79 pick-up I6 Upgrades

[Bruised Apple]

Hi ya'll, I was wondering if anyone could give me some direction or any infor on how to or wether or not to try and get anymore hp out of a 250 inline 6 out of a 79 chevy half ton. I dont know much about em other then they are for the most part a pretty stong workhorse. So if its worth it to try and beef it up for a little more hp or just leave it as a a stock motor. It had all the emissions stuff on it, that a previous owner "took off" (crimped lines, folded over ect.) and it looks like garbage!! But I'd like to clean it up. Put on ne valve cover, and clean all that stuff up. SO if anyone has any ideas or direction on what to do that would be great. Thanks.

[phoebeisis]

I would just stick to prettying up the engine bay, and just let it perform like what it is. It is probably rated at 100 hp or so, not much you can do to make it make noticeably more power.Besides, it is 30 years old-don't really want to stress it.
Now if you have a spare $2000 -you could drop in a 350. You have a carb, no fuel injection, no electronic controls so it wouldn't be any big deal to put the V-8 in. You will need a new carb and manifolds, dist (maybe rear end, driveshaft, transmission etc.I just spent maybe $6000 of your money.
GM performance makes some low priced 350's for you. Of course putting $6000 in a $1000 truck might seen foolish, but fun is fun, and worth something.

Just pretty up the straight 6- it will last a long time.
Charlie

[tbplus10]

try on these sites:

http://cliffordperformance.net/
http://www.stoveboltengineco.com/
http://www.hotsixes.com/hotsixes/?page_id=9
http://www.msdignition.com/Products/...stributor.aspx
http://www.enginepartsstore.com/servlet/StoreFront

The Chevy straight six was a rugged engine in most versions and the roots date back pretty far.
Early on it had a rep for being to heavy, but after engine builders figured out it was heavy because the block was built stout enough to take some serious punishment they quit trying to lighten it out and started to figure out how to make it produce more useable horsepower. Built right and only hot rodded lightly it'll make good power, be a little economical on fuel and last a long time.

[brianj]

Good engine- easy to make torque with one of these. Putting the same money into a 350 swap will make more power, but if you want to go different,a L6 motor is a good way to go.There are several manufacturers that make intakes and split headers for these motors, and I believe several offer cams as well.Check with Offenhauser or Clifford for intakes. You will never win a drag race with this motor, but it will look great when you open the hood, and a L6 motor with split exhaust running duals sounds truly cool.