Posted by Charlie on December 08, 1998 at 23:43:24:
In Reply to: Re: Improvements to 230/251 flatheads during rebuild? posted by Joe Lorenzino on December 08, 1998 at 22:14:03:
I WAS going to keep my mouth shut on this one, since spiffing up an antique engine does have nostalgic appeal. But since you dragged me into it, yes, no poin in spending >$1500 on the deal. I found my latest Hercules for $800. I had a friend (diesel pump tech for Army Nat'l Gd) overhaul the injectors and pump and turn the pump up from de-rated California 85HP back up to 110HP. The local diesel shop re-built the turbo for $300. The friend gave me a bellhousing to suit my NP540, and Hercules sold me a flywheel (2" thick, ~80 lbs) and block to Chevy bellhousing adapter for about $600. So I spent about $1700 + freight for a 110HP/230-240 ft-lb diesel that is now in my B1PW hooked up to a nice 5spd I've had for 22 years (which needed a new mainshaft since it no longer is attached to an adapter for a Landcruiser transfer case). The point: if you look hard, you probably can find a 4 cylinder 3.7-4.1 turbodiesel and fix it up to good to excellent condition for use in a PW or M37 for around $2000. It takes patience and persistence.
Sorry for ranting & raving again.
Charlie