Crippy Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Hi I have just joined HMVF and my first question concerns the engine and box which is fitted to the WC vehicles of WW11 and later. I intend to buy a WC54 and as I am disabled I want to change the engine and box and fit a 6 cyl engine and auto box. I already have an engine in mind but before I make the man an offer I would like to know some dimensions of the original side valve motor and box. If there is anyone in Leics or Northants or surrounding areas who has a vehicle with one of these units in I would love to be able to visit with my tape measure to just get an idea of the feasibility of fitting a later unit. Failing that is there anyone who would be willing to get me some rough measurements of the engine from fan to end of box, distance between engine mounts i.e. width of engine and the depth from sump to highest point. At the moment I am looking at a couple which Stephen Rivers has told me about and there is a complete runner on fleabay but I do not rush into parting with my brass so would like to have things in place before I start spending. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulbrook Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 There are some useful links here http://rustytrucks.tripod.com/id7.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 They are an iconic vehicle. I've just been left one in a Friend's will. They can be a bit heavy on steering. Try Gordon's Dodge Forum and the Powerwagon forum as well. There are some conveted vehciles there and you may get some practical advice. I'd have thought if you are going to keep the four wheel drive, and it would be a crime not to, your choice of box maybe a bit limited. But I do know , because I had one, the Isuzu 2.8 or 3.1 disiel engine will easily fit a Range Rover box, though the diffs may not like it. Good luck , keep us all posted Steve may not be the cheapest but I've always had good dealings with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoranWC51 Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Hi Crippy, Funny, I've been thinking in the same paths as you for my Dodge WC51. There is a Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth two speed automatic transmission that supposedly bolts right onto the original 213 c.i. 6-cyl Dodge engine. All brackets etc are supposedly bolt on too. That'll make your WC54 fairly close to stock as a matter of fact. I have also seen a bolt on power steering, using a special bracket and a pump from a Ford 150 truck. That way it'll be fairly easy to return to original condition the day you decide to sell it. My e-mail: goran_noren[at]yahoo[dot]com Good luck with your search for a WC54. They are nice vehicles, with good room in the back. Goran N Lidingo, Sweden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crippy Posted March 22, 2012 Author Share Posted March 22, 2012 Thanks for all the info. Reason for a more modern 6cyl is to retain the petrol/noise exhaust etc but get a more economical vehicle without the diesel knocks. Will post details of measurements etc as I find them in case anyone else is interested and if I find the ideal engine/box set up I will detail the work. I am interested in the power steering I wonder if anyone has done the conversion I will look on the internet and see what I can find. Thanks again Steve steveroundhill at tiscali.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoranWC51 Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 Hi Steve, I would actually think more than twice before trying to better the set up from the factory with a "modern" petrol engine. The original side valve six can be made to be not too thirsty. The miles per gallon figure is depending on a lot more than just the engine. Axles, gearbox, shape of body, wind resistance, weight (2.600 kgs for a WC51), everything has to be taken into consideration. Another thing you have to ask yourself is how far you''ll be driving your WC54 each year. Is it really worth spending a lot of money swapping out the engine, cut and weld to get it to fit? The value of the vehicle will also drop dramatically. My advice: Get the two speed auto gearbox I suggested, drop in a power steering unit, maybe fix a power brake setup, and you're set! Good luck, Goran N Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 A two speed box seems a little odd. Especially for a heavy vehicle, you'd either be revving the guts out or going nowhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crippy Posted March 22, 2012 Author Share Posted March 22, 2012 I have to look at an automatic as I am disabled hence the nickname, I am hoping that by getting the measurements and comparing this to modern engine and boxes and by modern I mean 1970's with carburation I will be able to manufacture mountings without any cutting and shutting. I have upper body strength so the steering may not be an issue. In France we drive from La Rochelle area up to Normandy then do the defiles/parades over the week and the drive back and we have at least one meeting that we drive to each month so I will be doing enough mileage to warrant the work. This may well be my last "project" so I want to get it right and will retro fit the steering and powerbrakes as time goes on and with the room in the back I can stop struggling with the tent. Watch this space as I will keep everyone up to date with my investigations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crippy Posted March 31, 2012 Author Share Posted March 31, 2012 Hi Just got back from measuring a dodge engine and box so if anyone else needs to know here they are. A. Fan to back of engine 82cm B. Fan to and of gearbox 142cm C. Width between chassis rails 73cm D. Sump to top of head 60cm E. Sump to top of aircleaner 82cm These match pretty much with a 6cyl 250 mercedes engine and auto box so it looks like I may get this before I get the Dodge so will try and paint it in similar colours to the WC colours. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted March 31, 2012 Share Posted March 31, 2012 HiJust got back from measuring a dodge engine and box so if anyone else needs to know here they are. A. Fan to back of engine 82cm B. Fan to and of gearbox 142cm C. Width between chassis rails 73cm D. Sump to top of head 60cm E. Sump to top of aircleaner 82cm These match pretty much with a 6cyl 250 mercedes engine and auto box so it looks like I may get this before I get the Dodge so will try and paint it in similar colours to the WC colours. Steve Just to be awkward , there are two lengths of Dodge engine. Ones 23 inch long the otehr twenty five off top of my head. But at least the engine compartemnt is the same . Any chance you can keep the 4x4? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crippy Posted March 31, 2012 Author Share Posted March 31, 2012 I am not sure yet as I got the info when I collected my jeep from Stephen at Dallas and it was only the engine and a box that I was looking at. I hope that the 4 x 4 system can be kept.The way I struggled to get in and out of the jeep today means that either the good lady will have to take over the driving or we may sell it and buy a WC that doesn't need any repair/restoration. Then again I have had the jeep for 9 years now and I thought I was doing well for costs on repairs but this year with new battery new steering box and everything else left no change out of £1000 so perhaps we will have to keep it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted April 1, 2012 Share Posted April 1, 2012 Thats part of the problem. Aquiring vehicles is excstacy. Parting with them Agony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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