79 C10 Inline 6 Replacement

[Solocycles]

Greetings from southern New Hampshire. My summertime daily driver is a 79 C10 longbed step side with the 250 inline 6 and the infamous integral intake manifold/head. I’ve maintained stock everything (even emissions) over the years and the truck runs well except for a little ticking and terrible gas mileage (13-15 mpg).

While the truck is garaged for the winter months I decided to tackle a few truck issues. Namely, leaking rear axle seal (replaced both sides and the bearings), rear brake job (done) and a leaking valve cover gasket. With the rocker cover (and ton of RTV - no gasket) removed I decided to go a little deeper and remove the head. That’s where I am now.

With the introduction complete, I’d like to get some feedback from the group about replacing the engine. Ultimately I would prefer an economical and reliable daily driver engine. I want to keep the truck pretty much original but have no problem installing a modern engine with fuel injection. Realize that I’m the old slow guy slowing down traffic regardless of vehicle and horsepower. So no need for big blocks and throaty exhaust.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Sad Sack]

Keep the 6 popper!
Ditch the integral head and get a refurbished older one, throw an Offenhauser intake and a header on it and have fun.
Lots of sitting room for working in them engine compartments with 6 poppers installed.

 

[Trucksareforwork]

Economical would be to just upgrade the existing motor. You would have to drive quite a bit to justify an engine swap on economics.

 

[Sad Sack]

Now aint this purty?

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Also:

Built Chevy 250 Make 320hp On The Engine Dyno

This Built Chevy 250 Make 320hp On The Engine Dyno. The naturally aspiated engine uses loads of hot rodding tricks and makes muscle car power!

bangshift.com

 

[Solocycles]

That looks great. Send it over! Is that a Clifford setup? My initial plan when removing the head was to do something very similar to that but possibly going with EFI over carburetor. Unfortunately, I'm having a heck of a time sourcing a non-integrated head. I've been to all the local junk yards with no luck. Any ideas where I might pick one up?

So disregarding economics, what modern type engine would you install over the 250 inline.

 

[Sad Sack]

Maybe someone in this forum can hook ya up with a cylinder head, shipping won't be cheap.

Not trying to be smart but one you can afford...they don't come cheap anymore, refreshed long blocks start around $5100.

Many opt for Vortecs.

Otherwise, something in the 390 - 415 HP range if your tranny can hold up to that kind of HP.

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[Sad Sack]

Call these guys, not too far away from you:

GM Cylinder Heads | Cylinder Heads

cylinderhead.com

 

[Solocycles]

GM Cylinder Heads looks perfect. Cheaper than buying a junk yard head that has to be machined.

Thanks for the help. I'll keep you posted on the engine swap or upgrade.