Posted by Matt Wilson [108.162.237.86] on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 16:54:03 :
Well, I’m finally getting around to putting to my ’49 PW back together, and one area I need to address is the engine. It may need a new block and if I determine this to be the case, then the thought has crossed my mind to put in a 251 or possibly even a 265, maybe even with some performance upgrades (I’m sure Clueless would approve). I have done some digging around and found some old threads in Phil’s archive, describing the process of this swap, but I wouldn’t mind some additional input from anyone here who has done it.
Also, if I do such a thing, will the existing drive train handle the extra power? I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to keep the stock transmission (because it won’t fit), but the rest of the drive train would be the same as stock for '49, correct? I know people put V8’s and Cummins 4-cyl engines in these all the time, so it must not be too big a deal, as long as we don’t pop the clutch or otherwise abuse it. Again, looking for input.
Thanks!
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