The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop cant decide what to do bout engine

i have a 54 5 window with original motor and everything but i was told that that motor cant hold up to daily driving and i should put a 350 in there it will fit just fine. i dont know much about mechanics but i love old trucks specialy chevy my uncle sold this one to me couse i wanted it since i was like 10 but he lives 5 hours away and cant help me much he said to take it to a resto shop and let them do all the work since its more than i can handle but id rather try to do some of the things myself id like to start with the motor and get it started first then work on the body if im doing anything wrong please let me know i really dont know anything but im enjoing myself trying to figure it out and im up for the challenge

What sort of condition is the original motor in mate? The 235 inline six is a bloody good engine. If its in half decent condition its more than able to be used as a daily driver. No need for a v8 unless thats what you specifically want. Let us have some more information and I'm sure you'll get plenty of opinions.

All the best

Bob

trailer the truck home and work at your own pace,,the 235 will live fine as they are good solid engines..doc

My opinion is that you are a lucky man to have an original piece of history and you shouldn't spoil it.

i have a 235 that i drive daily and i prefer it over my newer car it is fun and practicle. if you could see the dent in the fender that a grocery cart put in it you will see why i drive it to work at home depot, the cart was theirs and i was surprised it did as much damage. better the truck, no trailer queen and hauler of everything. my 235 will keep up with everthing on the road, fentons dual exhaust, dual carbs, t-5 trans and 2.73 rearend. ron

The 235 is a piece of junk. Ship it to me and I'll dispose of it properly.

Thruwurkin
Kennewick, WA

it has 74,000 mi starts but wont stay on i think its the carbs or sending unit, no brakes so i cant take her out brakes should be in next week or two and ill know for sure. if the 235 can keep up id rather keep it even if i have to rebuild but should i shange my rear end?

If the milage is right it should have another 74,000 left in it. The old 235 is a great motor not as fast as a forked block but will go as fast as the truck has brakes.

Keep it original for now, you can always change it later. There have been many vehicles sold as basketcases(someone toke them apart with "BIG PLANS" as Jerry Hursh would say and then lost interest as the scope of the project became to big) by biting off more than they could chew. Start slow like you are doing, get it running, get safe brakes, DRIVE IT, then you only you can decide how indepth(hope I spelt it write) you want to go. You have found the right website, because the people here are very helpful and you are unlikely to get a smartass answer(except for me). The people who frequent this site have a great deal of knowledge about these trucks, so don't hesitate to ask ANY questions. Welcome to the "Club" of people who don't want to just drive a ford taurus. Good luck and keep us informed. This post is long in case you have trouble falling asleep, you can read it before bedtime! Have fun, Roy

Roy is right about starting slow and get every thing working right most certnly (hope i spelt it right) the brakes do get them working before you drive it. When every thing is right you"ll be happy with the inline six.

i got it started(for like 2 seconds)couldn't sleep for 2 days i was so exited but i cant get it to stay on when i go home we can try again now that i know were to get help it should be a-lot easier thanks for the feed back i'll let you know when i get home,haven't been there for 3 weeks, i'll recarge the battery and try again

what is the name of the book that tells you how to restore the 54 i'm going to buy it today but I forgot the name

Thats the perfect attitude (hope I spelled that right)for a bolter.

Welcome to the gang, you found the right site.

Keep what you have, make it safe and working and drive it.

Rearend swap may be one of the first things you wish to do when you drove it for a while.

Many greetings from sunny southern Germany,
Frank