What Engine Should We Choose?? -- 1941 Willys Jeep Ep 10

In todays video we discuss some options for potential motors to throw into our 1941 Willys MB named Bruce. Keeping with the spirit of this Willys, we're not looking for a Go Devil engine to put in. Let us know in the comments which of these engines you think would be the best fit for this little jeep!

[@joe3973]

I would use a Ford 260 v/8 will lineup with stalk bell housing or m-151 4 cylinder engine or pinto engine these fits to stalk bell housing.

[@thejapietsiimepfhuo7963]

For me.. I'd go with the second possibility. The 2.8.

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

I hear ya! Thanks for the feedback

[@classicgunstoday1972]

Smittys. Have to check it out next over there. Must be great if it competes with Johnnys Sweep the Kitchen pizza. (i’m north Louisiana too). Growing up in Texas, I miss Pizza Inn

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

Different from Johnny’s Pizza (I love it too) but yummy! Give it a try

[@NedHills]

Great video, thanks for the comparison discussion! I’m on the same quest for my ‘46 CJ2A project. Had the 4.3L in a 1990 S-10 when I was younger and that thing pulled hard, definitely enough for the little truck. I’ve had several gearheads tell me to go with the LU3 (2003-2014) as it has the Vortec heads and improved multiport injection. Thanks for the video, helps to see the discussions as I work my own project! Good luck!!

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

Glad you are enjoying the series. Thank you for the words of encouragement and have fun with your project!

[@OldCarGarageUSA]

Think the 2,8 being more compact and carb'd would be the easier of the swaps.

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

Very True! Thanks for the feedback and for watching

[@davevanatta1965]

i went with the 2.8 aftr 88 cause they are balanced internally and i had 1 already lol

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

Never considered the advantage of internal balancing, thanks for that info

[@timothyfowler650]

Since you are looking at Chevy options, you may want to take a look at an Iron Duke 2.5 L 4 cylinder. That's the route I went (1988 S-10 engine). Fits nicely in the engine bay. Used a Novak adapter with the T90. Also I stripped all the fuel injection off and went with a carb. Good Luck. So it;s close to your 2.8 option.

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

Excellent suggestion. I’m very familiar with that engine. Had one in my 87 S15 I bought brand new. Thanks for the idea and for watching

[@KindergentlerMr.Softbelly]

I always put stock 134l flat heads in. They run great and everyone loves to see them in a old Jeep. Adds more value than it costs unless your making a ratty Jeep super cheap amd your time doesn’t matter.

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

Things to think about! Thanks for the feedback 😀

[@robertlewis2]

2.8 L carbureted

[@JakesAutomotiveYT]

I would go 2.8

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

Thank you for the vote!

[@fricknjeep]

hi there well i know it was not on the list but i would go with a Kubota diesel . they make kits to drop them right in , no plugs no wires , etc. but more money . change the rears out to 3.73 s and pull out the pill in the t case so you can go low range 2 wheel drive , no need for OD unit . wish you well in what ever you do john here also

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

Interesting idea…I have zero diesel experience so that would have never crossed my mind

[@chrishenry5945]

4.3

[@rgnichols567]

Not sure which one you've decided on, but my vote would be f or the 4.3. I have a 2.8 that came out of a jeep Cherokee I was going to swap into my jeep. But I read alot of negative stuff about it, so I never put it in. I went with the buick 231 oddfire engine, and am very content with it.

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

I appreciate the feedback! Still thinking through it all.

[@nimeshvala1793]

2.8

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

Thank you for the vote for the 2.8 😀

[@michaelstaton4956]

Since you asked our opinions, here's mine. Choose a Willys L134 engine with 60 HP. Not 40 HP which you incorrectly stated. These Jeeps weren't designed to do 80 MPH. Just giving my opinion on this rare vehicle.

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

Thanks for catching my error on the horsepower rating of the Go Devil.

[@ericbraley4200]

👍

[@timsmith4519]

The fuel injection would be nice especially when climbing. No carbs or floats to worry about. Might tougher with the electronics. Not sure about the 2.8, kinda a POS engine. There are other V6 options that might work and carbureted. Good luck

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

I keep hearing poor reviews of the 2.8….gotta give that more thought! Thanks for watching and sharing your ideas

[@JDWard-Jeepster]

Nothing POS about the later 2.8's they became a good engine when cammed and you put an Aluminum intake and edelbrock 600cfm 4bbl. Throw the TBI in the garbage. Most of the lacking power was they were very mildly cammed and super leaned out by the TBI.

[@billbailey5295]

John I think a 225 v-6 I have in my 1968 CJ-5

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

That’s an engine that has I’ve never seen with my own eyes! What vehicles were equipped with them ?

[@billbailey5295]

@@JohnsGarageProjects Buck

[@billbailey5295]

@@JohnsGarageProjects buck

[@billbailey5295]

@@JohnsGarageProjects Dauntles o

[@billbailey5295]

The Eng is a Dautles Odd fire Check it out

[@ericbraley4200]

Simple to hell with the computers

[@pnw_outdoor_guy3980]

Definitely the 4.3l, those 2.8l motors were junk.

[@JDWard-Jeepster]

There was nothing Junk about the 60° V-6 2.8 you just need to know how to build them. The 90° V-6 4.3 had issues early on of spinning rod bearings because Chevy offset and narrowed the rod journals so the could make it a even fire engine. You can get standard 4 barrel cast aluminum intakes for either one so no advantage there. Personally I would go with the 2.8 and build it. I also like 2.3 Ford Lima engines ( pinto ) they make a good lightweight and compact engine in a flat fender.

[@heyyoubuddy6749]

Go 4.3 with a Holley sniper. Easy to wire just plug and play. Lots of torque easy to work on. 2.8!is junk !!!!

[@JohnsGarageProjects]

Thanks for the idea! I heard good things about the Sniper set ups