Need to make a decision...

I have a 1947 2A that is currently undergoing a total rebuild - frame up. I've been working on it for about 1 year and am nearing completion on the final stages.

Everything has been rebuilt - Suspension, axles, diffs, hubs, tranny, TC, brakes, stock steering, everything was refreshed and/or rebuilt.

I have already made the following modifications:

- R&P Dual master cylinder and SS brake lines
- 11" CJ5 drum brakes
- Warn Full Floating rear end
- Warn internal style locking hubs on all four corners
- Lock Right locker on rear axle
- T90 C gearing

I have TWO engines - one is a complete, newly rebuilt L134 and the other is a complete, newly rebuilt 225 V6 from a 1969 Jeep. The V6 has an Offenhauser Dual Port manifold, Holley 390, inside the frame headers, etc.

Half of me wants to complete the Jeep in 'stock' mode, the other half wants to bolt a Ford T18 to the 225 V6 and install that in the Jeep.

What would you do?

 

Permission granted

You have already made a number of non stock modifications----------go for the V6.

 

If you actually want to use it in today's world, go 225. No comparison to either 134. An an OD works really well with them-enough power to utilize more of it on the top end. 5.38 or 4.27 axle gears? I would probably opt for the 4.88's with that combination.

 

I have 5.38 diff gearing. I plan on off road use, trails, mostly.

 

That's way overkill for a Go-Devil.
Unless severely abused the Go Devil will never break 19 involute spline axles.

T90 C and 5.38 FDR will give you a 44/1 crawl ratio
not bad but nothing to brag about either.
T90 is good for a Go-Devil or Hurricane but not so good for a Dauntless.
Save those Warn axles for a high dollar build and install the Go Devil and see what you think.
You can upgrade what you don't like from there.
Go Devil is fine if you don't run the Hi-ways.

I don't think I'd run a hot Dauntless in a 2A frame !

And then sell me the Warn axle shafts Ha Ha Ha !
Were did you find those puppys anyway ?

 

I bought the axles from Warn (custom built for a Dana 41 rear) back in 1998. I did this mainly to allow me to flat tow. I have been running this Jeep for the past 15 years (sprung over) and decided to put the springs back under the axles and go through it completely about a year ago. It is not intended to be a rock crawler, more a trail runner and to hunt with my bird dogs.

I would never put the T90C behind the dauntless... I'd use a Ford T18. Stronger, better crawl ratio.

There are a lot of flat fenders running v6 and V8 engines, though your point is taken.

 

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Ford T-18 , Buick V6 , Dana 18 w/OD and with your 5:38's = 82:1 which is a very respectable crawl ratio........and with an OD you can pick your intermediate gear ratio's just about anywhere.
In High gear with the 25% OD that's 4.04 final drive which is pretty sweet for the little V6.

 

V-6 hands down. Good balanced package that won't overtax the drivetrain unless a lead foot.
Couple that with a 6.32-1 T-18, 2.46:1 18, and an overdrive, great combination. An early CJ-5 frame and suspension is a good upgrade also. Longer springs and stronger frame makes for a good combo. Or beef up what you have at all stress points.

 

225. Sell the 4 banger to someone trying to do a restoration.

 

Thanks, all. I need to resolve soon so I can get on the trails.

Mike

 

Just throwing my opinion in here. I ran the flathead for about 6 years, with an overdrive. Was fun driving it around town, and wheeling with it. It 4 wheeled great, and cruised around no problem. But, after putting in a 225, driving a thousand miles to Moab and back, it made the Willy's a whole new vehicle. Now you don't have to worry about taking side roads, although that is still enjoyable. Even been on the interstate a few times. I vote V-6.

 

First car was a 45 CJ2A. I ran the 4 banger in it for quite a while and put on a lot of miles. But for some reason, it decided to crossfire to a piston that was coming up on its compression stroke and crushed a babbitted CR bearing. I found a 198 Fireball out of a Buick and put it in. Major difference. Simply a lot more fun. Also kept the T90 and the rest of the drivetrain stock. Never had an overdrive and that would have been nice.

Not until you replace the 4 will you understand its limitations. The Fhead is a little different and has more power, but still pales to the V6.

I think the best part of a V6 will be its improved driveability when you really need it- such as on the interstate. Between that and an OD, that is. I still remember a CHP officer pulling up beside my cousin and me in the 2A on I-8 east of San Diego. He motioned us to go faster than 40mph (it was on a grade). My cousin was driving and he flashed a big grin and raised his hands off the wheel as if to say "sorry man, but this is all she's got!" The officer laughed and shook his head and shot out of sight. That's the 4 banger for you...

 

Yep, made a totally different beast. What I find most interesting is the Kaiser sold as many F heads as it did after 65. I can only surmise that the people buying the 4 bangers had either never test drove the 225 or had an application that was never going to see the highway. Or maybe just cheap.

As for the fun factor, and maybe this is just me, but it about doubles again with a healthy V8.

 

The beauty about the V-6 is it has a LOT more power than the L or F head but still really doesn't overtax the stock drivetrain unless you have a lead foot.
Convert to the torque and hp of a V-8 then parts really start breaking. I've filled lots of scrap metal bins from customers breaking early CJ and Flatty drivetrain parts running V-8 engines .
I'm not saying it's inappropriate, I'm certainly not saying they aren't fun, but there is a whole different dimension to consider once adding a V-8.

 

I have a Hurricane in my CJ5, on big roads I would like to go a little bit faster. On small roads, a jEEp is not made fro speed, to much risk (rollover, etc...). When you know this, you can have the pleasure of a V6, but always remember that is is not for speed, except on large roads. So, enjoy your V6!

 

v6 all the way. But I'm a big motor in a jeep kinda guy. I'm putting a warmed over 401 in a CJ6.....

 

v6, and loose the t90 and put a T-18 ford 4 speed in. Really, you will thank yours self later.

 

as much as id like to see the flathead in there I think the v6 is the way to go. offroad it doesnt matter. in some ways the flathead is even better. but on the road it makes all the difference to have the extra power and speed