Hot Rods 49 dodge eng. swap???

i might have a chance to buy a 49 dodge wayfarer business coupe with fluid drive. if so i need suggestions for a relatively cheap eng/trans swap. the obvious HEMI is probably cost prohibitive and a SBC is out of the question. what about a nail head, pontiac, old caddy etc? this is a little out of my normal area of expertise (chevy), so i need ideas that you've seen or done your selves. you know, something cool!!
thanks
scotty t

 

ok... if you're askin what will work, yes. all of those engines will fit. its just a matter of how much work you want to do

why not a decent poly motor?

 

An early nailhead (the little ones) should go in pretty easy because the spacing of the exhaust ports should straddle the stock steering box.

Remember that any motor/****** swap in these cars means you also swap the rear end because the emergency brake is on the transmission.

For something out of the ordinary, swap in a Chrysler straight eight. You will have to move the radiator forward a bit but you can keep the stock rear. Use a 52 Plymouth overdrive for your ******.

 

only if you feel the need to have one... if he goes with a slushbox, there isnt a real burning need for one, and even at that, i've had plenty of cars with a stick that the ebrake dint work

 

yea i guess i am asking what will work. just trying to find out what might have been done "back in the day". i don't want a hacked up abortion. not familiar with poly motors. if i get the car i'll do some more reseach

 

Yeah, I BTDT, too. But I was a lot younger and I am not sure that I would do it again.

 

The fact is that just about anything you would want to slide in there will fit.

The engine compartment is pretty large. If things get tight you can move the heater under the dash. Other than that, you only have to watch clearance on the steering column and this is usually handled by offsetting the motor an inch or so, or by careful selection of the driver's side exhaust.

If you are going with a big block, of course, things get tighter. But just about any small-ish V8 will slide in with tons of room to spare.

Check out the cl***ifieds as I have 2 solid 49 Dodges for sale, cheap.

 

Most anything that is rear sump can be droped in. 318/360s from trucks & vans are rear sump, 50s hemi & Polys, Olds 455.