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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,077 Posts1,056,034 Members48,433 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 23 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 23 | WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS A SUGESTION ON WHAT MOTOR WOULD WORK BEST IN OUR 49 PANEL VAN IF WE WERE TO USE THE OLD FRAME | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | If you want to do the easiest "upgrade": Tech Tip - Engine Swap | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,215 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,215 | You can get many suggestions and there is not a right or wrong way of doing it. My suggestion is simply my opinion, for what it's worth. The original low pressure oiler will not be a good choice. So now the options are many. Another stovebolt six will bolt in very easily. I was exactly in your position a year ago. I found an old 261 which are quite plentiful in Canada and shouldn't be hard to find for you either. It cost next to nothing but the rebuild was around $2000.- . It will look very much like the original, but will last longer and still has lots of torque and horses. For me, because I like to keep things pretty much as they were, this is the right engine. I will not second guess my decision. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | What are you going to use the panel for? Best has a lot to do with being right for the purpose.
If you're going to park it out back and ignore it (like my 1-ton panel), it doesn't need a motor at all.
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... | | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 23 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 23 | I PLAN ON MAKE THIS A DAILEY DRIVER FOR WORK | | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 23 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 23 | | | | | | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 | Fire 12
As said above it is best to start with a vision on what the end will be. A daily driver to some is an upgrade to 235/261 while to other a daiy driver is highway speed on the interstate with a V8 of some variety. Unfortunately it also depends on the budget as more motor means other driveline changes like brakes, rearend, etc. The good news is its your truck and you get to make those decisions. Go slow and keep the "fun" of restoration in the project. Good luck.
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison
Things may come to those who wait...but only the things left by those who hustle."-Abraham Lincoln
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 237 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 237 | Later model 6 ie 235 or Small Block V8 is the way to go. However you are only half way there if you do not go to a lower rear end ratio ie 3.55 with a 6. | | |
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