Car Value vs. engine swap

[kelgar50]

I'm also pondering the thought of a v8 and automatic also seeing that I have to pull my flatty out due to a bottom end knock under load. I have a couple of choices a 60's 327 and the one im leaning towards but not sure it would fit without cutting the firewall is my Chrysler Spitfire 354. I also have the adaptor for the 354 to put a GM auto behind it along with a th 350 or a 4L80E and a 8" rearend out of a 65 mustang. Decisions decisions.

[r1lark]

I'm also pondering the thought of a v8 and automatic also seeing that I have to pull my flatty out due to a bottom end knock under load. I have a couple of choices a 60's 327 and the one im leaning towards but not sure it would fit without cutting the firewall is my Chrysler Spitfire 354. I also have the adaptor for the 354 to put a GM auto behind it along with a th 350 or a 4L80E and a 8" rearend out of a 65 mustang. Decisions decisions.

Kelgar, is your Spitfire engine the polysphere-head or the hemi-head configuration?

[kelgar50]

Polyhead, its out of a 57 Chrysler Windsor.

[HJ-ETEX]

A 354 Spitfire! Amusing. Most idiots think if it is a Chrysler V8 in the 50s, it has to be a Hemi! There are at least 2 guys I know that got stuck with 52-53 Chrysler Windsors with the large flathead 6 and the semi-automatic.
I think you would be better off rebuilding the 226 than using the Poly V8. If you don't want a a SBC V8, then I would suggest a Dodge truck LA 318 with a 904 TF. Why a truck? It has a rear mounted oil pan sump.
I explored putting a 318 in a 51-55K after I did the SBC swaps, but there wasn't any encouragement because the  SBC swaps worked so well. I figured the 318 could be a minimal cutting swap as well, but the stock mechanical fuel pump would have to be blocked off as with the SBC.

[vt2000driver]

As stated many times I am driving it till I am gone so $ is silly. think about a stand alone fuel injection like f.a.s.t. (www.fuelairspark.com) that will make fuel problems go away. if it is going to be driven think about an overdrive transmission also.

Mike Mc Manama

[checker]

Hey guys, I'm not ready to replace my original engine but I find this topic very interesting.

I didn't see anyone come up with a fairly recent AMC straight 6 engine as an option for a replacement. Would that be a good option to consider ? Say a late 70's -80's 258 cu in (4,2 L)... lots of torque and reliable, no ? Still supported parts wise... or an even more recent 4,0  L from Jeep ?

It would keep the powertrain in the "family tree"...

It'd like to know your opinion on that possible alternative...

[DTort96646]

A Jeep engine/drive train is a very logical choice. That's exactly what I did and it makes for a great package. 1971 AMC/Jeep 304 V8 with a 3 speed Chrysler 34RH with lockup torque convertor and a Dana 44 posi rear differential. Yes, it's fuel injected with distributorless wasted spark ignition and of course cruise control, power steering, power brakes, and independent 4 wheel suspension. Maybe a little beyond some folks, but the later engine and trans make is not beyond most. And yes, maybe better upgrade the brakes and steering too.

[FleetMaster]

With any newer inline length will be the real determination of possible use.  Older flathead sixes were long stroke, small bore, and fairly short front to back.  Later overhead valve units were larger bore first, sometimes long stroke.  Width is fine, length will put the fan and water pump square on where the radiator sits.  The Jeep/ AMC engines- thanks to Jeep popularity and solid engineering, should be easy on parts and money for decades, including hop up parts that match a small V8 for power and flexability.