Questions and Answers
6 Cylinder Engines
Q. I am thinking about a project truck and would appreciate some advice.
I would like to buy an old (pre fuel injection) Chevy Blazer, GMC Jimmy or Ford Bronco either rebuilt or to at least partially rebuild myself. My reasons are pretty simple - to buy a new truck costs megabucks.
I don't think the American manufacturers have got fuel injection and computers right yet and I would like it with a straight 6 engine (I do not like the "V" engine 6 or 8).
My reasons for wanting pre fuel injection are that the vehicles were simpler then and easier to work on and if I feel like adding an aftermarket fuel injection system I think they are likely better than stock.
I like the straight 6 because it is simpler and easier to work on than a "V" 6 or 8 and it should give better milage than an 8. My concern here is that the "V" 8 is much more popular and there are zillions of aftermarket performance parts for them and that may not be the case for the straight 6.
Can you advise me as to: what straight 6 is the "best" for 4 wheel drive torque and decent milage; whether aftermarket parts will be a problem; whether fuel injection conversion is possible/practical/advisable? I really don't have too much preference as to Ford or Chevy.
I would appreciate any advice you can provide.
Thanks,
KentA. I think your best bet for this project would be a 1986 Ford Bronco. Not the Bronco II, the plain, full size Bronco. In 1986 they offered a straight six 300 cid engine that came fuel injected and carbureted. Naturally you would look for the carbureted version.
GM offered a straight six 250 cid but I think the 300 is a better, more powerful engine. The fact that I think GM are the only cars in the world built broken notwithstanding.
As far as parts availability goes, not a problem. That engine has been around for a long time and has been used right up to 1996. It is a good, reliable well built engine that will serve you well.
Conversion to fuel injection is possible, but is it practical? I would think not. There is too many modifications to make for it to be cost effective. If it is a main consideration in your decision, I would pick the 1986 Bronco since it was available either way and offers the best chance of a more cost effective conversion. My best advice here is if you want fuel injection, buy it with fuel injection.
Fuel efficient and truck are like military and intelligence, they don't always go together. A truck will not get the milage you would get from a car and driving habits are a major factor in your actual milage.
