my dad just gave me an old '62 GMC 4x4, it has the 305 vv in it, and i was wondering if i had to run lead addative in the gas since it is so old. also i have never run one of these bad boys before, any pointers.

these are some very tough old engines and for the most part will burn anything you put into them just fine. I had one and really miss it. if you want some great info on these go to
http://www.6066gmcguy.org/
its run by Mike "Jolly" Goodfellow and is devoted to the GMC not chevy as they were still quite different during these years. I highly suggest joining the yahoo group http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/6066_GMC_Truck/
that goes along with the group. its one of the more active groups I've ever been in and those guys know their old GMC's

If it has not been rebuilt lately. Than I don't think it has hardened valve seats in it. I would runn some kind of lead replacement for this reason. I rebuilt a inline six in my 55 and the guy did't hardened the exhaust seats and with the unleaded gas I broke the #1 exhaust valve off into the cylinder and boom the piston exploded this after just 5000 miles on the fresh rebuild.

So if you know it's got hardened seats than no!

these are some very tough old engines and for the most part will burn anything you put into them just fine. I had one and really miss it. if you want some great info on these go to
http://www.6066gmcguy.org/
its run by Mike "Jolly" Goodfellow and is devoted to the GMC not chevy as they were still quite different during these years. I highly suggest joining the yahoo group http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/6066_GMC_Truck/
that goes along with the group. its one of the more active groups I've ever been in and those guys know their old GMC's

Thanks man lots of great info, super cool links. know if there is any aftermarket for these beasts?

Thanks man lots of great info, super cool links. know if there is any aftermarket for these beasts?


not much of one.. join the forum... i think there was one guy modifying stock intake manifolds to fit a 500 CFM Holley and there is a way to modify a Buick HEI distributer for these old engines. they are unique, torquey, and heavy and bulletproof but will never really be a high performance engine.

its a niche market, cool but out dated. I would say that if its pre 70's then put lead additive in just to be safe.

Do you wheel and pund on this thing or is it a trailer queen that is just for show or something of that nature?

If you wheel it drop a 350 in and keep the orginal if you ever what to restore it, if its for show then disregard the last statement.

no on the trailer queen, but i do like the look i get when i tell guys i got a big block V6 under the hood... i llkie to wheel a bit, but not in this rig yet, just sold my burban, and now i am going to go through this baby, and make her trail worthy.