Dauntless 225 Question: Rebuild Or Buy?

So I'm rebuilding my 1961 CJ6, and the F-head 134 is a decent little powerplant, but as well know lacks at higher speeds. The previous owner freshened it up and it really does run pretty well. Mine currently has a t-90a, and a twin stick dana 18. I'm looking to add an overdrive. I don't desire to go fast, but I live in Vermont and it's very hilly. After a few drives it has become obvious I'm out of power quickly

I have the chance to buy a 225 locally for $500 which will need a complete rebuild and likely need to be bored at least 30 over to clean everything up, it's pretty rough after sitting outside. This would give me a chance to build it exactly as I want to, but I suspect would end up being a pile of $. I've rebuilt a few motorcycle motors but nothing this large, it would be a first.

Alternatively I've found one that has had a pile of work done by a very reputable machine shop, that has about 1500 miles on it. It's 60 over, new pistons, new crank, new cam, edelbrock 4 barrel, and I've seen and heard it run. With shipping it would be about $2500

Thoughts?

 

Sorry for the dose of negativity...

There's a lot involved with an engine swap ... much more than bolting in a new engine. If you don't have a Dauntless-equipped Jeep already, there's not a lot to gain by choosing the 225 as opposed to say the 4.3L Chevy, or one of the modern 4-cylinder engines. Just because it's a Jeep motor does not make the swap much easier - it's about the same amount of work. $500 for a core 225 seems ridiculously expensive to me, and $2500 is also pretty high. Look around for a 4.3L donor car ... General Motors 90° V6 engine - Wikipedia I bet you could find one that's a good runner for $500; Vermont has a lot of rusty cars. Then you'll need an adapter, mounts, radiator, exhaust, and lots of other changes.

Another thing ... it's probably no cheaper to swap in a motor to your existing Jeep, than to find a more highway capable Jeep to replace it with. Sell it and buy the Jeep you want. IMO a swap like this has to be done for the fun of it, not because it's economical. In addition to later CJs, there are a lot of TJs and YJs out there that would already have the highway capability you seek, and would be as good on the trail as your CJ.

 

Wow Mike , Let me take the counterpoint.............since you're rebuilding your 1961 CJ6 already and want a more powerful motor by all means continue on that path...........Be it a Buick 225 or later 231 motor or for that matter a GM 4.3 more than likely they will all need freshening , machine work and adapters to get you to the finish line...........add in motor & transmission mounts , and maybe both or just one driveshaft length will need some attention , as well as the exhaust , throttle linkage, some wiring , the battery in yours may also need to be moved and the radiator will also need some attention. And if you went with the later GM 4.3 w/FI plan on having the ECM reflashed and redoing the wiring harness................The build 225 if all the work has been done correctly and they can provide receipts and is being shipped to your door doesn't sound bad. But there is a lot of if's............Carry On!

 

Did this swap myself, Howard is right. You will spend many hours looking and measuring and measuring and measuring. I had the body on and off several times in the planning and location stage. The 225 is a really good choice for this, and i'm sure there are several others. I probably have around $1800 to $2000 in my engine, inc machine work and parts. I did the assembly myself to save a few bucks, and because I just wanted to. I was not able to make the mechanical fan fit, but an electric fan works just fine. Tarry is right for sure, the battery will have to be moved, and yes I had to have a rear driveshaft made for it. Many things to consider.
IMHO the only reason for doing this is because you truly enjoy this kind of work. It has to be a pleasurable pastime.

 

Finished getting the carb tuned up on the F head this weekend, and took it for a spin. I think it'll be livable for now, and the OD ought to make it that much better. I don't need to go fast so the decision was made to finish the project as it is, and run it for a few years, or at least all summer before making a decision. appreciate the advice

 

The v6 is well worth it and makes a big diff. Sounds like your up and running for now, have fun, and start collecting for a swap. I'd go Ford T18 4 speed and 225 v6 or maybe a GM4.3. I've only done the 225 and love it, it's also stupid simple to find a v6 early CJ5 and rob all the parts, Motor mounts, sheet metal change on ds of firewall where valve cover is close, battery tray, radiator, drive shaft, factor wiring etc. Takes a lot of guess work out if it. It's been done so many tiimes it's almost like it was a factory option....oh wait.....Also $2500 for a complete rebuilt if you trust the guys and it's a bolt in doesn't sound bad. Good luck. I was in your shoes many moons ago and am totally glad I did the swap, especially the 4 speed.