253 or 308?

[Banksx2]

The age old argument I know, but for a travelling Beddie, possibly towing and mainly highway miles, which is the best engine?

I have no experience with the V8's as my last van ran a 186S out of a HK Monaro - steel crank, mild cam, Yella Terra, extractors, electronic dizzy and a range of different carbys. (I was young) She spun to 6000 when running on alcohol (me, not the engine - there was this lovely stretch of road near my place and never any traffic late at night - woops, different story!) The van took me (and when I got to Geraldton from Melbourne, it was us) around  Australia and then sadly found Beddie Heaven through neglect in the NT.

I now have a V8 choice as the SWB below is running a red 253, extractors, Edelbrock Performer manifold, Rochester Quaddy, HEI, tired trimatic and 9-inch diff.

The unrego'd LWB has a blue 308, extractors, Edelbrock Performer manifold, a Holley 2 barrel of unknown size and I'm told was on gas before being parked up for 5 years prior to me picking it up from Bunbury. I was also told that it only has 5000 k's on the motor. The turbo 400 and 10 bolt diff left rubber on my driveway when I zapped it. Did I mention that there is evidence of the block being decked? No engine number to be found, just machining marks, don't know what other goodies are hiding in there!

Current plan is to leave the SWB as a town van for Shelley (she's a Beddie nut too and is responsible for our sign-on name) and the LWB will be the Oz-cruizer. It also has the better body and is just begging to be brought up to speed.

All opinions and predujices appreciated!

Cheers,

Garry

[John Abbott]

Oh just lovely Gazza...You have 2 v8s and i have always wanted to get just 1!!! My choice is the 308.

[Banksx2]

It was kind of accidental Johhno - got the 253 on purpose but we only picked up the LWB for the gearbox, then found out about the 308, diff, and the fact that the turbo 400 would pull the guts out of the 253. Straight body and little rust was a complete bonus (and shock!). Gotta get it in shape for rego yet - as it's expired I'm probably looking at engineers cert and the whole shooting match.

At least with the 253 I just get in, turn the keyand drive!

Cheers,

Garry

[Banksx2]

By the way - why the 308? I've heard they can be thirsty beasts...that could add up $$ on a big trip. Or are they cool on highway miles?

[John Abbott]

I had 2 mates  that had v8s. (oo! that rymes ) One had a 253 in a HQ, the other was a 308 in a commodore. I know that the HQ was a heavier car, but that 308 just pulled as hard as a "schoolboy in a boarding school" sweet as!!!

[bed767]

You have good luck with a  turbo pattern 308 as the th400 is far stronger than you need and sucks up 20K.W. just to run it. A th700 will bolt straight up,is a th350 but 4 speed and has a covertor lockup, giving good economy.Add gas and crusin you can go.

[Banksx2]

Okay - I Googled the TH700 and I want one. Now.

Anyone got one for sale/swap with a 400 that leaves rubber on my driveway and could probably pull the Opera House to a new postcode?

Garry

[jimsvan]

i have turbo 700 in my van im selling

[Banksx2]

Jim,

I followed your "Wreck or Sell" thread and hated the fact that such a fine looking van was going to be busted up.

That said, I've had a beer now and can see things clearly - what do you want for the 700 and shifter?

Garry

[jimsvan]

$1000