Posted by Chris Davis on June 09, 1998 at 20:39:16:
I'm getting ready to put a new motor & trans in a '52 M37. (Current motor needs bearings, etc and I want exterior authenticity with enough road speed not to be a hazard on So. California freeways)
I've decided to forgo the effort of making my new engine mate up to the old transmission and will instead fabricate a drive shaft from the end of a new Trans (matching the new engine) to the existing transfer case. (Which, by the way, is progressing well through the rebuild. Thanks to everyone who's given advice and part sources on that!)
I have a 1986 Dodge 360 V8 with Automatic Trans and overdrive from a wrecked police car. I know I'm going to have to get a flex fan and early model water pump, but it looks like it will fit with a few inches to spare.
Today I learned of a 1987 2.8 liter V6 with fuel injection and automatic trans (w/ overdrive) from a Camaro that's been T-boned. This option would fit easier and provide better mileage, but I'm worried it wouldn't provide the torque needed for such a heavy vehicle and I'd ultimately kill the clutch system in the automatic.
Does any one out there have advise on this? (Besides rebuild the original engine. I apologize to the purists.)
Thanks!
Chris Davis
'52 M37
Lake Forest, CA