Torn between 2 powerplants

MCourson · March 19, 2003

Ok to start off with heres what I have. 1961 chevy Apache 10 stepside all original w/235 I6 and 3 speed manual tranny. The cab is full of rust but the bed and fenders are good. I have a replacement cab already and am about to order a new hood. In the garage I have a small journal 327 w/ mild Erson cam Edelbrock TM-1 Tarantula manifold, std bore (needs boring and rebuild) and a fresh never used since rebuild powerglide. The deal is shoud I keep the original straight 6 (rebuild it) and rat rod it out. Or rebuild the 327 and use the glide. Another possibiltly is use a 700R4 tranny since my uncle is a GM tranny guy. I think I am leaning to the I6 and 700R4. The truck is on old farm truck with a low rear end gear (with the three speed it will top out at 53mph going down hill) so i will have to change the ring and pinion. What ideas do yall have.

MCourson · March 19, 2003

Here are some pics:

Instrument 39 · June 4, 2003

327 or 283

k1500chevy97 · June 10, 2003

More parts out there for the 327 and 283 small blocks .

Ive actually got a 283 that runs great although it is a very tired motor

MarkD · June 10, 2003

What are you going to use it for?

I would lean toward the 327 though, I think.

frdfandc · July 6, 2003

Go with the 327

N2TRUX · July 13, 2003

It looks like rat rod material to me. I would slam it, paint the steel wheels a medium mint green, and put some cool old school pin stripes on it. Yeah, the 327 will get more power...maybe. You could add this to the 6 banger-

mjsmith1223 · July 23, 2003

While the 327 sounds attractive, maybe check here first:

http://www.stoveboltengineco.com/

to see what can be done to a Chevy I6. Sounds like either option will be quite a bit of work. I'm really liking that pic of the manifold, carb and exhaust N2TRUX posted. Certainly would be more unique than a 327 re-power.

Mike

Grand Haven, MI

MCourson · July 23, 2003

Thanks for the replys guys. The trucks going to be a rat rod. The original idea was to stick with the I6 but then my dad was like well we have this 327 just sitting here in the garage. Now I am trying to convince him to use the 6.

holderp · July 23, 2003

I'd almost use the six just to have something different. But then I have the 4.8.

BDBWTE · July 23, 2003

We build pulling trucks and pulling tractors. Mostly Super Farm and Super Stock Tractors and any weight pulling truck. Why is this important because those little 235's are pullling mothers. I would stick with the 235. I have a 283 motor and extra crank if your looking for one and a couple 350's and one 327 with a screw on oil filter adapt needs a Timing chain and cover besides that it's turn key.