Thread: 216 or 400v8

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Originally Posted by joebobunshop

I am restoring a 1939 chevy truck 3/4 ton. I have pulled the original 216 out of it and it needs a complete overhaul. I figure it will cost at least a few thousand to get it all done. I also have a 400 small block engine that is sitting in the garage and is in running condition it just needs to be cleaned up. I know it will be cheaper for me to do this but than again I think I would have to change the rear end because its geared so low. I really do appreciate the old 216 engine I took out of it so Just looking at the advantages and disadvantages of each

The first sentence of your post tells the tale.
Restoration: repair or renovate (a building, work of art, vehicle, etc.) so as to return it to its original condition.
If you had said that you wanted to hot rod an old '39 Chevy truck, I'd be all about suggesting ways to make that 400 work, but you didn't say that.

I strongly advise the rebuilding of the old 216 and keeping the truck original.

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