The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk what direction would you go?

Right now my 52 3600 has a 216 with a 3 speed. I want this truck to be a normal everyday driver with modern things like ac and such. My fiance and I want to be able to travel in it as well, so gas mileage with prices now a days is important. I have a 92 camaro that I am not using anymore with a 305 throttle body injection and a t5. If you were me would you trade out the 216 motor and trans for the camaro motor and trans? What is your opinion of gas mileage between the two? Or can I acheive my goal with the the 216?

If I were you, (seeing as you asked) I would keep the truck a truck and drive the Camaro. Not likely you will achieve your goal with the 216.

I would have to agree with 1953 panel. It would be hard to get the truck to be economical and a good traveler. I would keep the 216 and find something else to travel in.
Just my thoughts.
Jim

Depends. Any vehicle can be made into a dream machine with enough money or time/effort. If that's what you want, go for it.

Traveling would be car shows. We also ride a motorcycle a good bit together. So we would like to throw the moto in the back and go into the mountains or to the beach. Maybe pull a pop up camper or something like that.

Back in the day a lot of heavy loads were pulled all day by the 216 but the gearing was low as were the speeds traveled. IMHO I'd follow the above advise and keep it a truck but it's yours to do with as you wish. One thing to remember is if it's titled by the engine number and you swap engines you'll need to re-title the truck to a different number or have issues in the future when it's time to sell the truck.

If you decided to go with an updated drive train and then looked around for an IFS, you will find that the new products available are designed for the 1/2 Ton frame.

hi Joshua,
My 2 cents on your truck intentions..... a simple 305 engine swap really won't give you the economy and power what you've described. Driveability/safety also
need to be addressed if it's a daily driver. Some re-engineering will be necessary to make this truck all of the above. Maybe more than you wish to handle, but here goes!

1.) I would improve the stock front end with power steering and discs.
(hot rod Mustang two stuff just isn't stout enough for your intents.)
After market (CPP) tie rod and ends, plus the 1 1/8 stabilizer bar.)

2.) Consider an iron block LS series motor and trans. from a later model
Chevy/GMC/truck-SUV etc. and attendant wiring harness? It could easily give you the power and good economy (for a truck!). Get it With all accessories attached from a reputable recycler.
Replace the rear end (incl. modern brakes) with a ratio that approximates what LS was hooked up to & I think you'd have a reliable truck with modern amenities, power to load up the bike &run the air, and reasonable fuel economy.
Making it all fit will be the challenge, but that's part of the fun!

FYI, I just put a 455 Buick w/Turbo400 trans in my 51 Panel truck.... a Physically huge motor, but has the torque I was looking for to tow a car trailer. I wasn't looking for fuel economy, since my drives will mostly be short. I made all the front and rear end mods as described above. Made it all fit & Kept it a Truck!

Have fun!
mike

My buddy installed Mustang II-type front end(a kit designed for AD trucks), 88-92 Camaro rear, & TBI 305/4L60E into his 53 panel, he loves it-AC, power steering, etc etc.-he loves it, will go 100mph plus 15-20mpg.

Keep the 216. Upgrade brakes, taller tires and rear swap or re-gear. 216s can get 19 mpg city.

Jim,
You are dealing here with two groups of thought, those that are originalist that think if someone upgrades anything beyond the original they have broken some unwritten law. The other side sees the truck body as beautiful and worthy of driving like a new vehicle. I find myself in the latter group. Just do some searches here, hang around and ask questions and make up your own mind. If you want air in your truck you tend to be in the "upgrade" group, so best of luck in your trek.

Yep, as Jim says, I'm in the latter group too. One thing I will point out though no matter what you do to the drive train the cab will still be the same size and not all that comfortable for a long trip.

After years of dreaming and playing with old trucks, they are fun to be in. For a "trip traveler", I would rather just take my more modern vehicle. The dependability and comfort are outstanding comparatively. For a daily driver around town or just in the area (30-60 minutes away), I am happy to drive the older iron. A lot of driving these days needs modern brakes and suspension systems. A nice small block chevy and an overdrive transmission are certainly desirable too. Would I drive an old truck exclusively? No. I like my modern comforts and certainly not if I didn't have the mechanical abilities to handle most mechanical situations on my own.

I agree!!