Posted by Caleb in Kansas [108.162.221.239] on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 09:27:34 :
In Reply to: New guy posted by Scott [108.162.215.37] on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 22:46:30 :
What does your daily drive consist of? 60 miles round trip on freeways? Or 10-30 miles on surface roads with speeds under 45 and not a heck of a lot of stops?
If your max sustained speed is under 50 mph normally and there is not a whole lot of stop and go traffic, then reconditioning the stock drive and powertrain will likely provide a comfortable daily driver.
If you don't like the idea of futzing with a carburetor, then upgrading to a fuel injected more modern motor might be right up your alley (i.e. fuel injected LA motors). The TBI systems are relatively simple and forgiving for swaps. Now if your daily drive is a lot of freeway and stop and go, then doing an entire engine, transmission and running gear swap may suit you the best.
Think about what your end goal and use will be. Personally, I start off with something just a step above scrap metal...not even good for parts, and go wherever the wind takes me. I have a 41 WC open cab that started life as a Command Car but was really only a frame and cab from the dash forward. I have had an auto with a 300hp 327 Chevy V8 which sounded awesome, but was actually too much power in it. Currently it has a bone stock 160hp 350 backed by a 4 speed and am planning to tear it all back down to install a Perkins 4.236. I am still running stock axles but will be converting to disc brakes. I also have a 42 Carryall that I am collecting parts for. It will end up on a 2001 Dodge 2500 4x4 frame and powered by a 6BT. It may become my daily driver.