(Lead photo: Bret Kepner) I can’t speak for the other two, but in my automotive history I’ve only dealt with two vehicles that did not have V8s: a Chevy Blazer that had the 4.3 V6, and a Buick Regal with the L67 3.8L V6 with the blower on top. It’s my own decision, but throughout the years I’ve fielded questions that all boil down to “why a V8”? For me, it’s two-fold: the sound, and the torque. The V8 has that noise…that glorious nose, the one that says things are going to be fun (even if it’s just a Chevy 265 with open exhaust). And the torque curve of a V8 is beautiful. But do I always need one? I thought about it, and there I may be able to justify eleven rides that don’t need all of those cylinders. Let’s see how I do…and if you’ve got better suggestions, add them below!
11. Pontiac Fiero
The mid-engine effort from GM was fairly half-assed at first, but by the end of it’s production run the Fiero was developing into a stout little go-kart. While the Northstar 4.6, ShortStar 4.0, and the LS4 5.3 V8s will swap in, the L67 3.8L V6 with the blower would be better suited for the Pontiac. The blower whine would be a great compliment to the mini-Ferrari look.
10. Small Truck
This goes for any small truck: Datsun, Toyota, LUV, whatever. Each manufacturer has an engine that will properly motivate the small truck properly. A great concept would be the Nissan trucks with the inline-six from the Datsun Z cars.
9. Corvair
Even Don Yenko didn’t immediately V8 the Stingers. The flat-six with a turbo can move, but we’d like to see some modern touches done to the engine…fuel injection and some electronics for fuel delivery, boost and ignition should really wake up Ralph Nader’s nightmare.
8. 1974-79 GM X-body
The 250ci straight six in the GM X-cars is plenty enough to get in trouble with…I know…but things could always be improved with a small turbocharger helping things along.
7. Ford F-100/F-150
The 300ci inline-six in these trucks has a solid reputation for durability and torque. This is a case of not messing with success.
6. 2.2 Mopar FWDs
They’re light, converting to RWD is a very involved process, and the 2.2 turbo Chrysler mill is a stout four-banger that, once worked over for durability concerns, can put a hurting on quite a few V8s.
5. Chevrolet Monza
Sure, a V8 Monza is a fun time, but the 3.8L V6 was a common find, and it’s architecture is the same as the Grand National’s engine. Turbo, intercooler, and it’s time to go play. People know to not trust a V8 Monza, but if they hear the V6, you could still do some hustling, provided you keep the hood shut.
4. Jeep Cherokee/Comanche
The first of two AMC straight-six options, the XJ Cherokee and Comanche have proved that off-roading does not need a V8. The AMC six is a torquey little beast and has a great aftermarket backing it.
3. Early Fox Mustang
Sounds like heresy? Ask Jon Huber what a turbocharged Ford 2.3L mill can do. The old-school block turbocharges like a dream, and now that the new Mustangs have the EcoBoost four-banger, there’s the option of restifying a four-eyed Fox without going straight to the 5.0 route.
2. Dodge D-350 Ram
You have to ask? Seriously? The Cummins-sourced 5.9L inline-six diesel is a legend in the diesel world. It’s a workhorse, and tuned by the right people, can be a force to be reckoned with. It would take a stout big-block to keep up with the power levels, and they simply won’t return the diesel’s fuel economy.
1. AMC Eagle/Spirt/AMX
Can you say “Stroker 4.2”? AMC’s last good gasp of air, the Spirit/Concorde/Eagle series all used the straight-six. Whether you’re building a lifted Eagle wagon for snow running or want to boil the hides off of an AMX, surely a punched and stroked AMC six can do the job.
STOP CALLING IT AN LQ4! The LQ4 is a 6.0L truck motor Gen III Chevy V8 for Jim’s sakes!
The RPO for the Turbocharged Intercooled 3.8L V6 is LC2!
The RPO for the Supercharged 3800 Series I V6 is L67!
The RPO for the Supercharged 3800 Series II V6 is L67!
The RPO for the Supercharged 3800 Series III V6 is L32!
Yup, noticed that and kinda went “Uhhhh”
Guilty, and should’ve known better. Have been hunting parts for my wife’s Silverado SS, which has a…you guessed it…
All excellent choices and can be found in a number of fun vehicles.
If it weren’t for the fact that I have so much cash, blood, sweat and tears tied up into my little 22R-powered ’83 pickup, I’d own a Bronco with a 300 and a stick or a CJ8 in a heartbeat.
Or swap a 1KZ-T/R-151F into my truck. One way or the other.
I am with you on all points except the X body….X Body needs an 8…
Thanks for putting the Corvair on there. I have been around them all my life and V8 Corvairs have always rubbed me the wrong way.
How about a Corvair with a mid-mounted Buick 3.8L Turbo V6? I’ve always wanted to try that.
Ooh, I want to see that done, now.
That Ford 300-six can be a hoss, but doesn’t wind well. Used to be around a handful that were worked over for hauling and mudding. It makes a different sound, but had loads of torque and not too bad on fuel either. Wonder how it would respond to some form of boost…?
Ever seen the Clem LaChance’s “Mad Frenchman” Maverick? He ran a naturally-aspirated 300 I6 with triple Webers and all sorts of work that supposedly made 450hp N/A and ran mid-10s, while popping huge wheelies and sounding like a bunch of pissed-off hornets in a coffee can.
This guy?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zWkq_Bp0x4
Yep, although that’s after it got wheelie bars. Before that it would stand right on the rear bumper
I’ve not heard of him specifically, but have seen cars with worked over 300s in them, and they haul.
I’m more partial to the high-torque-low-rev recipe, but I’ve seen people build them up with lighter rotating assemblies, a better valvetrain an angry cam and an Offy intake, and they’re just nuts.
Photo credit for the lead image would be appreciated, Bryan McTaggart.
Apologies, Bret…was a photo I had on an old hard drive. Will do!
Had 2 f-150s with the 300 six. Didn’t want the 302 after that! And that maverick is pretty badass! Cool article all around!
That’s got a lot to do with the 180hp factory reading on the truck 302 back then.
I’d take the Fiero and swap in a sick little turbo four.
My choice is a little newer than the rest, but I’d go with my wifes Saturn sky. It’s not the redline, but it is a stick. I always thought that it would be better with a supercharged 3.8. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I enjoy that car more than my Chevelle. Between the 5sp, and the point and go steering I could only imagine the fun with a supercharged 3.8 under the hood
GN is filed under “duh”.