48 Kaiser Engine swap

[Harry]

 can anyone tell me if there is a modern engine that can be installed  in a 48 Kaiser without doing alot of work on the front end, has anyone done this? and if so how, thank you for any help.

[joefrazer]

I know of 2 350 Chev swaps. Both needed changes to the battery location as well as some re-engineering of the left exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe due to the steering box. I believe some work was also needed to the oil pan. You'll also need to deal with the 2 piece drive shaft that KF employed on the early cars. Sounds like alot of work...and it is...but it can be done by anyone with some shade tree talent.

[Harry]

Will a Ford 6 cylinder be a good choice for a swap for a 48 Kaiser? Thank's for any help

[HJ-ETEX]

Ford 6 into Early Kaiser: If you are thinking of a 300 Truck 6, I think it is possible without cutting the firewall or other major alterations. These engines, like the Chevy and newer AMC 6s are 33 inches long. That makes them 2 or 3 inches longer than the 226. The Ford has an advantage over the Chevy in that the Ford oil filter is in the middle of the block rather than up front as on the Chevy. If you decide for the Ford, look for 81 up 1/2 ton unit because the oil sump is at the back of the oil pan unlike earlier models. The carburated models even use Carter YFA carbs that are revised versions of the YF carbs that were used on the plain early Kaisers.