The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 305 v6 or 350 in my 64 gmc ??

Ok putting this out there to get some opinions. I am currently in the process of totally restoring a 64 gmc pickup. It has the big block v6 305 with 42k orig miles and runs great. Should i swap a 350 or leave it original , I dont plan to race it , just plan to cruise locally to some gatherings etc maybe a weekend drive, but i have been told the 305v6 is somewhat rare being in the pickup and I should leave that engine in the truck but than I also have been told to get rid of it and do the 350 thing. Head spinning yet lol mine is thanx in advance for any advice you might be able to give

"somewhat rare"? that V6 was the standard GMC engine in the 60's .... having a perfectly good original engine in a GMC you're "totally restoring", why would you want to put a Chevy engine in it?

Bill

Thanks bill My intention was to keep it but but was just curious thanx is in perfect working order and I do want it original . will be posting pics once the resto starts

I'd suggest before making a decision, you should spend some time on the following site that has a focus on the V6 engine:

http://www.6066gmcguy.org/

The GMC V6 was probably one of the most over engineered engines ever developed, and was designed to last almost indefinitely. There are many loyal fans of this motor. The engine is big on torque, but in stock form gas mileage is not so good. There's a simple upgrade to a two barrel Holley carb that allows better tuning.

My 1960 GMC had a 305 V6 and a granny 4 speed when I bought it. It was a torque monster, but had broken valves and was anything but quick with that transmission. I wanted a long distance freeway commuter, but I still thought about keeping it stock. The decision maker was the cost to rebuild the V6. Almost 20 years ago I could only find one shop that would work on it, and the cost just to rebuild the engine would be over $2500. For less than half that amount I bought a brand new 350 Targetmaster 350 and a 350 automatic complete with all accessories. This also made it easier to upgrade to power steering, air conditioning, etc. I believe the V6 weighs about 800 lbs, making for some tough steering. If you want power steering you'll need to fabricate your own engine mounts.

If you have a low mileage original in good condition and the truck is going to be a local cruiser, I'd suggest learning more about the history of these engines before considering swapping it for anything else.

Not a purist at all, but I do love these old trucks with the 6. I would keep what ya got. Heck if you want to hot rod it up do so later. My.02.

Hank

Anthony,

I love my big v-6, I vote to keep her as she is, the engine is rare at Crusie nights. But as you can see by my name I'm picky. See pic in my webshots link below.

Jake

You say it runs perfectly. So what's the question? Why spend MONEY and effort to "FIX" something that isn't broken. I vote that you get your truck up and running in the quickest manner possible and that means keeping what you have. The carb change sounds like a pretty good idea to me. When you say restore, that means you keep the engine it came off the assembly line with. If restore is what you meant, then the decision is already made.

And if you want a little "beautiful noise",they sound GREAT with full length dual exhausts and glass packs.
Speed

We have a v6 in our 1960 one ton and love it. It is a very strong motor...

I think I would keep it if it were me.

I have a 64 K1000 with a 305E, 4spd, long fleetside.
The motor runs well and can accelerates uphill in 4th gear easily. Runs great and I have 2 spares at 200 a piece that run just as well.
But lets talk "flash value".......put in a 350, which you can build cheap, no one will say "ooh, or aaahh" unless you bolt a bunch of chrome to it, an make it bark loudly with a cam and headers. BUT, Picture a gennie BBv6 in the engine bay, cleanly painted with the OEM stuff on it, and everyone will glance and say "what a nice looking 348 engine....then let them count the plugs...on the TOP of the engine. I tell my students, that if you are working real HARD to be you....you are probably just fitting someone elses mold. But if you are just being you, it comes naturally. Nothing is more natural than the motor that came in a GMC than a GMC built motor. My 23cents.....
Drive it till it blows up, then put in whatever you can find, but sell me the parts.
Mike in Oklahoma

lol YHANKS EVERYONE ITS STAYING AND i WILL BE POSTING THE PROJECT AS IT HAPPENS IN THE PROCESS OF LOCATING REPLACEMENT FENDERS HOOD ETC SO KEEP LOOKING CANT WAIT TO CRUISE IT AND THANKS AGAIN