Posted by RDavis from 205.188.198.29 (spider-wj024.proxy.aol.com) on Saturday, April 13, 2002 at 11:24AM :
In Reply to: Re: Comparing L- head to slt-6 posted by piney from 68.44.175.137 (pcp146565pcs.brnmll01.nj.comcast.net) on Friday, April 12, 2002 at 10:43PM :
Our PWs are one of those vehicles with a place designed for everything and everything in its place, not designed or setup as the D-W100-300 trucks that can more easily be adapted with different engine tranny combinations.
A chain reaction usually occures when changes are made to a WDX-WM300 PW. While many retrofits are possible, there can be some possible negative side affects depending on your viewpoint.
Using anything besides a flathead you must use a different bellhousing. Mounting this bellhousing becomes a concern as only the PW BH has the mounting arms that reach the frame supports. The original clutch pedal no longer mounts so another type must be adapted or fabricated.
Even if you decide to keep the same NP420 tranny,you must find the longer pilot shaft to fit the new BH application and most likely a V-8 BH would need to be used in order to have the proper tranny pattern.
Now comes the PTO.If you want the same PTO and levers to function in their original positions, will the new BH mounts interfer with the shaft to the winch? Most likely.
Also your transfer case levers mount to the NP 420 which is another reason to keep it.
As I've read, the slant-6 retro requires a notch to be cut out of the crossmember to allow proper mounting for the slt-6 due to its timing chain cover position ?
The flathead allows adequite working room due to its upright and inline design. This good because while you can virtually crawl under the fenders, the engine splash guard/fenderwell does not allow access.
If none of these few drawbacks to swapping your flathead for a slt-6 phases you then go for it. One suggestion, why not put your resources into an adapter for the 190 hp fuel injected 258 in-line 6 used in other Dodge/jeep applications, a better and more fitting retro enginge for the WM PW.
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