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151 Swap Options

clouby

clouby

Basic User
City
Stake
State
FL
I've found a few threads discussing this issue and found alot of useful information, but nothing too clear-cut regarding my question.

My 81 has the GM 151 with almost 100K miles.

-I'm not sure of the condition of motor (I know the guys who owned it, they worked the crap out of it on a farm)

-It needs a new clutch

-Currently has the SR4 tranny (would like to upgrade to T-5)

-Dana300 needs to some work (stuck in 4 high)

-Axles are 3.73's

My question is... what are my motor options in terms of "bolting" right up to the bellhousing and bolting to the future T5 (or other good manual tranny that will fit)? I've heard of swapping a Tech IV in, is that possible?

( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Iron_Duke_engine )

I talked with a local engine builder who said it would cost $1200 to rebuild head and motor, with warranty.

I'm thinking for that cost I could buy and swap in a 6 cylinder (though I wanted to keep it as original as possible, that's for another discussion).

I really don't want to change driveshaft lengths, etc.

The end goal is to have a jeep that will run great for a DD and enough power to tool around the local trails (no rock crawling, mud-boging).

Any ideas...? I know someone has done this already...

EngineBellHousing00.jpg


EngineBellHousing01.jpg


EngineBellHousing02.jpg
 
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Update/Consideration

Someone has informed me that a chevy 230 straight 6 will fit... are those good motors, or notoriously bad?

Also... if no one has answered or replied to a post, does that mean I've been black balled and not know it, or simply no one has anything to say... combination of both? I don't want to step on anyone's toes or offend either...

thanks!
 
I never saw your original post. Yes a Tech IV will work. I will get you some more info that I've found later. I was thinking that myself. I'm now thinking of a 4.3 v6 as a stronger more reliable engine. I don't know about the 230.

Truck
 
The 230 is an incredible engine (the 250 and 292 should have the same bolt patterns IIRC). The 250 should be a longer production series and you should find more availability.

You will have to fabricate motor mounts and most likely get new drive shafts. I can't think of any motor swaps (aside from another 151) where you wouldn't...
 
twmattox said:
The 230 is an incredible engine (the 250 and 292 should have the same bolt patterns IIRC). The 250 should be a longer production series and you should find more availability.

You will have to fabricate motor mounts and most likely get new drive shafts. I can't think of any motor swaps (aside from another 151) where you wouldn't...
Click to expand...


That's great news, someone else told me they weren't good motors (I thought they were from everything else I read online). Like I mentioned previously, my mom has about 4 or 5 "DJ" mail jeeps laying around with a 230 in one of them. It was/is a great motor, just the jeep rusted away around her, so she switched to a newer one. The motor just sits there, ripe for the pickin'

I pretty much assumed the motor mounts would need to be changed, I'll cross that road when I get there though.

I guess if I install this 6 before the tub goes on (which I am), I will mark the frame where the bellhousing starts and ends, and make the mounts (mount adapters) fit the new motor accordingly. I probably should unbolt the mounts from the frame and reinstall in the right location for the 6, or is that a "no-no"?

Oh yea... I guess you can see I'm not staying totally "stock" here anymore, when things are free... I'll make modifications...:-)

Thanks again guys!
 
If the other 6 is free and you have the time then might be a good iedea to use it.

If you are looking for total reliability and have less time then the 4.3 Chevy v-6 might be a good choice. Or even a Chevy Small block V-8 But that can lead to a lot o fstrength upgrades.

Lots of choices out there.

Carl
 
I didn't know that the DJs used the Chevrolet 230...I thought they used the AMC 232 or 258...
 
twmattox said:
I didn't know that the DJs used the Chevrolet 230...I thought they used the AMC 232 or 258...
Click to expand...

You are correct, this was an "aftermarket" upgrade someone local did. There are a couple of the original 6's in the other DJ's, not sure on condition though.

I thought the only 6 that would bolt up to my bellhousing would be the 230 (or the V6 or sbc). I'm going with the 230 because it's free... she also has an Audi 4 cylinder, but I didn't want to go down that road.

I really wanted to go fuel injection, but will forgo that dream if the 230 is free. Well... it depends on the V6 I guess too, what would one of those cost? I'm guessing more than free!:D

Thanks!
 
If you can find someone that has used a S-10 pick-up or blazer and maybe wrecked it and just wants it out of their yard. Then you could find yourself the 4.3l with the TBI for near free.

That is a decent engine, and it is possible to convert that injection system to work on the 258 at a later date.

Also those sr-4 to 258 belhousings are a dime a dozen. Might even be able to find a decent 258 with transmission that someone is taking out to go V-8 for next to nothing.

Carl
 
CBRogers said:
If you can find someone that has used a S-10 pick-up or blazer and maybe wrecked it and just wants it out of their yard. Then you could find yourself the 4.3l with the TBI for near free.

That is a decent engine, and it is possible to convert that injection system to work on the 258 at a later date.

Also those sr-4 to 258 belhousings are a dime a dozen. Might even be able to find a decent 258 with transmission that someone is taking out to go V-8 for next to nothing.

Carl
Click to expand...

Those dimes are hard to find at times... then when I don't need it, I have more than I could ever need... funny how these kind of things work.

My current thought is to go ahead with the 230 chevy swap. I plan on starting the engine this week and checking the compression. If all is good, I probably head in that direction. I can't beat free, if all measures up.

That brings up my next question.

Can someone measure from the edge of their bellhousing to the radiator? I want to check clearance of the 230, the guy who did his swap in a cj7 said that it was 3" too long. That would be my only hold out, if it was too long. Of course I could also go with an electric fan... just a thought...
 
As an afterthought, GM sells an Iron Duke that is used for Marine In/Outdrive applications that is 181 Cu. In. or 3 Liter. Bolt up and get a 20% increase in displacement. Gotta be a lot of junkyard motors in the marinas down there. Clifford performance has stuff for them and they race them, too! Just a thought.

Starke, FL? Isn't that where "Sparky" is/was?

Paul
 
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mtruckstuff said:
As an afterthought, GM sells an Iron Duke that is used for Marine In/Outdrive applications that is 181 Cu. In. or 3 Liter. Bolt up and get a 20% increase in displacement. Gotta be a lot of junkyard motors in the marinas down there. Clifford performance has stuff for them and they race them, too! Just a thought.

Starke, FL? Isn't that where "Sparky" is/was?

Paul
Click to expand...

Thanks... I know some people at a few of the marinas here near cedar river and steinhatchee... I'll call over there and see what they know... doesn't hurt to ask...

Yea... Old Sparky... You'll never know all the horror tales told around town to kids about that thing. It's about 20 minutes from my house.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Sparky
 
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