thinking about engine conversion

[cdeshane]

after spending all day cleaning moss, blackberrys, mud, grease and all that good stuff i have found the motor in my E to be frozen.  tryed everything to get it broke loose... tryed dragging in gear.. clutch wont hold enought to break anything loose.  

so i am contemplating the idea of a motor swap instead of rebuilding the hercules.  this might just be the hot rod builder in me, but after some quick measurments, and digging around the shop, here is what i have come up with.

i have a good running 283 small block chevy, clutch, bell housing, sm420 truck 4 speed (very short compact design).  i can machine adapter to go between truck trans&tractor input, with a short shaft similar to the model A aux trans.  engine mounts, wiring, are all really simple, and i think it can be done without doing anything that cant be undone to put it back to stock.

i realize the die hard tractor guys prolly think this is a waste of time, and a good parts tractor.  but im a hot rod guy... i got this to be more of a conversation piece than to do actual work with.  so let me know what you think.... would a small block chevy powered crawler be cool... or should i just rebuild the hercules, and make it like everyone elses.

thanks

[Blake Malkamaki]

My personal opinion is if you want to put a small block chevy engine in a crawler, get an HG or OC-3 with a bad engine. The E is too valuable to not restore it as it should be. HGs and OC-3s are all over the place.

I would not try forcing the engine to turn like that. It's best to pull the head off and see what's inside. Then push each piston out and do it right.

[cdeshane]

im pulling motor out right now... i guess when i get inside i will know what direction i will go.  thats why if i do the sbc swap... nothing will be cobbled together or hacked..... like i said.... it can be undone and put back to stock......this time of year i seem to have more time than money... i also have a late 30's flathead ford i could use.... that way it would be era correct

[Robert Barbour]

When you do and engine swap for a tractor you need to stay close to the original hp and rpm. If you put in that 283 with the 420 4 speed and run the trany in first with the 6 to 1 reduction, the first time you try pulling any load you will tear the drive train of the tractor apart as it was not designed for the torque  that engine and trany combo can put out!!

[cdeshane]

yeah... that had crossed my mind, and the more i think about it.... the more i like the idea blake had, besides, if i am gonna use it at all.... i really need something with a dozer attachment.   so... anybody interested in a model E located in southern oregon?