It is solid.The guy that had it did some really hokey work that needs to be reversed.When I get the chance I will post some pictures of the mess I took over.
If the slant six fits, and you already have it, then that would be a good choice. Certainly easy to get parts since they were so common. If it won't fit, I like the AMC 258/Jeep 4.0 option. Lot of those around as well, and they are a great long life engine with basic PM done on them. If the Ford 300 six is too big, you could consider the 144/170/200 smaller Ford six. Get the 200 version and it should be similar power to the Slant six 225.
You could probably post them also at the "Wall of Shame". https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/the-wall-of-shame.1124770/
The Ford 250 is just a little longer than the 144/170/200 (bigger water pump), and a little taller (deck height, same head), and has a modified SBC bell pattern on the later ones. That might work, too. Quite a few 2WD Jeep Cherokees were made, with the H.O. 4.0l six, an an AX15 5-speed. That's a good transmission, too, with a readily adaptable clutch slave cylinder. While they were EFI by then, they still run a distributor (that doubles as a cam position sensor), which can be swapped for one from a 258, and they still can take a carburetor manifold. It is a thoroughly modernized 258, but still dresses classic. Double check your rear axle width, as you might be able to grab and use the rear axle from the same donor.
I don't want to get into a whole thing but the slant six is way better than any six from Chev or Ford. Particularly the head design which features 12 well shaped ports and the long ram manifold. Fords have the manifold cast into the head and so do some later Chev sixes. This is death to performance. The slant six will outperform any comparable Chev or Ford, outlast and get better mileage. The big Ford 240 and 300 is a completely different design to the smaller ones and does not have the manifold cast into the head. If the slant six won't work I vote for the AMC or Jeep six, an excellent long lived engine that is economical and powerful. Since Kaiser bought Jeep, and was later absorbed by AMC, the AMC/Jeep engine is practically a relative by marriage. And of course, if you want to go nuts, it would be cool to see the OHC Jeep engine in there.
Yes I am , BJR I look at it this way though. A Frazer is never gonna be a hot rod..Nor will it be an award winning custom. It sounds to be like it's going to be a cruiser. A modern 300 6 will seem like a small V8 in that car, yet it could have the 6 cyl., split manifold sound to it. It would start, run and drive like a new car. It'll cruise at 70 in O/D. Just keep the hood closed. I'll bet a lot parts for cars on the HAMB get chased with modern (blank, blank ,blank) power. (Better not say it again)
The Frazer is quite a light car for its size even though it looks like a ton of lead. It did fine with a 226 cu in 100HP six in its day. A more modern six would be fine and would not overpower the brakes, steering, suspension etc. If you go with too big an engine you have to make a lot of extra mods, or settle for a car that is unsafe and no fun to drive. I looked up the weight of your Frazer and it tips the beam at 3295 pounds. This is about the same as a Ford Focus and 1000 pounds lighter than a Ford Taurus. And it has twice the interior room of the Taurus.
I have a great deal of respect for Ford 300 sixes ever since I had one in a full size 1970 Winnebago motor home. When I got it, it was kinda worn out, but a re-ring, valve job, and an Erson RV cam made it into a real performer. I used it to pull my vintage dirt modified to vintage races on an aluminum trailer and it had no problem maintaining 70 mph speeds on the highway getting 12 mpg. It was also as aerodynamic as the average brick. The only problem with it was the brakes; they were not power-assisted, and I had to be real careful driving it. To say I had to plan ahead when driving it was an understatement.
I'm going to go along with the Ford 300 6 recommendations here, with the several transmission options available, I would probably choose an AOD, since I think it would go along with the rear axle ratio you already have, and the F150 manual version I have here has a hydraulic clutch. EFI or carbed, your choice. The EFI versions are easy to find, and pretty tough. I have a couple here, if you would like some measurements I would be happy to get them for you.
Six cylinder, schmix cylinder. I'd go with a 390-401 AMC. The later ones used a mopar designed automatic trans in a different case. Probably a 727 style. May have to go with a different steer box but I really doubt a Frazer steering box is that great anyway.
..And that would not include a Tornado OHC Jeep six. An interesting engine and I'm sure it would get good mileage. They were all 1 bbls. God know what kind of transmission bolts to them , but it wouldn't be modern and readily serviceable.
This car while being an around town cruiser will also be my Gambler 500 car.Those of you that are not familiar with the Gambler 500.It's a 500 mile road rally that is run over a two day period.It is meant for impractical vehicles and vehicles worth $500 dollars or less.
If that is what you like by all means put that on your ride.It's just not for me.If you keep everything in good tune you don't need to pump the crap out of the gas.And as far as gas stains all over the intake that is from gas leeks. Maintain your fuel system and you won't have gas stains all over your intake manifold.
Free choice is grand! Good luck with whichever engine,axle you choose. I hope you do stay with an inline. Ben
I plan on staying with an inline engine.V8's are done too much. I can hardly throw a stone without hitting one.Inline six's on the other hand are rarely transplanted.And not to mention I also like inline six's.
Kaisers came with Continental red seal six that are still used in fork lifts or the slant six with cam and carburetion will make it move out.
Of all things the electronic junk on my daily driver is giving me hell for the past two weeks.So not much getting done on the Frazer.
After much research and looking I think I may have narrowed my choices down to two engines although nothing is set in stone as of yet.Choice number one is the slant six.Why because I have one sitting in my garage with a 727 bolted to it.If that does not fit then I will find a chevy 250/292 .For the simple fact that I am just about unlimited for transmission options.
Just slot in whatever suits you. As for whether or not 'a Frazer will never be a hotrod or award winning custom'. If everyone thought that way, there'd be nothing else around but boring, cookie-cutter '32 Fords. Build it your way and smile every time you take it for a run.
Not really looking to have a hot rod or an award winning custom just more like a survivor.Don't get me wrong customs and hot rods are bad ass.I want something that I can jump in and go.
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