Engine swap

Hello all ,,

Just lookin to tap some of knowledge here .
My current project is a 52 M38A1 , with a ford 289 ci , T90 trans with a Warn overdrive , T18 transfer case. I'm having too many clearance issues with exhaust manifolds, and a saginaw steering swap around the v8, so I ran across a guy selling a mud buggy he has in his yard . it's got a buick v6 ,, not sure if it's a 225 or 231, and a bunch of other parts I can use . I'm just looking for feedback on what it's gonna take to adapt the v6 to the rest of the drivetrain . Any input would be greatly appreciated
Thanks ,, Dan

 

Not sure what clearance issues you're having, but I think the 225/231 is WIDER that a 289 (obviously its a good bit shorter). To go to a V6, you'll need different mounts and a different trans adapter, plus all the other little stuff involved in an engine swap.

 

Have you looked at the Novak site? Lots of good advice there: http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/chevy_buick_swap.htm

If you keep the T-90, you'll need an adapter for GM rather than Ford. The GM-T-90 adapters show up on the used market fairly often, or buy one new from Novak or Advanced.

 

Thanks Tim, Is there a specific bell housing I should be looking for ? Also ,, do you think there is a market for the Ford adapter I have ?

 

The main problem with the v8 , is the exhaust . I have fenderwell headers on it now , and I dont like the look . I would like to go back to a more stock setup.

 

You use the GM bell and a plate adapter. The input shaft is the same as for the 289 swap. Re market, depends on how long you are willing to wait for a buyer and how dear it is to you. A good price to start at would be half-new, if it's complete.

 

http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/headers/ford_small_block_v8_headers.htm

 

I am running a 283 sbc in my 57 CJ5. I have a power steering conversion (Herm's) and have block hugger headers from Speedway motors. I have the exhaust open to the back of the Jeep, no exit near the driver or fron passenger. Everything is tight, but it fits. I ran an Ididit column with a couple of pivot points. It is feasable. ( I don't what the Saginaw conversion is like though) I also have a T90 and Dana 18.

 

Get some block hugger headders. I also have fender well headers and will ne switching to block headers.

 

Thanks for all the input guy's ,, But I think I have my heart set on runnin the v6 . It just feels right to have a drive train that would have been factory installed in an early jeep . ( not necessarily in a m38a1 ).
I'm going to buy the Advanced Adapter kit with the adjustable motor mounts, but I'm still unsure about the bellhousing . Will any small block GM bellhousing work ?

 

you'll need a buick bell housing I believe they are a little different.

 

Thanks Chuck ,,
I'll start the search for a Buick bellhousing

 

What transmission is in the buggy? If it's a manual transmission, then it will probably have the bell you need. If not, then you'll need a bell and a flywheel. The flywheel for an odd-fire Buick V6 is specific to that application. The buggy with a manual transmission will be a much better value for you than with an automatic ... might be easier to look around for a 225 from a Jeep if the buggy is an automatic.

 

tinpan,
you might be intersted in this...
http://z4.invisionfree.com/CJ3B_Bulletin_Board/index.php?showtopic=3575

 

Tim,
the buggy is basically a 68 cj5 with a Dauntless 225 and an automatic tranny , so the motor is what I want , but I have to find a bell housing and a 53 pound flywheel. And from what I'm hearing ,, that wont be easy , short of buying ANOTHER jeep .

 

That's why I suggested that you contact Jon.
He has one thats for sale up your way.

 

Ken ,,
I checked out Jon's post ,, looks like a great deal on the motor , but the 225 that I have is in good shape , what I need is the bell housing . Thanks for passing that along tho .

 

Check with Herm, he has bell housings along with all the the other great products.

 

R&p had a couple bellhousings last time I was up there (earlier this week). They can be contacted at 503-557-8911 PST 9am-5pm. They may have a flywheel as well. You might consider putting a wtb ad in the classifieds here as well. Someone may have what you need taking up space.