Just got a 81 c10 1/2 half ton stepside....need help.

[PDX_81stepside]

I just go this truck for 1100 bucks and want to start fixing everything up....i wan't to start with the engine and I'm kind of clueless.....but I'm very motivated. Right now I have been commuting in it with the original stock setup....its been running alright....some ticking from the engine and it definitely needs a clutch, everything else seems good.

This truck has a 250 inline 6 with the integrated head. It had a four speed manual transmission......I don't think it is the 4 speed with the granny gear that they put in the bigger trucks....its geared pretty high.

I am having trouble figuring out what I want to do for the engine......I wan't to put a rebuild or crate 350 small block in it but don't know the extent of how many parts I'm going to have to change out to put the small block in.

To save money I'm thinking of rebuilding the inline 6 with one of the older style heads that doesn't have the integrated intake and stuff.

In my mind having the inline 6 rebuilt seems easier...as I know the engine will bolt right in and I'm ready to go with no other swaps or changes

Which route makes more sense? I'm not that interested in going very fast...this is going to be a daily driver....I do wan't an aggressive sound though.

Also, as for my transmission, I like the idea of keeping my old transmission....does this transmission work with the small block?

any help would be

[PDX_81stepside]

*any help would be great

[zieg85]

If it is running ok, why not just fix the ticking, more than likely an exhaust manifold gasket or lifter.  Those inlines are great engines.  Put a clutch in it and go.  A V-8 swap is fairly easy to do if you want to down the road.  Welcome to the site.

[Captkaos]

I'm with zieg85, fix the problems and drive it.
If you aren't interested in going fast, keep the inline like it is.  They are good reliable engines.

[PDX_81stepside]

thanks for the replies

what are your opinions on the integrated head? I have access to a shop where I can buy an older style head that has been freshly rebuilt for the engine....thus giving me more possibilities with upgraded intakes, headers and carburetors.

maybe i'm thinking too much into this.....I guess i'm just really motivated to get the truck to a point where i'm 100% confident and happy with in the drive train

back to the small block, should I start looking for a new tranny if decide to put a small block? I kinda like driving the manual transmission but will it hold up to a 350?

[zieg85]

My opinion is the integrated head should be fine.  Run the truck the way it is and if there is little or no oil consumption just be happy with what you got.  I am pretty sure the stock transmissions that came in our trucks were not any different whether it was a I-6 or a V-8.  Unless you beat on it with high HP/torque any stock manual transmission is fine.  Believe me when you have a quiet "no ticking" I-6 that is running good you will be happy.

[Captkaos]

Is you 4 speed floor mounted?  If so it is the granny 4 speed used in both V8 and I6.

If you want to upgrade swapping heads is fine, BUT you will need to have all the new parts ready as much of nothing will swap from the integrated head. 

That being said, there is nothing wrong driver wise with the integrated head.

[PDX_81stepside]

heres some pictures of my truck.

I think based on your guys advice I'm going to leave the inline 6 in, but replace everything from the head and up.

I've wanted a truck just like this one for a really really long time, since highschool. I'm really excited to fix one up right now that I have the means. Glad I found this forum.

[PDX_81stepside]

Is you 4 speed floor mounted?  If so it is the granny 4 speed used in both V8 and I6.

If you want to upgrade swapping heads is fine, BUT you will need to have all the new parts ready as much of nothing will swap from the integrated head. 

That being said, there is nothing wrong driver wise with the integrated head.

Yes, the 4 speed is mounted on the floor. Reverse is to deep upper left...which i thought was weird for me because I'm used to a traditional 5 speed where reverse is in the lower right.

I've never driven a truck with a granny tranny before......but this truck seems like its geared high....like a car or something. I wonder if the previous owner changed the gearing up or something? I really doubt this.

I start in 1st driving around town....it doesn't seem especially low to me....then again.....ive never driven anything with a granny gear so I might not be noticing.

[Captkaos]

Sounds like the Overdrive trans.  Does the shifter have the following pattern.

R   1   3
     2   OD

 

[PDX_81stepside]

Sounds like the Overdrive trans.  Does the shifter have the following pattern.

R   1   3
     2   OD

 

yes thats it exactly. Ive only used 4th/OD a couple times....only when on the interstate.

[Captkaos]

Those were used by GM from 81-87 behind V8 and 6 cylinders both.  As long as you aren't beating on it, they will work fine.  Generally they are prone to leaks due to design.  There is a post on here with someone rebuilding them.  IT is a NP A833 transmission.

[joesgarage71]

 Nice truck.
 

[zieg85]

Very nice find.  GM usually put a 2.73 gear out back with that trans, I have 3 sitting around with one slated for my 86.

[PDX_81stepside]

Those were used by GM from 81-87 behind V8 and 6 cylinders both.  As long as you aren't beating on it, they will work fine.  Generally they are prone to leaks due to design.  There is a post on here with someone rebuilding them.  IT is a NP A833 transmission.

awesome.....thank you for the info.