Posted by Eric B. [162.158.214.197] on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 08:38:16 :
In Reply to: Re: You have a 1960 W300? Not a WM300? posted by Jason [172.69.216.133] on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 21:30:40 :
The first thing I'd do is find the engine number on the current engine. That's a stamped number found on the driver side front of the engine facing the radiator just below the head. You'll likely have to clean the area to find the number as it is a shallow stamp. Share what you find and I'll let you know if it is correct for a 1960 W300. Also check the front engine mount. It should be a U shaped piece that supports the engine below the water pump.
If the engine isn't original that changes things. I've seen a lot of trucks with later 318s mounted using added side engine mounts. If that is the case just finding another engine that matches that mount is the simplest option.
If the engine is original just rebuilding that is the simplest option. The mounting system is unique and any used engine you find is likely to need some work.
The poly or A series 318 is a good engine as Marty says and it can provide a good driving experience. if you have the 4.88 gears in your axles a poly 318 equipped W300 will do highway speeds.
I personally feel a diesel in these old trucks is too much hassle unless you plan to tow a lot of weight with it regularly. If you are stuck on a diesel you'll need To change the transmission to get enough RPM to do highway speeds. The 6 cyl Cummins won't fit without moving the firewall and these old cabs are impossible to sound deaden to the standards of a modern truck so the diesel noise will be constant and, depending on your tolerance, obtrusive.
Share what you find on your engine and I'll help you figure out what you have.
Eric
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