Posted by jim on September 28, 1997 at 12:24:16:
In Reply to: Re: V-8 engine conversion for '53 M37 posted by Alan Bowes on September 28, 1997 at 11:32:20:
: : I just bought a "53 M37 and the engine has a broken rod. I am interested in putiing in a 318. Do they bolt up t the original bell housing? What is needed? Will the clutch linkage be a problem?
: Here are a couple of suggestions:
: Rebuilding or replacing the original engine is a LOT easier than doing a conversion. Granted, it's nice to have some extra power, as these units were not exactly overpowered, but on the other hand, if your M37 is original, you may be reducing its value by doing a conversion.
: If you still want to do the conversion, you will probably want to install a hyrdraulic clutch linkage, since it requires less mechanical fabrication. I've seen everything from small-block Chevs to Dodge 318s to small- and big-block Fords used in M37s. I was looking at one at Hafer's in Salt Lake the other day. It was in their parts yard. This one had a old big-block Ford...possibly a 390. It fit OK under the hood, but whoever installed it did a sloppy job with the clutch linkage, as is the case with about 85 percent of the conversions I've seen. I suppose that a few have been done well, but most are pretty pathetic.
: If you are interested in getting another stock engine, Joe Boone has one for sale. Here is a copy of his posting:
: "Dodge T-214, 230 cu.in. 6-cyl Engine for sale. Good running condition w/bell housing, clutch & fuel pump. Removed from my M37. Basically the same engine mechanically as a T-245. This is a re-posting, since deal with interested party fell thru. Location: Middle GA. $500.00 obo, or will trade for M37, M151, parts and/or radio equipment (must be operational). Joe Boone JBoone@accucomm.net"
: Whatever you do, as long as you do it right, you'll be happy with it.
: Have fun,
: Alan
Can you tell me if the original bell housing will mate to the 318. The original engine has parts missing and I will do a conversion.