The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 1962 gmc 305 V6

Looking at buying a 60s truck for a daily driver. Reliable and fair gas mileage are my primary requirements... by fair I mean 15 mpg combined street/highway. I see on other posts in Stovebolt where changing the gear ratio in the 250 can get you there, but I'm wondering if there is also a way to get that kind of mileage from a 305 V6? Never had one, but from what I've read they get closer to 8 to 10 mpg with standard gearing (whatever that is). Would a change in gearing and perhaps different carbs get the mileage to 15? I see a beautifully well kept 1962 truck with 50K miles for sale not far from where I live. If a few changes would turn the 305 into a less thirst beast, I might buy it. Thanks for your feedback.
PFT

I've read that a more modern Holley can wake up the V6 and add some MPG. An HEI electronic ignition can aslo be added. They were known to be thirsty even when gas was only 50 cents/gallon. Indestructable, but thirsty.
Most had a Dana rear axle, a 3.07 ratio is available for better economy.

I put a 2bbl Holley on my son's 305 and it really helped on idle and power, and he now has a modern carb he can get parts and different jets for.

I can't speak to gas mileage, but it could not have hurt. The original carb was a rich pig on idle (and still had to be choked to start it--go figure).

If I had a V6 I would have the Holley on it...

How much will you really drive it? Most folks don't use these for daily drivers, so gas mileage doesn't matter as much. You say you would, but what's the commute, and you should pay something for being seen in such a cool truck!!!

The V6 motors are really cool, you can draw a crowd when the hood is open--but in my opinion another thing to think about is that some parts are getting hard to find. You can buy some things (plugs, points, dist. cap, etc.) just about off the shelf and other things (pistons, bearings,) I have yet to find a source. (And let's not even talk about the plaid valve covers when it comes to rare.)

There is a vintage salvage yard down the road from my house. I talked to the guy that owns it and he says he has 6 sets of plaid covers. No idea what he wants but if anybody wants them I can go ask.

PFT,

I have a V-6 and have done the following upgrades:

Petronix Modual - $75.00

Dual intake for a 2 barrle Holly 500 CFM carb. Dual intake off ebay $50.00 new carb $295.00

Dana 44 rear upgrade from Precision Gear from 3.93 down to 3.23.

$325.00 for Ring and Pinion set, another $40 for all new barings, wheel barings were 8. each. Since i had it comletely arpart I changed every single thing I could.

Trucks gets about 17 pmg at 55-60, anything over 68-70 about 12.

PM me if you want pics. BTW I have the plaid valve cover too

Heck yeah!!! If it is no trouble, ask him what he wants for them. Especially if they are in good shape (not faded or the vinyl is not cracked....)

THANKS!!

In the early 80's, I had a '65 GMC with the V-6 and a 3-on-the-tree. I got 14 MPG driving like a typical 19-year-old. Best driving truck I ever had.