Hi,

I am new to this forum. Currently have in my procession a 55 Belvedere. I would like to pick you guys brains on which engine or even donor car to do a swap.

I should say my goal are not for insane power but reliability,easy swap, and easy to fine parts along with bang for my bucks.

Is it sacrilegious to not put another Mopar engine in it? Will you guys disowned me? My search came up with an inline 6 from a Jeep. I am thinking staying with an inline 6 would make it easier to swap.

Thanks I advance!!!

 

Jeep is part of the Mopar family so no need to think that way. They had problems with cams and lifters so check any engine you buy.

 

IMHO. putting a slant six or a 3.9 V6 out of a dakota would be very fine. both can use the aluminium torqueflite. the V6 can have a O.D. trans. if my brain is working right i think in that year if it was a 6 cyl with a 3 speed stick it will have a 3.55 rear end.

 

Big piece of paper needed for this one. Here I go thinking like it's my project and not knowing your budget.

I would start at the transmission, I want overdrive, if auto it's computer so go with the same engine probably 5.7 hemi maybe with same body computer for gauges speedo and maybe more. Looks like I want a wrecked 300 for A/C and maybe power windows and power seats and more and more.

Option 2, I want overdrive, ok good old Mopar 4 speed O.D. trans. Now I'm going carb, 318 or 360 LA, maybe Magnum with no computer.

Rear axle. I'm starting to like the Ford 8.8 from newer Mustang, good gear selection, good LSD differential, great disc brakes and narrow with small pinion offset to fit inside body.

Front suspension, there are so many aftermarket complete weld ins to choose from I'll start looking at prices because the Corvette based one I like is 3-4500 dollars.
There are a bunch of guys who cut off a complete unit and weld it in, too many to list. I'll just look for one that has the same bolt pattern as my rear so I can rotate my tires.

 

no way the jeep straight six be an easy swap

 

Do not under any circumstance us a 3.9 V6 you will be very disappointed... use a 318 Magnum with a 42R overdrive trans

You 55 is too heavy for the 3.9

 

I revert back to me being completely clueless of what I am saying.

 

I currently have a 3.9 v6 Dakota and know exactly what you are saying.

 

Yes I have a 3.9 in my van. The gas mileage is about the same as the 360

 

I didn't realize the 3.9s were that bad. What are your goals? You sound like you want a "mileage cruiser." For middle ground, I'd be thinking 318. These cars would have had some version of a poly, so an LA should drop in easily.

But if you want a six..........what is in there now? It would originally have been a flathead. I would think putting a slant in an older car would be difficult, and now sure why the Jeep engine would be "worse" to install. Measurements would be in order there, steering / pan interferance, etc.

 

Huge thread from Jalopy Journal with swaps and stuff and tons of pictures, check out post #618.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...4234&showall=1

this looks interesting too.

http://www.fatmanfabrications.co/pro...i-frame-stubs/

 

If you want ?? With no overdrive ? find a late 60's Rambler with a straight 6. 7 main bearing / very durable !!!! No smog easy to swap...
3.9 has what ????? 125 hp My 4 cyl has more HP than that.. They needed to make it
160 hp at a minimum