283 in 48 Willys

Has any one here put a 283 or small block in a 48 Willys or close?
I have some questions.
Thank you,
Bruce
In Oregon.

 

yes

JB

 

I have a neighbor and good friend that put a 304 in a 46 if it helps your particular needs. I know it isnt a chevy, but it is a v8. Might have some helpful info.I would help in any way I can

 

Thanks for the response, my biggest questions is how to cut the fire wall to make it look the best.
I live in Oregon, and use to live in Pacific Grove, Ca.
Thanks Bruce.
You may give him my email if you want.

 

Hi Cris, It would be great to talk to him and come look at his jeep.
I'm on the coast alot but in no big hurry, I still have to take the jeep apart.
Thanks,
Bruce

 

Why would you want to cut the firewall??

JB

 

No you don't. You have to move the front crossmember forward, mount the radiator right to the grill after removing all shrouding, use a VERY small bodied distributor like the Mallory magnetic pickup dist. or MSD, use the short water pump and matching accessory pulleys and bracketry, and move everything as far forward as possible, but you don't HAVE to cut the firewall. My boss put one in a 3b without cutting the firewall. In fact, he has a small block 400 in there right now. Granted, the hood and cowl are taller, but other than that dimensionally a 3b is the same as a 2a or 3a. It is much easier if you cut the firewall though. Nickmil.

 

I'd think you'd need a sheet metal brake to make it look neat. I'd find a local shop to make a box that you could weld in to the existing firewall.

If you're not stuck on the 283, a V6 would be easier (Jeep, Buick or Chevy) and have roughly the same performance. Lots of members here have done that swap.

 

Hey you guys, thanks for all the great feed back. I'm not stuck on the 283, it just came with the complete running gear I bought. I do have a V-6 still coming. I like the idea of moving everything forward. The 283 is a vette motor and I may be selling it. I'm keeping the 48 pretty much stock except the running gear. I will do some more measuring.
Thanks again every one.
Bruce in Oregon

 

would use the :v6: . sell the vette 283 to regain $$$$.

 

I used a Ford oil pan and welded it to the removeable upper trans cover.

 

A friend of mine cut a grain shovel down to make a cut out for the dist. I thought it was a little different but, he also used a wheel barrel for a fire wall in a race car too!

 

Hey Bruce I talked to my friend and he has no problem with you looking at his jeep.It aint real pretty (8 years in Kodiak Alaska) but is is really functional jeep. We took it to the sand dunes today and it was the big dog. Even an 04 rubicon wasnt enough to keep up with the hills we climbed in this deep coastal sand. As for doing the v6 I say go with the chevy. My v6 is setting in the garage beside my jeep . The new 355 is waiting a few parts to be able to drop it in.I guess that all really depends on what you want to do with it though. If you come up with the steel and dimentions I have access to all the metal bending and cutting tool you can imagine including a large brake. I am gonna do the same to mine, I love the chevy HEI distribuitor and wont run and aftermarket because I have had trouble with the pick up eye going out on a mallory before. I say use what works well for you and that hei works great for me with almost no maintenance. This is my thought on the matter. for what it is worth