Ok we have this real 41 willys w/ a good running cherolet small block I also have a 354 Hemi w/ an automatic. Is there anyone that can tell me for sure if when the old gasser guys put in a Hemi did they have to cut the cowl to do this install? I just had the interior done and the cowl in the car is perfect. It would be nice w/ the hemi but it also is going to steer worse than now as it's got the orignal box w/ traditional steering. We also want to put cross steer in but it's got the straight axle w/ the buggy springs and that's an issue by itself. Can anyone tell me for sure on the cowl ?
Go to West Coast Willys club they have all the answers.http://www.gerlecreek.com/westcoastwillysclub.htm
Also, engine setback was set by rules in gas class, and any serious racer would have installed the engine exactly as far back as the rules allowed, 10% of wheelbase. In other words, the racers would not have planned engine installation on the basis of firewall clearance. Measure off the 10% figure to first plug, add length of engine parts approaching firewall, and that's where the engine would have been installed, regardless of trouble or lack thereof. Totally different thought process than doing a swap in a street car...all planning was based on best weight distribution to rear (and UP after about '59-60) that the racer could get away with. 9% setback would have been seen as poor preparation, 11% would have dumped it into altered class and a whole new ballgame.
Move the firewall back. I don't know how someone got a SBC in the space that held the Willys 4 banger without cutting it. If, for some reason. you squeezed a Hemi in there it would sure be nose heavy. I seem to remember them using the stock Ross steering box and setup in those days.
Naw I'm not gonna,it's got the stock Ross box and the steering IS heavy. If I do anything other than routine maintenance is to put cross steerin w/ a vega or mustang box but keeping the stock firewall and straight axle. But Thanks for the input.
Melrose, i have a willys that's always had a 350 chevy, even though i've always liked the big,bad Hemi. when i met the late Big John Mazamanian i told him i had thought of putting a chrysler in it.He himself told me to stay with the chevy 350."it'll run cooler and everything else." he said. it's also easier to get parts for.Unless you're going to race it only, also consider gas prices.unless you're a diehard Hemi fan( who isn't) also consider the cost of parts for these motors.That 350 pulls me right along and i get great gas mileage. about the firewall clearance, i think i remember seeing a 392 hemi in a willys but the motor was way forward to clear the firewall.problem was getting at places on the engine seemed a chore. i'm read that the early Hemi block,believe it or not is the same lengh as the small block chevy!!Hotheads (hemi parts) could help you on that one. One other solution might be to see if and smaller desoto firedome hemis or dodge red ram hemis are narrower and/or shorter for easier firewall clearence.Maybe a Hemi guru or HotHeads again would be able to tell you that info.hope this helps....Dennis
Melrose, one more thing, don't forget if you have to move your seats back for leg room because you cut the firwall ,remember that blind spot in the willys gets worse as far as seeing cars beside you or coming up on the sides...........Dennis
Thanks Dennis, The car drives good enough with the 350 vette motor and 2 4 barrels on a tunnel ram. Gas mileage sucks and I know what you mean re; "the blind spot" I saw a backup camera at the SEMA show that is so small it fits on the license bracket and has a 3 1/2 inch screen wireless that can go on the sunvisor I may try that cause if you ever have to back up it's impossible to see anything. The more advise I get the more I'm going to leave it alone
you're welcome Melrose.I run a single four barrel and get 20+ miles per gallon,( 3:55 rear end gears and turbo 400.)
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