Flathead V8 in a GPW

[Ryan]

I'm just thinking out loud here but I reckon it would be pretty cool to see and hear.
Has anyone on MLU attempted this sort of engine conversion before?
At a guess I'm thinking it would fit, hopefully without modifying the firewall, the V8 shouldn't be too much longer than the 4cyl already in them. The V8 is probably taller though.

[David Dunlop]

I have seen a couple of MB's converted to 283 Chev V8's out this way over the years and also an unknown V8 in an M38Cdn. The M38 definitely had firewall work done to get the engine to fit.

From what I recall for the MB's, the firewall was OK but the steering box and some other front end bits were moved about. One was up for sale because the power train was trashed, the owner saying it couldn't handle the added power.


David

[rob love]

I put a buick V-6 into an M38A1Cdn3 back in the 80s. It was VERY fast. I used Novak adapters, so actually putting the engine into the jeep was not a big issue. The firewall did not have to be changed and the driveshafts remained the same length. However, the shackles had to be raised so the shaft would clear the starter, and the steering box had to be changed out to a later CJ5 steering system. As well, the oil filter had to be changed to a remote filter for clearance.

Did I mention that it was fast? I could beat a vette across the intersection.....you started in 2nd and 0-30mph and you were pressed back into the seat the whole way. But after about 35, and a shift into 3rd and it was a very different picture. Slow like a jeep and top speed of 60mph.

Cross country performance was also amazing. It could climb hills that no other truck could do. After jumping over one particularly long and steep hill, the front diff snapped internally on landing. Even in two wheel drive the jeep could go up that hill again and again while a Ford Bronco could not make it up, even with 4 wheel drive.

In the end, I sold it for less than if I had left the 4 cylinder in it. I bought it back cheap a number of years later after the transmission had torn all it's synchros out. But my heart just wasn't into that truck anymore so I fixed the transmission and resold it.

The Flathead Ford sounds like a retro idea, but Go-devil engines are not that hard to find, and are dead simple to rebuild. If you want a bit more horsepower, a hurricane is almost a drop in, with the exception of needing a shorter carb or else a hood scoop. A jeep will always be worth more in stock form than hot-rodded.

[Howard]

At Corowa a couple of years ago there was a Jeep sporting a 5.8 Cleveland!
I didn't get to talk to the owner re mods to make it happen...
H

[cletrac (RIP)]

A Jeep drivetrain might handle a flattie but anything bigger and it will self-destruct. I've seen them with flatties and Chevys both. Even one with a V4 Wisconsin! The 327 powered one wouldn't make it through the weekend. That's why there aren't any old Jeeps left around here. He used them all up for parts. The flattie powered one ran for several years without many problems.

[Lynn Eades]

The jeep drive line has the torque handling capacity of a fresh carrot. Unless you plan to change everything for bigger, brighter, better, then, I would suggest you leave it standard. ( I am not for a moment suggesting that you shouldn't do what ever you want with your own vehicle)
The flattie should go back in a carrier

[Keith Orpin]

Nice thought but,
I know a guy over here in England that fitted a small block chevy engine in a jeep, albeit a Hotchkiss, and ended up filling the rear lockers and the space under the rear seat with concrete, just to keep the back end in contact with the road.
Keep it stock
Keith

[Barry Churcher]

Here is a flathead in a Jeep. Notice the "Willys" on the head.
Barry

[charlie fitton]

Originally Posted by Barry Churcher

Here is a flathead in a Jeep. Notice the "Willys" on the head.
Barry

Never seen that before....very pretty.

If I was to get into this sort of thing - I'd look seriously at the 1.5 Ltr , 3 cyl geo engine,

[Ric Davies]

Gee wizz Barry that's a reall nice job with the flat head installation. Love to see some more of those if you have them.