Super Hurricane in a CJ5?

I know there's a bunch of more ideal swaps but I just got a running Willys Super Hurricane flathead six with a T-90/D18 and after looking up the output on it, its looking like a nice bump in power. +43hp and +76 lbft. I'm assuming its a bit heavier and it's obviously longer but should be able to work around that. Anyone ever seen one of these in an early'5 or a flatfender?

-John

 

There's a reason that AMC lengthened the CJ's engine compartment when they went to an in-line 6 in 1972.
Remember, just because you have an engine doesn't make it a good swap candidate.
On the plus side, the T90 you got should be the long input shaft version, which is easily adaptable to a GM engine such as a Buick or Chevy V6.

 

Yeah, my neighbor has a flatfender that the PO put a 250 chevy 6 in. They had to recess the tranny hump about 6 or so inches. When I was looking at this flathead I thought it looked shorter than the 250. I guess a tape will answer my questions lol

 

Inline 6s are a bad choice for the early CJs. Jeep used the Buick V6 for a reason.

Plus old engines use old casting technology, and are anchor heavy. And the best you can say for the 226 is it's very reliable and durable... otherwise it's just old and slow and heavy.

I suggest you keep looking. An Astro Van or S10 with a 4.3L Chevy V6 would be a much better donor - cheap and plentiful.

 

I guess sometimes you get an idea that, upon further thought, is kinda silly lol. I'm going to use this motor in something, it's just too cool, but probly not my Jeep. I think I'll just rebuild my F-head when it comes time..

-John

 

Not nessecarily a silly idea-I like the idea of a vintage engine in a vintage Jeep-it's just not a good fit in an early CJ.
FWIW I wouldn't spend the $$$ rebuilding the F head unless you're planning a stock restored Jeep. A V6 swap makes it a whole different vehicle. I know there's plenty of F head fans on here, but I like to be able to drive around town without being a traffic hazard...

 

I love my F head.......but he is right. Traffic just gets faster and faster, and more of it.......and more impatient!!!!! mine will have a v6 in it in a year or so.

 

Mount that machine gun behind the seat and see how fast the traffic backs off! *)
jeep toss

 

I have seen a couple of flat-fenders around here the last 5 years or so that had Studebaker inline sixes mounted in them. That super-hurricane six can't be any bigger than those things are. Might just be something as simple, (or difficult, depending) as moving the radiator forward closer to the grill. I mean there is like ten or so inches between the front of the radiator in my CJ5 and the grill itsself. That whole doghouse thing there can be shortened to allow for a longer engine, without having to lengthen the fenders or frame.

But then I have never tried something like that so I am probably talking through my hat, and you should probably all just ignore me.

 

I know for a fact the 232/258 will not fit in an early without modifying the grill or firewall, A few years ago I measured and remeasured and measured again. you could probably use your super hurricane it if you wanted to use a postal grill (bubble grill) you would also have to cut your front cross member out. and your battery tray would have to come out as well.

Anything is doable if you have the time, money, and skill!!!!!!!

 

The Studebaker sixes were popular in the 50s because Studebaker used the T-90 in their passenger cars. Apparently you could bolt them to the Jeep T-90 without a fancy custom adapter. But Studebaker engines are not cheap and plentiful now, like they were in the 50s.

I expect you'll end up with part of the valve cover under the cowl... and I also expect it shortens the rear driveshaft significantly. But you can do it if you are determined.

A better option would be the 144/170/200 Ford six, which is pretty short for an I6. I've seen those in CJs, and they were the original engine in some Australian CJs. I think you can make them work without a custom adapter, if you can find the right bell - similar to the Pinto engine swap. But you'll still need to cut back the firewall.

 

the 200 i6 was a turd......mine ran forever (hard miles too) but not allot of get up and go.

 

My sister had a 200 cid '66 Mustang that I drove a lot. I thought it was fine ... I expect it would be a big upgrade over the F134 in a CJ.

 

mine in my 79 mustang wasn't all that, durable yes i ran it to 200 thousand and i don't think the head was off the motor. Yes it would be a big upgrade to the 134

 

I was going to do a SBC when I first got this thing but somehow it's "tractorness" has grown on me lol. I'll likely rebuild the F head and keep it stock(tough I'd like to add an OD to the D18), but this Super Hurricane has to go in SOMETHING lol. I'll get out with the tape tomorrow and put the question of fitment to rest, for my own sanity if nothing else lol.

 

There is no problem building a sbc to get all the "tractorness" you want or that the rest of the drivetrain can tolerate. IMO, still the best engine platform for an 80/81" Jeep.

As for the 226, find a FC 170 or a Willys wagon to restore. They do have enough poop to keep up with traffic.