Posted by Brian in Oregon on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 at 11:02PM :
In Reply to: Decisions about engines... posted by chewie on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 at 9:09PM :
At the risk of enflaming the /6 lovers...
There are two things I don't care for on the /6.
First is the four main bearings. To achieve 55 mph with 5.83 gears and stock tires the /6 will have to be run at 3200 rpm. If you can stand the noise of the transfer case, 60 mph is 3500 rpm and 65 mph is 3780. This is a lot of rpm for a four main bearing six.
I think the /6 would be better suited to a PW using 4.89 gears (or equivalent taller tires). 55 mph is 2685 rpm, 60 is 2930 rpm and 65 is 3175 rpm.
The V-8 is well suited for either gear ratio. Sustained 55 mph is quite doable with a balanced V-8. With 5.83 gears the limiting factor is the transfer case, not V-8 rpm.
I really think the 318 is better suited for both power AND rpm. The /6 is more suited for power but not rpm.
The second thing I don't care for on the /6 is the exposed distributer position. It is down low and presents itself quite nicely for water splash. If it was me, I'd be doing some sheetmetal work and install a splash shield on that side of the engine.
As far as a kit, none exists for the /6 that I know of. Helitool makes a 318/360 kit. For some folks a readily available kit is a factor or choice. Fortunately the /6 appears to be a fairly simple engine to cobble up motor mount brackets for.
There have been /6 powered 1941 WC 1/2 ton 4x4's on the net, and I've seen a couple over the years. It seems nicely suited for them because they are lighter than an M37 or PW, and have 4.89 gears (and owner installed 900x16 tires).
About the 318-3. If I recall right, it should have a steel crank. That's a plus. I have a steel crank in my 318, and it ought to provide a little more insurance for heavy lugging.
Another consideration is the old adage "there is no replacement for displacement". From that standpoint the 318 has an edge over the 225.
It's really a shame Dodge did not make a lengthened /6 with seven main bearings and larger bores like Ford did with their 300 truck six. It could have real have been the cat's meow.
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