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Classic/Antique Car Repair/~1948 Willys/Jeep engine replacement

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Expert: - 12/30/2007


Question

I am trying to get my grandfather's ~1948 m38(cj3a) [i think] running again which is going to involve an engine rebuild or replacement.

It looks like it has an L4-134. I am wondering if there are more available engines that might be compatible with the existing transmission. Thanks for any advice or directions you might provide.

Much appreciated. -Shawn

Answer
As far as I know the early Jeeps like yours has the low profile body. That limits a bit what engine you can fit into the body. It was 1953 or 54 that jeep made the body taller  when they introduced the F Head 4 cylinder. Those are the only two that I know of that will bolt up to the transmission. However some of the magazines that deal with jeeps do have advertisers that sell adapter plates and kits to install different engines.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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