GMC 211 engine and auto trans boost and smooth

[JackG]

Hey all, If anyone can help would appeaciate it. I and looking for two things I just received my GMC m211. I would like to know if there is anything I can do to boost engine performance (I have to put it in low 1 just to get it up a moderate hill.) Also I would like to get the rough shifting to a minimin with the transmission.

 

[Westech]

Have you any experience at all with engines? Are you sure there is not a problem because it sure sounds like it.
Research REB kit for the GMC's and that is about the only thing besides changing the Trans fluid to ATF that will help.

 

[JackG]

Thanks, I don't have very much experience with engines. It seems to run and idle fine. (I checked the oil and it looks fine the trans fluid is also clean and pink. The engine has 14,000 miles oil looks very clean.. Came from a fire comapny in Maryland. MAybe once I run more fuel through it will help clean the lines and carb. It has bee sitting for a couple of years.

 

[cleb]

It should run a lot better than that. Sounds like it needs a tune up. I had a 211 with a couple bent pushrods that made it low on power. I would check everything over closely.

 

[JackG]

Thanks, I'm going to get it checked next week.

 

[rosco]

Do a standard tune up. That includes setting the valves (hot anf running). Make very certain that the timing is right. You can set it with a light, (yes I know about the shielded cables), but the most accurate way is to get it close that way, then manually (tiral and error) advance it till it pings, then retard it a RCH, till it doesn't ping. If they are retarded very much, they will over heat the exhaust manifold and crack it.

By todays standards, that is a small engine for an empty 14.000# truck. Its not fast, and it will fade on the hills. Learn to shift the tranny. A skillful driver, can get more out of it, by learning to shift it.

 

[JackG]

Thanks. I will start there. I have learned that shifting properly helps when you know a hill is coming. .I know its not a fast truck but I think it should give me a little more power that it is presently. Also does anyone know what type of muffler I need to get in aftermarket to replace this one I have? Thanks again JackG

 

[JasonS]

The 302 GMC is a late 1930s design engine with four main bearings, no full flow oil filter, no hardened exhaust seats in the head, siamesed ports, etc. It is slow because you have 130 horsepower at 3200 rpm. There isn't really a lot that you can do to really increase horsepower without spending a significant amount of money. Like previously posted, make sure that it is well tuned. I suggest getting rid of the military civiian distributor; it was one of the best things that I did with my Reo.

 

[JackG]

Thanks again. Does anyone know what aftermarket muffler replaces m211

 

[rosco]

I don't know that there was a civi replacement for the muffler. It was sort of oval in shape. The easiest is to find the stock replacement. Otherwise you will be customizing a replacement.

 

[Gunfreak25]

As Rosco said, they are slow vehicles. About the only thing you can do is know how to work the pedal and learn the shifts. The mind set back then was small engines and lots of gears, it got the job done just fine but they are anemic by today's "standards". If you want a little more top end speed, put some 11.00's on or you can go with the spendy Michelin 395R20's running dish out on the rears. I know of a place that might have an REB shift kit for the tranny, PM me if anyone's interested.

 

[Stan Leschert]

"Does anyone know what aftermarket muffler replaces m211 ?"

There are several other active threads right now which have posted a couple of parts suppliers for the M211 / M135.

Rather than me reposting, just do a bit of surfing. If you can't find it, I can repost here.

Make sure that you download the TMs Technical Manuals.
I know that it's not the most interesting reading, but all 4 manuals will be your best friend.

You do know that you will have to post some pics here, of your truck!

Just for the fun of it, if you have not already, do a search on this site for M135, 220, and 211.

Some of the older threads are worth reading, and there is some great MV porn here!

Enjoy, but don't get drool on your keyboard!

 

[JackG]

Thanks I'll try to keep my keyboard moisture level set to low speed!

 

[topo]

This is a picture of a exhaust pipe that I had made at a muffler shop years ago for my m211 when I could not find a muffler .

 

[topo]

wrong picture this is it

 

[JackG]

Ya, I was thinking of doing the same thing. I need to get it off and take a good look at it. Thanks.

 

[Gunfreak25]

A straight pipped 302, bet that sounds nice.

 

[JackG]

I was thinking the same thing. Right now it sounds like a diesel. I wouldn't mind but the exhaust flowing into the cab is more that I care handle.

 

[Gunfreak25]

Do you have any pics of your hard top Jack? Looks custom made.

 

[JackG]

No I don't, but it won't be hard to get a few more. I will see if I can get some tonight. The top looks like it was welded in a few places like around the top, back and sides. It was used as a fire brush truck so I think they worked on it a bit. I really want to put a rag top back on but I will have to do some cutting first. the bed looks like it came from a M135. Originally the truck was a M220. The military must have converted it with what they had laying around.