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225 vs 231

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by p38L5, May 4, 2012.

  1. May 4, 2012
    p38L5

    p38L5 Member

    Napa CA
    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2012
    Messages:
    94
    I hope I have those numbers correct. I am considering swapping the F-head in my 53 M38A1 for a V6. I have been reading about the various choices, and think the Buick will work best for me. What have been your experiences with either of these two engines? Swap, stock, performance/operating issues, etc. I am leaning towards the 225, but there is a 0 time/rebuilt 231 available if I want it.

    Thanks in advance for all your input,

    g
     
  2. May 5, 2012
    oddfirejeeper

    oddfirejeeper Active Member

    Hamilton, MI
    Joined:
    May 5, 2004
    Messages:
    1,253
    i have the 231 in my jeep as that is how i bought it from the po. if you want the odd fire get 76 and older 231 from a buick full size car. i like it and can still find power steering along with other parts in the junk yard
     
  3. May 5, 2012
    napaguy

    napaguy Banned

    goldendale wa
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2009
    Messages:
    441
    I would use whatever of the two is cheapest/easiest for you..if the 231 is odd fire and truly rebuilt and ready to go thats what I would do..but be cautious as I have bought many a "rebuilt" engine that were cores
     
  4. May 5, 2012
    oddfirejeeper

    oddfirejeeper Active Member

    Hamilton, MI
    Joined:
    May 5, 2004
    Messages:
    1,253
    yeah a hillbilly rebuild means it has new paint. been bitten myself with "rebuilt" engines.
     
  5. May 5, 2012
    mikieboy

    mikieboy Member

    Jacksonville, FL
    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2005
    Messages:
    156
    Either one would be fine. The 231 from 75 thru mid 77 were oddfire like the 225. Later 231 is evenfire. The evenfire 231 would work also, just a little harder to find flywheel for it, if it does not have one.
     
  6. May 5, 2012
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,470
    If you are new to the motors - the 231 EF is easier to understand and is easier to find many of the parts for. The 231 and 225 OF are 'special' and require a bit more understanding to work on them.

    Personally - nothing like the rumble of a 225 in my book.
     
  7. May 5, 2012
    jeepjunkie

    jeepjunkie 1955 CJ-5, stock-ish.

    Glendale, AZ
    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2012
    Messages:
    62
    I just removed a 231 odd fire from my CJ-5. ( went back to F-head). it was a really a solid engine, If you were closer I would offer to trade for your old F-head just for a spare to tinker with.
     
  8. May 5, 2012
    Jamco6000

    Jamco6000 Member

    Baton Rouge, LA
    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2012
    Messages:
    211
    I think the 225 have the same ignition issues with the point system. I have the 225 but i hear good things about both. I would choose something that would require the least amount of modification. (Bell Housings, Engine mounts, etc).
     
  9. May 7, 2012
    p38L5

    p38L5 Member

    Napa CA
    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2012
    Messages:
    94
    Thank you all for your input. Warlock - I have to agree with you; and that was my reason for favoring the 225. Jeepjunkie, if you don't mind - why did you opt to go back to the F-head? I haven't given up on a 225, but I'm not having much luck finding either a good short block or a reasonably priced long block. If there isn't an advantage to hold out for a 225, I might as well go for the 231 that's available.
     
  10. May 7, 2012
    jeepjunkie

    jeepjunkie 1955 CJ-5, stock-ish.

    Glendale, AZ
    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2012
    Messages:
    62
    The v-6 was placed in my jeep by PO, and from the looks of it , he had three tools on hand, a hammer, a prybar and a sawzall. I found a doner frame and engine and put everything back to bone stock ( with the exception of a Warn overdrive ) I enjoy the Jeep alot more now. What i lost in horsepower I gained back in drivability.
     
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