Spirit 2.5 and...

[farna@xxxxxxx]

I have to agree with Tom. As I said, I've assisted with a similar swap before. The old L-head radiator is a two core, and will be like an HD radiator for the little four. For engine mounts the ideal thing is to use a hot rod type universal mount made for 30s style cars. It will need modifying to fit the four cylinder mounts, but one from JCW for a SBC would be a good start. There's 27" between the rails (inside to inside) on the 58-63 American. The universal cross member will have to have the ends trimmed where they sit on the rail to sit back close to the suspension mounts. How close I'm not sure, you'll have to test fit. 

With the Pinto 2300 we went a different direction. A couple lengths of angle iron (2"x2"x1/4", IIRC) were bolted to each side of the engine and run forward to the original L-head mounts. I don't recall how the guy mounted hte accessories or if the angle got in the way at all. I do recall the OHC motor looked rather tall in that narrow engine bay. There were no clearance issues, but a short air cleaner was used. Rear mounts were made to fit the SR-4 bell housing -- it was drilled and the new mounts bolted through before installation. In the end the engine mounted pretty much the same as the L-head it replaced.


original msg-------------------------------------------------------
    * From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>
    * Date: Fri, 25 Nov 2005 10:34:27 -0800

Sometimes those kinds of projects work best! You don't have a lot of emotional baggage in the car, no fear of huge money loss, and if it's not a rare model, you can hack it up.

Go for it!


On Nov 25, 2005, at 6:17 AM, imfatdad@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

    Frank,

    thanks for the information and advice. The american is a $60 estate sale find, so I do not have really anything into it, and as well, know nothing about the condition of the motor, hence my daydreamimg... A fun project to consider. 



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