Posted by Oscar on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 at 0:40AM :
In Reply to: Decisions about engines... posted by chewie on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 at 9:09PM :
Either engine can be a good choice. The \6 develops peak torque at 1800 rpm. The 318 about 3000. If the 318 is a A block it is much wider and heavier than a 318 LA. Both 318 are good engines but most folks go with the 318LA (67 on). The \6 has a very srong crank - same journal sizes as the 426 hemi.
The lower amount of power from a \6 is good if you are doing something where an axle can be twisted. You can push the thottle a lot harder on a \6 without worrying about breaking stuff (lots less power).
If what you want is a go fast truck & that v8 sound then the 318 is it. The 318 will out pull the \6 everytime and the gas mileage is about the same. The \6 is better for slow and go, mud, snow, etc. There are 2 \6's. The pre70's are stronger but have solid lifters.
For my \6 I tryed to run 2500 to 3000 rpms. except for shifts. Red line was about 4000.
You need a manual transmission behind a \6 - there just isn't any extra power to waste on the torque converter.
I prefer the \6 but it is not a highway truck (anymore). The \6 is a bit smoother but it runs slower too. In the mud and snow you don't want lots of power/rpms/speed anyway.The \6 pulls better at the lower rpms you need in the snow and mud.
Normal highway speeds have really increased. 65-70 was fast. Now 75/80 is almost normal. The \6 just runs out of rpm/power/reserve above 65/70 and 75 is just not doable (w100/235-85R16 w/4.10 axles). With a \6 60 to 65 mph will be about as fast as you can run the truck steady and don't plan to pass anybody (even if they are going 45).
If you run on the highway regularly or will have ac, ps or an automatic transmission go with the 318.
If a teenager is going to drive your truck (and you are doing the repairs) ... go with a \6 - a lot less stuff will get broken (been there done that)(and you'll get the truck back sooner).
Good luck on your truck
I have the same decision on my truck.
oscar