

So a search on V8 install and you will find lots of info and absord the general tone towards V8s around here. Generic questions will have the locals in an uproar over why would you want to get rid of the inline 6, "cookie cutter", blah blah blah.

Specific questions are usually answered.

For some reason, I do not have all the exhaust/steering interference problems other people incur, I use center or rear dumps and TD performance universal side mounts.

Good luck with your project.

Chris

Chris is right. I'm in an uproar over you wanting a 305 to replace the I6. I don't think you'll notice much of a diff. in power and economy - just a lot less space and a lot of work. If you want a v-8, go with a 350.

Absolutely correct. Just a whole lot of work for a precious little gain. Besides, if you really want a V8 then consider buying a later model truck that already has one.

We are Inline 6 guys and darn proud of it.

JaN,
We put a 350 in our '54. We had to fabricate new motor mounts, but that was about the biggest challenge. Later, we had to put in a 305 when the 350 went out. We put in the 305 because we had a donor truck to pull it from. It was a pretty straightforward swap. We were able to use the same motor mounts we fabricated for the 350 on the 305, so you'll be able to upgrade someday if you want to.

Everybody's got an opinion about what to do with your truck, which is cool. Just remember, do what makes you happy and have fun with the project. It's YOUR truck!
-K

Well! Thanks for all the input people. I definitely get the idea of the V8 not being a welcome swap in....My initial reasons are the I6 is shot....and the 305 is free.....from my brother's crashed '72 Chevelle (darn nice car to sacrifice itself for his life). I understand the purist opinion, and actually had a buddy and his father who both built Model A's, one totally orginal, one totally built...what a pair side by side!! I see reasons for both. I don't plan on a whole lot of mods just yet, and have time to think on what the plan is ultimately going to be. Whatever the outcome is, my wife and I will be proud of it. I will look at past posts....

OK, I even confused my wife...the 305 is from an 82 Camaro, which got swapped into the 72 Chevelle....

Okay-how 'bout this? Install the 305,spend the coming winter rebuilding the six,order some power stuff for it,a split exhaust,couple of Smittys,maybe a 3 carb intake with 3 Carters,progressive linkage,a good cam from Clifford,a Pertronics ignition,when Spring hits,re-install the six,sell the 305,enjoy the truck. How does that sound?

I have the 350 in my 55.,,along with a 700R4 trasnny.Great running machine.Dont let em talk you out of that 305,I just sold a 56 Bel Air with one in it from an 84 Monte.That little bel Air walked away from a lot of 350s,and definitly any six bangers.

A free motor makes a big difference. Those are the best kind! I'm not against swapping sixes for eights, I'm just not a big fan of the 305. I had one in an 83 Trans Am many moons ago. We lovingly nicknamed it the gutless wonder. It must have been a Friday afternoon edition!

A free engine makes a big difference; you get to use all of the sale proceeds to invest in an engine with 6 cylinders all lined up in a row like they should be! 6>8!

A V8 is the way to go if the six is toast. Less waiting around for mail order parts and you can pick up most anything for a small block chevy at the local parts store. It will require a little more fabrication skills to get it in the truck but I think the rewards are worth it.

Exactly!!

Consider a 270 or 305 jimmy. Either one properly built will embarass the bejesus out of that small block.