Redirecting My 57 Build

With most of the work related build relegated to a different rig, I can focus on fun with the 57. It's already resto-modded beyond return, so original is not much of an option. Debating motor:

Magnum 318 with NP435
Ecotec with #SomethingToBeDecidedLater
Chevy 4.3 with SM465

Keeping it propane, spicer18, and 5.38s. I also have the Herm Ford steering kit so lower drivers side of motor needs to be clear.

Thoughts? Leaning towards 318 cuz I have Dodges. Any other (non-Ford lol) ideas?

 

Of those choices I like the 4.3 just because it's a common swap and lot's of parts and info available. Dulcich would want the 318 of course. I do like the turbo diesel Jeeps on here, too many good choices.

 

A Cummins B3.3 was in the cards depending on T98 availability - if I found a T98 I'd prolly keep the FHead, if not, I'd swap in a B3.3 (have two of em). That was when the main objective was a Perkins kinda setup more for work around the homestead. That side of things is covered now so the '57 is mostly fun mode.

I figured the 4.3 would be a popular vote just cuz so many people have so many great results with it.

I'm leaning away from Ecotec mostly for spark reasons. There was something that seemed right about having a modern 134ci 4cyl in that hole though. That's why I was pondering it.

 

283ci with maybe a single turbo? Or a Kubota Diesel conversion?

Just throwing things out there.

 

If I went diesel, I'd go Cummins, but the Roxor has that base covered. 283 would be fun. I am leaning V8. The magnums should fit. I'll have to dig in more in the coming weeks if work lets up.

 

I think I might have a deciding factor. A local guy wants a couple of my beater trucks, but doesnt want the 360. That 360 has Mopar heads on it. That set of heads on my personal history 318 + mild cam should actually pair well with the 5.38s and NP435.

Definitely a long term build. Gotta size it up first. Prolly gonna later grill swap it.

 

Current Idea (presuming the shorter Magnum 318 fits fine unlike the longer snout LA318s)

57 CJ5 chassis
Fiberglass tub/fenders/roll cage
Swing pedal setup
Sag steering
5.38 D30/disc/TT
5.38 D44/11" drums/TT
Late CJ grill
318/mopar heads/mild cam/propane
NP435
Spicer18/OD
2.5"
33s

oh and black wheels

Looks pretty fun on paper lol

 

Another option: turbo FHead

Perk is no swaping.

 

I think the 318 will interfere with my Ford Sag no matter how I place that piggy..

 

HAHAHA nice

 

I almost bought a drivetrain to put in the 2a but in the end I couldn’t let go of the flathead.

I had a slew of combinations I thought would be fun and some were just oddball.

318/360 “magnum”,np435L
Sbc, t90a1
Sbc, sm420
Sbc, sm465
L134, t18
L134, NP435l
L134, t98
289/302, NP435/t18/t19
225, 231, 350 or 3.8 supercharged
Here’s an oddball one: 225 slant six, NP435l

 

The Magnums will prolly work with OEM Ross or GM style steering.

T98 would sure be nice. At this point, unless I stumble on one, the 435 might be a cheaper route. Does anyone make a T18 "adapter kit"?

I love me some SBC but it'd have the same issues with my steering.

A Buick V6 (specially with the blower) is a solid option as is the 4.3 and the Dodge 3.9. All solid mills.

 

I'm not a fan of the Mopar 4CYLs or of Fords stuff in general. I do not like timing belt motors.

I love the Ecotec (and certain year Quad4s) but that has it's own hassles and the oiling gains of the 'Duke might not be worth the swap (power improvements are not significant IMO).

So basically I have the crossroads here:

1) Keep my FHead, mechanical clutch linkage and current brake setup and try to improve it enough to keep me happy.
2) Switch to swing pedals and put in place a motor that works with a hydraulic clutch (options above).

I'm not big on the idea of redoing my steering. At that rate, I'd prolly rather put the FHead back in and sell the rig setup up this way for someone looking for it.