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engine advice

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by kevdidy, Sep 3, 2008.

  1. Sep 3, 2008
    kevdidy

    kevdidy New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2008
    Messages:
    3
    Hi all,

    I have a a m-38 that I have had for years almost complete that I picked up cheap for parts. Itching for a winter project. It is calling out to me. Original guys dont be mad at me I didnt do it. Gone now this m-38 had a sbc in it. My question being more of a 4-6 cyl kinda guy would it be hard to go back to stock or put a chevy v6 in it, buick v6 etc. The transmission is still there with bell housing and input shaft. Motor mounts still there also.
    thanks
     
  2. Sep 3, 2008
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    Stock woulnt be to hard. I even have correct m38 engine for sale that needs rebuilding.
     
  3. Sep 4, 2008
    kaiser_willys

    kaiser_willys Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2007
    Messages:
    1,524
    4.3 may be a direct bolt up considering what it had in it, not sure if you will have any trouble out of the motor mounts from a v8 to a 4.3, does it have a adapter plate between the bell and the tranny? if so buic or dauntless v6 shouldnt be much more trouble just need the correct bell that has the buick olds pontiac bolt patteren, and a little motor mount work
     
  4. Sep 5, 2008
    evanjm

    evanjm Yeah, it's got an F-head.

    Leesburg, VA
    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2006
    Messages:
    408
    go with the stock 134. the jeep was designed around that motor. there's nothing like wheeling a flathead. she ain't peppy but she's got the guts where it counts and will last forever and a day.
     
  5. Sep 5, 2008
    trickpatrick

    trickpatrick Done? LOL

    North Idaho USA
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2006
    Messages:
    838
    All good advice.
    Here my break down
    Just for wheeling= sbc
    DD = 4.3
    Fun runs for ice cream = flathead.

    IMHO
     
  6. Sep 5, 2008
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    The correct flathead will add value to your m38. All other engines will decrease its value.
     
  7. Sep 5, 2008
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    If it's a M38 and not a M38A1, then you need the flathead engine to restore it to stock (I know that you all know this, but I thought I'd bring it up for the OP).

    Sadly, some cars just aren't worth restoring. If the M38 has nothing missing but the L134, then maybe you'd want to put it back. IMO the L134 would be fun, but if it's set up for a Chevy V8 now, the 4.3L makes the most sense.

    There are some modern inline fours that could be used too - Chevy 153, GM/Mercruiser 181 (bored 153), Pontiac 151 (cheap), even the AMC 150 - available carbed, TBI, or MPI. Lots of options.

    Welcome from Boston!
     
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