The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 1965 C 20 engine swap

I'm needing some help on an engine. I've got a 350 sbc in my 65 C20 right now. I'm using it as one of my dailey drivers. its drinking oil and or throwing it out somewhere. The anti freeze keeps going down every 3 or 4 days also. I've just run the numbers and found out its either a 73 or 74 model engine. 155 to 160 hp.
I'm looking at getting a new 350 sbc but don't know what HP to get. Ive heard to stay away from the 290 HP as its not good on gas. jegs has a 260 Hp engine that might be ok. I want some power but really want better fuel economy if thats possible. i'm getting on average 12 mpg and have been for the past month loaded with tools and sometimes pulling a trailer with carpet on it to install.

ive got an edelbrock 600 cfm carb and edlebrock intake on it.
it has a 400 turbo transmission. not sure of the rear end. I'm just wanting to get a long block.

mark

Mark, I swapped in a 2002 5.3L and 4l60E into a 65 for a customer. Kept his 3.73 gear and with OD and the FI engine it is the prefect driver. app 300 hp stock. If you want more info message me.

I don't know about the crate motors, so no help there.

Jason

I have installed several of the GM crate engines and everyone was happy with them. If you look at the specs between the 260 and the 290HP you will find that the main difference is the cam. To get those HP ratings they list a number of components that are reccommended such as headers, hi rise manifold, carb, etc.
I prefer the 260 version for normal operation. Since you have a 4000lb truck (C20 has a 457:1 rear end) and a 400TH trans the mileage is not going to be great anyway. An OD trans like a 700R4 would probably be a good choice.
Fred

A friend just bought one of the 260hp motors, just a tad over 1500.00 including shipping. Most of the reman 350's cost more than that. He got his from Jegs.