L4 or v6?

i have been trying to decide which way to go with my flatfender build. should i rebuild the stock L4 and rebuild the t90 and dana 18 with the overdrive or should i just swap in my 231 with the sm420 i have lying on the floor. plans are 2.5" lift 31" tires, rear axle from my 70 cj5 with the 30 spline flange dana 30 front both spinning 5.38's like stock and a detroit softlocker in the rear. Just really undecided and looking for some input of how some of you like your 134's or v6's.

 

What do you want to use the jeep for?? Trail riding, going to the store, daily driver??

 

231-420 and tell us about your progress

 

jeeps primary uses will be 3rd vehicle for grocery store runs and also have the ability to run long distances, weekend warrior off pavement...... i was leaning towards the 231 since i have everything already, but i just like the nostalia of the old stock drivetrain.

 

L-134= limited use (nostalgia, restorations and low range 1st gear crawling)
any V6= versatile use (todays hi-ways and all types of off-road terrain, mud,sand and hills.)
my personal experience;
I did a stock rebuild on my 3a L4 in 1994. Wheeled it but was limited to low speed/low range. Even had fun at Moab (nov.,2001 JP mag feature). Pulled the motor that summer and swapped in a 225 v6. There is no way I'd go back to the L4. Just to limited on power, on or off-road.

 

I'm secretly looking forward to my L4 exploding so i can finally put in a V6. R)

 

did you have an overdrive as well? I like the pep of the v6 as i have 1 in my 70 cj and had a flattie that had a v6 but i like the L4 for weight, and simplicity.

 

Definately, install the L4 for nostalgia.

then sell me the sm420 sheep:twisted:

 

Put the L4 in it and send ME the six and the SM420 R) LOL
Just kidding, PUT THE SIX IN IT
Doug

 

O.D. will add top speed on the flat or down hill. But the little motor is still going to run out of stream on a hill, in mud or sand. Hey, remember the Rat Patrol TV show. All Ford V8's in them. My brother inlaw bought one when show ended way back when. He didn't keep it very long but did drive it once to Washington state from L.A.. Lastly, I did like the O.D. I had in my L-226 wagon.

 

had no idea the v6 would weigh less. i guess its decided then, since everybody would rather the v6 than the old 4 banger. thanks for helping me out..

 

actually......... i really cant remember the old show rat patrol seeing as im only 24 lol, but I did just buy my dad the 1st season on dvd and watched a few episodes. that was a great show..

 

Me too! I just want to get one season out of the 4.

 

If you are going to use the V-6, Save the L4, you may get tired of wheeling and just want to restore it someday.

 

As Lynn noted, my group runs with both the L4 and the V6.

In my '49 CJ3A, I have the L4... If tuned properly, the engine is very strong in low range and you can climb anything, but it's obviously slow going. Long steep loose hillclimbs are a challange for the L4, only because you want to maintain the speed, and the L4 sometimes has troubles with that.

In my CJ5 I have a V6. I don't have to worry at all about running out of motor on the same climbs. I know that I can maintain speed and accelerate when needed.

I personally love both engines, and as mentioned earlier, I've seen the L4 do some remarkable things that you wouldn't believe that it could.

The grey CJ2A that Lynn posted has a very strong L4. The owner rebuilt that motor and I know that it is stronger than some of the V6's that I've driven on the trail (under 20 mph). With the front welded and now 32" Mickey Thompson Baha Claws on it, it is unstoppable while maintaining a speed of about 20 mph.

In short, the L4 is a great trail motor if you don't want to do extreme mudding or long climbs. The V6 is great on and off road.

The way that I drive while "extremeish" trail riding, I definately notice that the L4 is turning alot more RPM's than when I drive my V6 while maintaining the same speed. Same gearing (5.38), but I can cruse in 3rd gear with OD in the V6 where I would be "forced" in 2nd with the L4.

 

No pic's yet. The claws came off of Billy's blue M38A1 (John's old jeep that had the "incident" a couple of years ago.)