[Madmoose]

Okay guys, I want your opinions on this.I have a 64 nova stationwagon that i'm working on and i'm trying to decide between the 6 or do i go sbc.I have a 250 bored 30 over with flattop pistons,comp hyd cam,head has been done with a 3 angle valve job, hei ignition,no intake ,exhaust or carb....Do i build this or do i put together a smallblock for the car......If i use the 6 i will run a 4 speed with 3.36 rear gears....if i run the smallblock it will be 350 turbo with 3.36 rear gears.......what do you guys think?.....:turn:

 

[onecarnut]

Lots of owners have a small block v8.

There are many things you can do to the L6 that will make it look nice and go fast. I vote "inline."

In either case, I would use the automatic transmission.

 

[firebird77clone]

That six has got great torque. They are also nearly bulletproof. I hear you can get speed parts for them too, headers, intake, cam.

 

[venturesomerite]

Well I LOVE driving stick so I vote six, plus it's more uncommon and pretty cool. People expect a chebby v8, they don't expect a straight six.

 

[Bruce]

I vote for the inline, especially since you already have what sounds like a very decent motor and the 4-speed is more fun. For what you are doing, an Offy intake and Stovebolt Engine Co. headers should be perfect.

 

[zz572]

Im replacing my L6 but if i were you i would put the L6 in your car there are some nice turbo kits for those if you want real speed but you definetly have to use the 4 speed way more fun than an automatic thats just my two cents though.

 

[Innovative63]

If I had a 64 wagon, I'd toss an 8-cyl in there and dress it up as a stock 283.

Then again, I'm kinda nutty.

Best wishes,
Tim

 

[Madmoose]

How much are the stovebolt exhaust?....website info?

 

[Nova_Power4]

got inline6 l got turbo 250 muahahaha join the 6er side dude!!!
good thinks come in sixes, 6-pack a beer 250 stright 6 umm..ahh 6-pack of m80 firecrackers

 

[Stan Sixes]

I'm surprised more didn't say V8 yet. It sounds like you have a good start on a strong six already. It will be cool in a wagon. You could get the Offenhauser manifold for 3 one barrels and go for a nostalgia look With the stick you don't have to worry about kickdown linkage stuff.

 

[ryan9815]

Turbo the inline and youd be set for a pretty cool six. The motor already sounds nice but add a turbo and id be even nicer!


Ryan

 

[tnblkc230wz]

I think it depends on your power goals. If you are looking for 275 HP or less, stay with the 6 cylinder. Put a 5 speed overdrive behind it and get decent gas mileage. T-5 are pretty easy to cobble together or get one of the T-45Rs that Keisler has. There are lots of fuel injection options for the 6 as well.

 

[6NOVA4]

well I say put in a V8. Lots of ways you can go. BUT I have to say my 250 in my 70 nova was awesome! got 25mpg and ran 17.90's at the strip. Since you have the 250 I guess go that route. Maybe clean up the chambers and smooth the exhuast port and use a 2bbl intake or a run a 4bbl intake with a 390 holley and a header.

I would put a turbo 350 with the 6cyl and put the 4 or a 5 speed with the small block.

 

[bbdeuce]

I know it is not one of your options, but why not put in the small block & the four speed?

 

[jbon64]

i've got a V-8 in my wagon and i'm considering going back to a 6 just for the cool factor. either way you go you can always change back

 

[Tiny in Ohio]

It sounds like you are well on your way with the inliner, that would get my vote. And if you can swing a turbo down the road you will have a sweetheart of a drivetrain. Clifford Performance has all manner of inline parts to hop up and dress up the motor if that is the way you go. Good luck, and pics would be great as get her done.

Tiny

 

[NovaResource]

How about a modern GM Vortec 4.2L inline 6-cylinder engine? Even in stock form this engine makes 270-hp. Add a 6-speed trans to back it up. That would be sweet.

 

[74 hatchback]

Id say 6 with a stick, just because yesterday i had doubts with my 300 truck 6 until i got the timing set and dumped the clutch and layed rubber all the way down my driveway, before that it drove like a 4 cyl.

 

[Rotorbolt]

I vote for the six cylinder. Everybody runs a V8 it seems. Plus you will get better gas milage out of a six. It has plenty of tourqe to get that wagon moving and there are various speed parts avaliable for them. Besides, it sounds like you already have the 250 basically ready to go, just add your intake, carburator and exhaust and you're done. I would run the automatic behind the six. I was going to run the 3 speed stick behind mine but figured it wouldn't be much fun in stop and go traffic in town or the city.

 

[64box]

I6
Pros= Different, produce good torque.
Cons= Harder to find performance parts. Performance parts can be very costly.

350
Pros= can build a good mild street motor for fairly cheap. Easy to find performance parts New and used.
Cons=Its expected when you pop the hood.

I was in the same boat. I wanted to build a turbo I6. After researching prices on the build it would have cost more then the 350 i just built. I built a 5.7 350 full roller motor that is estimated 375-400 horse and easy 400 tq for 1800 dollars. I feel that the best money for power would be a small block.
But a turbo I6 is awesome in my book!