1961 GMC 5500 Tilt Cab Project

[DanDizzo]

I'm not sure the final destination of this truck yet.
But, I;m going to put some pictures and stuff here.
I am thinking a ramp truck for my 46 ford 1 Ton, but not sure.
I will probably need air bad rear suspension, to drop the rear for the ramp.
I was thinking a motor swap to something more economical...
Everything is still up in the air at this point.
It has a 401V6 with the 5 speed and 2 speed axle.

Thoughts?

[DanDizzo]

The brake and clutch masters were not working when i got it, but it starts and runs great. (still needs a tune up, though)

I rebuilt both masters, and the clutch is working.
The brakes still need more bleeding though.
I used the 1-1/4" master rebuild kit from powerbrake-drivetrain website. $110
The 1-1/8" master, i used a kit from macs that was for a 50's GM car. $30

[DanDizzo]

The frame has a support plate that runs most of the length.
It wraps under the frame as well.
The is a ton of rust scale in between the the frame and plate.
I cut a section of it out, and found holes in the frame.
I am going to 1/4" plate the inside (box it) then replate the outside once i clean it up a little.

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Originally Posted by DanDizzo

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Thoughts?

Yes, keep that 401! It's a historical longwinded powerhouse that will stay running long after anything else you could put in it if you just keep the oil pan full. Gas is cheap and you'll never know the thrill of pulling up to a gas station and the conversation starts - "Whatcha got in that thing?"
"A V6"
"Really? How does it even move?"
"The pistons are as big around as your head. It was a GMC only thing in the '60s. That little V6 has enough torque to change the earth's rotation if she can get traction"


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[DanDizzo]

I would like to keep the motor.
I really enjoy keeping those kind of conversations.
Also, i know it's all relative, but what kind of MPG would i be looking at?
I'm hoping to haul my '46 with it, and want something "reasonable" on fuel.
Although, i have no long distance trips planned...


The ramp would have to get real low to be able to drive the '46 onto it.

[TJ's GMC]

Upgrade the carb and get an HEI and that will help. You will not get good mileage with Any gas engine. Only a diesel swap would do it. Matter a fact a bragged about big block chevy would get just as bad a mileage as this v6 for a little power gain.

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I'd keep the 401, big and sought after motor; but if you do decide to part you can send it my way. lol

[DanDizzo]

So, I pulled 1 plug. It was a champion j8c. Is that correct?
Also, which hei would fit the 401?
Thanks in advance.

[bigblockv6]

No stock HEI will directly bolt in without modifications unless you by a custom unit from HEIDIZZY on ebay that will drop right in. Or you can use an even fire late 70's Buick 231 V6 HEI distributor with a custom machined collar and the existing distributor gear from your V6, I first built this setup back in 1991 for my 68 KM2500 with 305E, now the distributor is residing in a 478M V6 in the same truck. I'm using corresponding AC HEI spark plugs designed for .060 gap, AC number R44XLS6 which is one step hotter than stock are the plugs I'm using. You would have to do some cross referencing to find out if the J8 plugs are correct, most of us stay away from Champion plugs and if you're going to HEI it's preferable to use an HEI plug to get the full benefits with the larger gap as well. I do remember many years ago using Champion N11Y plugs in the 305E V6. If you want to build an HEI from the Buick distributor the go to Jolly's 6066gmcguy website, all the info for the conversion can be found on the V6 Performance Upgrades page.

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[DanDizzo]

ok, found the dizzy hei and this carb.
is this the carb model that will work? if you know...



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[bigblockv6]

Yes the 4412 is the right carburetor, looking at the condition of this one if I were you spend the extra money for a brand new carb, you don't know what you're getting when it comes to an old carburetor. You will also need an adapter for the trapezoid base like the one I'm including in this pic of an original TransDapt 2140 adapter specific for these engines. They don't make these adapters anymore but you can easily build one from a TransDapt spacer plate just by drilling the proper holes and countersinking them

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