I have a '47 Dodge D24 Sedan, just starting to work on the engine to see if it's dead or might actually work again. Meanwhile, I wanted to research some options. I'm relatively new to working on cars, self teaching as I go, so apologize if a dumb question... but... are there any recent engines (1990 and up) that are a direct fit for this car? or would everything require engine mounts being replaced/moved and possibly firewall work? Thanks
Oh young grasshopper....Nothing is a direct 'fit' other than the L6 that is in there. There are plenty of swaps documented here and over at http://p15-d24.com/ so if you want to jump start the learning curve just use the search button. Very few swaps require firewall mods but all will require that you (or someone) be a decent fabricator. I suggest that you play with the L6 for awhile and upgrade the rear axle and front brakes. .
Ya I was there and someone said come here. I see some posts where people ask IF they should swap and people say no, be cooler if you keep it original... not really the info I need. Was hoping to find a general list of what did and what didn't work, or if anything was a direct swap. Some manufactures (I'm told) have used the same engine mounts for a number of years/models... was hoping this was a similar situation. If someone said right now, any Dodge engine would fit... I'd be at the wreckers tomorrow looking for a V8. Upside is, there is a lot of room under that hood for options. I had a hotrod magazine once that I wish I still had, that showed someone with a '48 Dodge like mine, with a Dodge Viper engine. That was sweet.
My 47 B-coupe has a.......350 Chevy and trans in it. I didn't do the swap, but it looks like it belongs there. Very simple mounts and every thing fits well.
I have a small block Chev, in my Impala... nice engine, decent power. Also the option to expand and add to later down the road since lots of performance parts available. That's what I'm considering... something that offers options in the long run. If my current engine works, then a year later dies... woulda been a time waster, especially if everything's been mounted up and painted already. :S
There's a bunch of Threads on how to put an LA 318/340/360 into the 46-8 Dodge/Plyms. Don't know about 90 & up, but lots of rear sump LAs in Vans & pick ups out there.
Mopar, Chevy or Ford small blocks all work, there are pluses and minuses to each. For all v8 swaps the issue is the big steering box. Move the engine to the passenger side a little and get creative on the drivers side exhaust manifold. Get ready to replace motor, trans, & rear end - Ford 8.8 from Explorer perhaps. See some jeep sites for 8.8 swap how-to's You will need to fab all mounting for engine and trans. Even if you don't weld you can do 90% yourself and take your car and parts to the welder. Do a disk brake swap up front, pm Hamber Olddaddy - I think it's rustyhope.com?
OK, any Dodge engine will fit... Seriously, Your first post says "I'm relatively new to working on cars, self teaching as I go". There is a lot of work involved in a drivetrain swap in these cars, it is NOT just an engine swap. Do you have garage space for the car to reside for an extended period? Are you a competent welder? Can you properly re-wire the entire car? Including the EFI and computer related crap for the "any recent engines (1990 and up)" ? Enthusiasm is a wonderful commodity but you are staring at a huge project that will test your mettle. There are two nicely documented swaps 'over-there': http://p15-d24.com/topic/22985-im-back/ http://p15-d24.com/topic/25759-318-into-my-50-coronet/ Like Mr Callahan said: 'A man has to know his limitations' .
When you use the search function make sure you also search for Plymouth and Desoto stuff too its all similiar! Its been well documented on here! You'll need a rear end a transmission, and all the subsequent transmission/engine mounts. Check out http://www.butchscoolstuff.com/ he's got bolt/weld in kits for just about any engine you could want, and theres a HAMBer who offeres the disc brake conversion kit for the front along with an upper shock mount relocation kit.
Don't write off the original engine. They are very simple, all parts are available and they are cheap. Like $75 for a full set of NOS pistons from Vintage Power Wagons. How good do you want it? Unless the rod is sticking through the block it is most likely easier and cheaper to fix the old engine and get it running than to change it. Especially if you are just starting out and all.
This is very true! Those motors are pretty cool and they are stout as hell it takes alot to kill one! Mine was gone when I got the car, but my uncle says when he took it out in the 80's he put it on a tire in the back yard under a tarp, and over 5 years later a cousin needed a flat 6 for his 38 Plymouth and they picked it up changed the oil and bolted the intake and carb back on and its still running in the car today!
An acquaintance just had a complete rebuild done on a 1940 Dodge. The engine was running, but barely, with low compression and a couple of broken pistons (!). She had it done by the best machine shop in town and it cost $3000 for the rebuild and $500 to remove and replace the motor. I doubt you could have a new or rebuilt V8 installed for that kind of dough. And that would be the maximum. I have revived several old flathead sixes that had been out of commission for 30 years, possibly more, at negligible cost.
we are about to put a small block in Seabass49's 49 Coronet....there is a small block Chevy mount kit available for that from butch's that he is going to buy
The Jalopy Journal
