I found a 1958 GMC carryall and I wondered if anyone knows much about the v8 engine they put in them that year. Is it a good motor? Can you still get parts? What size is it? What are the motor's downfalls? Were the transmission options the same as the chevy counterpart (3 speed on column & 4 speed w/granny) on another note... does anyone know if there are patch panels available for the rear quarters and the sides. Clearly the parts that match up with the pickup trucks would be available through our sponsor. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thanks, Derek
Original '58 GMC V8 engine is based on the '58 Pontiac 370 cubic inch V8, but uses smaller bore pistons for 336.1 cubic inches. I've been daily driving my '57 GMC V8 (same engine, larger bore) for 20 years. I haven't had to do any major work on the engine in that time (never had the heads off), but most parts that I have needed aren't impossible to find. I do all my own mechanical and electrical work on my truck.
What Bill Said Buick , Olds , Pontiac had their own engines back then and they were sturdy , robust units indeed go GMC Truck Division just borrowed them . Take good care of it and it'll out last you , most of the time even clapped out ones only need basic overhaul , cam chain & gears plus normal valve work , rings & rod bearings . I logged a lot of miles in Carryalls back in the early 1960's , good trucks , reliable and comfy too ~ this when no AC was the norm . Finding the rear seats takes patience , they're generally being used as garage benches etc. and so are dead cheap if tatty when found but you've gotta go off the beaten path to find 'em .
