Considering a V6 swap

[philshevlin]

I'm in the planning stages of my resto-mod.  I've been driving my 51 3A around testing things out before I tear it down to restore the tub.

I'm really taken back by the lack of power/speed.  I've had a 3A before, but it had an iron duke in it.  I'm not looking for a hot rod, but I would like to take it to the store, etc.  Where I live if you do less the 10 over the speed limit, you risk getting pushed off the road.  I find myself hoping I get stuck behind a tractor...

Anyway, I'm looking for opinions on which swap is least expensive, not too difficult, and realistic (donor cars are easy to locate).  I've searched and see the typical ones.  I was just hoping for some recent - current economy - personal experiences.

Thanks.
Phil

[bretto]

We may need to know more info.  Do you want to keep the T90/Dana18 combo behind the V6 or would you settle for a whole different train?  If were going to do anything like this, I think I would opt for something modern with fuel injection set up.  I do like the 4.3L GM motor.  I dont think there would be any suspension issue to change, that 134 is a heavy sucker but you would have to do some frame mods.

[philshevlin]

Thanks.

I'm really open to anything.  I'm just looking at options.  My end result would be something that I can drive around town -- not necessarily highway.

I guess my other wish would be simplicity - so dropping in a different drive train is an option.  Fabbing brackets and simple alterations to the frame are doable.  Not having to buy expensive adapters would be great, too.

I'm not a mechanic.  But I'm not afraid to tackle a decent sized project.  I'm weighing out whether its worth doing or not.

[Carls_jeep]

Putting in a V6 is not an easy swap. You also need better brakes and higher ratio axle gears. The 5.38 gears are to low for anything over 45-50 mph.

[Gunslinger]

I've been thinking about the same kind of project, for the same reasons.  I thought maybe an isuzu Diesel like was in the old Isuzu Pup Pickup, or the 2.4 liter Isuzu 4 cyliner that was used in the Isuzu branded gas 4x4 pickups.  I think if you keep the T90 and 5.38 gears you will need to add the overdrive.  One of the guys on the 2A page changed his 5.38s on an MB to 4.11s.  You might ask those guys for some info.'

At the end of the day, I think you can buy a 60s CJ5 for less than you can do the mod.  If the project isn't the important thing anyway.

[Carls_jeep]

Yes, sell the Jeep and buy a later model that would suit your needs. Leave the old girl stock.

[philshevlin]

I just may do that.

But I'm asking for recent, past experiences in making the swap.  I want to determine if there is a particular donor car/truck that I could use that simplifies things.

[Gunslinger]

Phil,
I think thats what we're trying to say, that there isn't really an easy way to do this, or a specific donor car that is going to give you the outcome your looking for in a fast easy way.  You may want to talk to the guys on the 2A page for more info, they have a group that did some cool mods and would have some insight, Rocnroll did a really nice one, but it took him 6 years and almost wore him out, His words.

There are so many options that you can use, it all depends on what you want when your done.  Bottom line is that your making a vehicle go 60 mph that was designed to go 40mph.  Its going to need some suspension mods in order to safely be what you want it to be.

Just sayin
Todd

[philshevlin]

Yeah.  I'm a bit hard-headed.  Thanks.

[duffer]

Well, i'll throw my 2 cents onto this old thread.  The amount of work to swap just about any motor, with the exception of a straight 6, will be about the same.  From my experience, there is almost no difference between installing a 4.3 or any any of the small block Chevy V8's.  The D18 will take them all and the T90 is good up to a 327-if you are a sane driver.  From an axle gears standpoint, the 5.38's will work but an OD is necessary to get the greatest benefit.  4.27's with the OD would work very well with these engines (I'm using 4.10's).

It has also been my experience that the mileage from any of these GM swaps is always about the same and in every case is better than the 134.  While the 9" brakes and Ross steering leave something to be desired, if in good condition and properly adjusted, they will suffice.  You will also want to make sure the rest of the front end is completely up to snuff.  Death wobble at 75 mph is probably just that.