1966 GMC bus engine swap?

[Gazolba]

I'm looking at a 1966 GMC bus that had a seized V6 engine. Would it be easier to rebuild the original engine (I have no idea if parts are available) or swap in a newer Chevy engine with all the complications that would entail. How difficult would a bus engine swap be? This bus has a ton of character and I like everything about it except its lack of a working motor.

[Mark_In_MA]

The first question is "what's in there now"?

Second question is what's behind it (transmission).


The good thing about a bus of that vintage is it's probably a fairly standard truck under the hood. There's a few people on here who could probably give you a quick answer.

[magnakansas]

This probably the 305 cu in v6. slow revving, low rpm peak torque truck engine. You could probably go out and buy two or three old big ol engine transmissions from from trucks or cars and not make the cost of that rebuild.

The main problem is, these days, parts for that engine are not that common.

Lots and lots of ways you could go. The big question? What can you afford? Set a budget and work from that.

so, what is the budget?

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Gazolba

I'm looking at a 1966 GMC bus that had a seized V6 engine. Would it be easier to rebuild the original engine (I have no idea if parts are available) or swap in a newer Chevy engine with all the complications that would entail. How difficult would a bus engine swap be? This bus has a ton of character and I like everything about it except its lack of a working motor.

Sounds like you need someone who knows old Detroit 2 strokes.

Wait- is this a school bus or a coach bus?