doinworkinvans
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i do believe mine is on its way out. If i were to put somethimg diff in its place, what is the easiest (which i know is a relative term here) to swap for such as placement and fitting correctly.
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Not as big a deal if you using the stock tranny/bellhousing and in leiu of the custom engine mounts you go with the afore mentioned cast steel timing cover/engine mount that was used on older 318's.Another option to consider is a built & balanced 230 or 251 with a 5-speed overdrive manual transmission behind it - or consider swapping in a late model Jeep straight 6 & corresponding transmission. 4BT Cummins makes a nice swap, but it isn't cheap; 6BT swap is even more of a challenge with the extra weight & the rear two cylinders in the cab.
The 318 swap kit isn't available any longer from Helitool/Uglytruckling - and it is a big endeavor to undertake. M37 V8 conversion
'Tanner'
Just about as hard to find as a good 230 block and alot easier to do than a 4bt conversion that you suggest....and availability of cast steel 318 cover is?'
I didn't suggest the 4BT conversion; I mentioned that it's a pricey option & a good bit of effort.Just about as hard to find as a good 230 block and alot easier to do than a 4bt conversion that you suggest.
Doin
If your mind is set on going with a different engine, A buddy of mine has a 251 in one of his 37's and its a night and day difference with performancs and there is not alot to do to make one fit.
I had my 230 balanced and bored ( .030 over ) it ran great but it was still not what a 251 puts out
There are a number of choices to use behind the 6.2/6.5 motors, like the SM465, but I'd recommend going to an overdrive 5-speed transmission if you stay with the stock 5.83 final drive ratio in order to have decent road speed -I an using a 6.2, I have couple of choices with with tranny set up but sm465 with a 205 is the likley choice.
Actually the rad can stay where its at you just have to remove the fan spacer off the water pump, it would be a close fit but only issue would be when it came time to change the fan belt being the fan blade would only be about 1/2-3/4" from the radiator finsI didn't suggest the 4BT conversion; I mentioned that it's a pricey option & a good bit of effort.
doin can drop in the 318, but fuel mileage will still suck. If he's new to the truck, I'd recommend fixing up what he has now & getting the brakes,steering up to snuff, then look into engine issues. 251 is longer (as you know) & requires moving radiator forward - but not a hard swap. You still lack overdrive trans & only optional gearing is 4.89 in axles or larger diameter tires to cheat the road speed. You could install a 5-speed OD transmission behind the 230, but there may be need to move transfer case & modify driveshafts depending on transmission used.
'Tanner'