What would you do...if you did it again...engine choices

[dgangle]

...all depends on skill, ability, facilities, budget, what you want/are willing to sacrifice, intended use of the finished product.

Until one can honestly answer all these, they are just clicking away in cyberspace....

The first drive I took in my 350 SBC-powered 40 in 1984-ish...I was hooked. On my current ride I intentionally looked for a starting point that did not include a drivetrain, but had a clean, straight body and frame.

 

[F-junker]

I think diesels are great if they are already in the truck, but to go buy one, $$$, go throught the install, time & more $$$ I think it's not as economical as gas. Sure you'll get more mpg and some more low end torque (than a 2f or run of the mil v8) but the dollars spent buying, installing and feeding (diesel is expensive here) you could have had a V8 (built right more low end torque) and spent all that money on either several years worth of gas or many other worthy mods.

Time and money; how much do you have and want to spend. I think the diesel swap debate for a 40 used here in the US is really stupid and a no-brainer.

 

[ranger]

I like the 2F for offroad, but not on the freeway.
350 is the best option for both on and offroad, plus its a hell of a lot cheaper to rebuild and get parts for.

 

[jagota]

I know what I won't be doing again.

I like the Cruiser with just about anything that will move it from A to B. They are all different.

 

[RockDoc]

I'm warming up the 3FE in my 62 and hoping for good results. For my next cruser (another 62) I'm thinking of either a 2FE or a 1HZ, but that won't come together for many moons and several paychecks.

 

[rutbeer]

I know what I won't be doing again.

I like the Cruiser with just about anything that will move it from A to B. They are all different.

From you user name and the looks of that, you put a jag motor in a 40. Didn't anyone ever show you the "jags that run" site where they put 350's in a jag?


I have had a 2F, 1F, 350 bored .30 over, and a 13BT.
The mileage of the 13BT kicks all the others ass hands down and the power isn't bad either. No matter what you put in there, it needs an overdrive. A strong running 2F is a great motor....so is a 1F for that matter.
The thing that most people fail to mention when comparing motors is the state of the motor that came out. I love hearing people say "I swapped in a 350 and it's SO much better than the 2F!" Really? So you pulled a 30 year old motor that was neglected and put in a brand new crate motor and you are amazed how much better it is? Come on....
Before you try any motor swap, why not get what's in there running well to begin with? Do a compression test, rebuild the carb, etc. Oh, and put a 5spd behind it.

 

[TOBASH]

Just read the "big gay build" and then watch his you tube video.

The 2F he rebuilt kicks a$$.

Plenty of power, plenty of torque, and plenty of attitude.

Not to mention that you know it will fit without adaptation.

 

[Flash1034]

I'd go with a Chevy 350. Reliable, powerful, easy to work on, lot of parts, easy to find parts, and inexpensive. There really is no downside to one.

Flash

 

[okie]

"I swapped in a 350 and it's SO much better than the 2F!" Really? So you pulled a 30 year old motor that was neglected and put in a brand new crate motor and you are amazed how much better it is? Come on....
Before you try any motor swap, why not get what's in there running well to begin with? Do a compression test, rebuild the carb, etc. Oh, and put a 5spd behind it.

exactly. A rebuilt 2f with tbi and an h55 kicks ass and im thuroughly satisfied with it. the 5 speed isn't bad either

Im really happy with mine, rebuilt 2f/tbi /h55 and its damn responsive on-road ( and it isn't even broken in yet)

I do like the feel of a v8 in a cruiser but i prefer oem as much as i can keep it with some exceptions that might improve its drivability along the way.

 

[hellbent40]

3b with a turbo.... no question... great motor and run for ever...

 

[Sputnik40]

Depends on the use and whether or not you're keeping your 40 closer to stock in appearance or hacking it up for trail use.

I rebuilt an 81 2F, bored 0.20 over, DUI distributer, TBI, header, etc. When I ran 37" MTRs and 4.11's I would routinely pass cars on I-95 in the carpool lane hitting 85 mph give or take - with ease. Plenty peppy around town - and just felt right that I had the original engine in what was a pretty OEM looking FJ40. Only thing I would change would be to add a mild cam and any other mod that might boost higher end RPM reliability. At 85 I was kinda nervous - can't imagine having the little bit more power Marshall has - or worse yet, one of those crazy turboed/propane 2F's a few folks here have done.

Now that I've beat the body to tar - and am progressing through more sinful mods - if I find the money it'll be a Ramjet 350 and auto tranny for me. No debate.

Diesels are nice - and the 4BT is a sik conversion, and concur with other opinions about turboed Toyota diesels.

 

[LLEE]

After going through x3 F engines
1st - piston rings went-cracked block
2nd- Some idiot shop installed the crank shaft,
"yea, just tighten those down all the way" 1/2 lb powdered steel in the oil pan.
these two engines were a gift so I dont feel to bad.
3rd- runs great

I would go with a Chevy 582 - I wonder how i can get that to work w/ my stock 3spd, hmmm..

 

[D'Animal]

Cummins 4BT with a NV4500 bolted to a split case.


But that is just dreaming

 

[jagota]

From you user name and the looks of that, you put a jag motor in a 40. Didn't anyone ever show you the "jags that run" site where they put 350's in a jag?


1. When this was done there was no Internet.
2. Where do you think the engine came from?

 

[rutbeer]

From you user name and the looks of that, you put a jag motor in a 40. Didn't anyone ever show you the "jags that run" site where they put 350's in a jag?


1. When this was done there was no Internet.
2. Where do you think the engine came from?

Bet it sounds SAWEET though.... freaking 12 cylinder whine.

 

[alex e]

Rule #1 : Listen to Steve
Rule #2 : refer to rule #1

 

[D'Animal]

It does.

Bet it sounds SAWEET though.... freaking 12 cylinder whine.

 

[Mace]

Cummins 4BT with a NV4500 bolted to a split case.

lol


Gonna be sweet

 

[yzftaco]

I have a 350 bored over .03" with an "RV" Cam in it... Aluminum heads from Summit... Ramhorns... and a 2" exhaust...

I have plenty of low end torque, and can rev it pretty good too..

It has treated me well on both trails and road...

My last trip to Rubithon...... Even Mudrack said "listen to the torque in that monster"

 

[RockDoc]

Cummins 4BT with a NV4500 bolted to a split case.

Is that the plan for the 40.5 now?