Quote:
Originally Posted by cycloneman
Allright someone who has been there.
I had built a 3.8 years ago and planted a holly 450 on it. Looks to me they dont make that carb anymore.
I liked the little engine and if I choose it again i would drop in an isky 252 cam in and edlebrock intake with one of their 500 cfm carbs on it. I am not looking to haul heavy loads with it. I want something to run around with maily on the highway from job to job. I have a 3/4 ton 4x4 i use for hauling. I am looking for another truck so i stop putting all these miles on the 3/4 ton. I want the truck to be free of most of that electronic crap that is why i am looking into early 80's technology. If I could get around 200 hp out of it and get it geared right i will be happy. It needs to run around 70 mph usually not hauling anything more than tools and a portable generator in the back.
SO what do you think about my thought?
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I see. Yup, the Buick V6 is a great little engine. I just don't know for sure how it would stand up in a truck although I still keep kicking the idea around of using one in a little half-ton shortbox 53 IH pickup when I get it on the road. It would probably see the same use that you're thinking...light truck duty. Mostly just driving & not hauling anything big.
I'm assuming you're using a 70s-80s Chevy 2wd for this project?
I see you're already thinking of the gear ratio. That'll be the key to making it work. if you're running a 29-30" tire (235-75R15 or so) then I'd definitely use 3.55 or preferably 3.73. If you get the OD worked out then 3.73 isn't a problem on the highway.
3.42 is too tall for a truck...that's what I ran in that Regal on the street before I turned it into a bracket car. It was barely enough when running 26" tires.
I'm not a Holley fan, but you can still get the 390 vac sec. That'll be more than enough carb for a 3.8 or 4.1 unless you start getting really wild.
The 500cfm would work though too.
Personally, I would use a 500cfm Carter AVS but that's just what I am familiar with and like using.
A good smaller Quadrajet from a 305 or a 4.1 LeSabre would work too...if you are good at tuning them. Most guys sneer at the "Quadrajunk" and rip em off for something else but it's a great carb if you get it set up right.
The cam sounds about right for a mileage or mild street grind.
I do still think the 4.3L Chevy would be a good alternative that would keep you in the Chevy family so you don't need to mess with the B-O-P tranny pattern.