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WD motor transplant

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Rogerf

09-27-2002 11:35:21

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I know most here are purists/original restorers, so please don't hurt me too bad with your replies to this. My son shelled the motor out of my WD and I'd like to replace it with a Detroit V-8 motor, brand not terribly important to me. Has anyone done this and have any help/advice for me before starting? I currently own a Chrysler 318 and a Ford/Mercury 390, either of which I'd like to put in this guy. I'd also be open to anything from GM, just want something I can get parts for fairly easy.

Thanks, please be kind to me.

Roger

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John W.

09-29-2002 23:34:58

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Re: WD motor transplant in reply to Rogerf, 09-27-2002 11:35:21

Rogerf; While it entirely possible to swap any engine to anything else, the cost can be steep. The swap you propose will entail some custom part fabrication, an adapter ring for the bell housing, motor mounts, and some modification to the frame. The other concern will be matching a clutch to this combination. You will have to go to someone like Gouch brake to have a disc built to match the input shaft of the tractor to an assembly that will bolt to the automotive flywheel and pressure plate. Like I said it can be done. Your biggest concern will be managing the huge increase in horsepower. The transmisson of you're WD was not designed for this kind of power and troque, therefore distroying the gear box is a REAL possibility if power is applied to quickly or loads are beyond it's design limits. In todays world many of the small truck 4 cyls are far more powerful than the WD's original engine or how about a v-6? A friend of mine recently put a 3 liter ford in a WD-45. It works well, lots more power, and he install a belt driven centrifugal governor set at 1900 rpm, helps with the power management, but he still has to watch his loads. Tranny problem I mentioned earlier. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

John W.
P.S. You may need to recore the radiator to accomadate the cooling needs of the larger engine,as well as a different fan.

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steve

09-29-2002 18:37:11

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Re: WD motor transplant in reply to Rogerf, 09-27-2002 11:35:21

go to the address at the top of your browser and changed the 37345 to 31316. hit enter and you will see several posts from last march on the same question. seems like a few guys have done the 327 chevy or 318 chrysler change with success.

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Brad Gyde

09-29-2002 18:27:26

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Re: WD motor transplant in reply to Rogerf, 09-27-2002 11:35:21

Is the motor that was in the tractor any good? If it is a running or loose motor, I may be interested in purchasing it, if you would be interested in selling it. (Mainly, I need a good block for a wc/ wd for the wc i am restoring)

You can e mail me at sledge_18@hotmail.com

Thanks,

Brad

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Rogerf

09-30-2002 07:14:07

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Re: Re: WD motor transplant in reply to Brad Gyde, 09-29-2002 18:27:26

Valve stem snapped off and dropped onto #4 piston. Piston in 4 major pieces, split sleeve on same cyl. Block looks OK, but you probably know about possible cracks. I am in SE Iowa. Let me know.

Roger

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Don LC

09-29-2002 05:45:15

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Re: WD motor transplant in reply to Rogerf, 09-27-2002 11:35:21

I have been on a lot of conversions in cars and trucks but never in a tractor.....I always wanted to put a V8 in a FARMALL H or M ...I have seen pictures but thats it....I guess you don't expect to use this tractor in the field.....I have heard they are great to pull wagons with.....with all the extra HP, you wont need a govenor....Be very careful(especially that young boy)don't jerk it from a dead stop,trying to spin a wheel.....that engine will clean all the teeth off the "tranny" gears....

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rogerf

09-30-2002 07:28:50

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Re: Re: WD motor transplant in reply to Don LC, 09-29-2002 05:45:15

This wasn't his fault. Years of impact and a valve stem snapped and did a number on the piston & sleeve. He just happened to be the lucky guy in the seat when it decided to snap off, right in the middle of the biggest snow bank in our drive last winter. I'm just glad that was the last snow of the season. Been a busy year, just now getting to fix her back.

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L Hud

09-28-2002 06:33:37

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Re: WD motor transplant in reply to Rogerf, 09-27-2002 11:35:21

Transplants are common. I know of a WD with a 390 Ford on it and one with a 292 Chevy. Have heard of one with a 301 out of a 190XT in it. Anything is possible. L Hud

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Ron

09-27-2002 19:42:08

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Re: WD motor transplant in reply to Rogerf, 09-27-2002 11:35:21

Well, if a guy can put a GM 350 Diesel in a JD "A", I think ANYTHING is possible...!!!

( I think the 350 Diesel would be a very good choice )...

You will want low RPM grunt, or it will be too fast to use in the field..!!

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Tom

09-27-2002 18:12:53

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Re: WD motor transplant in reply to Rogerf, 09-27-2002 11:35:21

Have to agree with Kevin. However if you do it and it comes out right it would be interesting. Don't forget about a governor, you need one for it to act as a real tractor.

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Steve in N.J.

09-27-2002 17:10:08

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Re: WD motor transplant in reply to Rogerf, 09-27-2002 11:35:21

Roger,

One of the fellows posted a pic of a WD45 a while back on this site that had either a 318 or 440 Dodge engine in it. It looked like whoever did the job did a nice one! I'm a Street Rodder at heart, and I just restored a Model B, but once in a while an idea like that passes through my mind, but it would have to be a pretty rough tractor to do the swap. I don't consider myself a "purist", because I'm pretty open minded, but I do like an original restored Orange tractor. Couldn't tell ya who did the installation on that WD45, I believe the fellow that posted the pic was at a show and took the picture. Unfortunetely, the owner wasn't around to quiz....It's been done though! Steve B.

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kevin

09-27-2002 14:28:01

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Re: WD motor transplant in reply to Rogerf, 09-27-2002 11:35:21

Roger,

One WD in the world with a non-AC motor won't hurt anything. If the Ford guys can have their Funk V-8's then you should be able to do the same.

My first thought is the width of the tractor frame rails--probably too narrow for the V8, although the block may sit high enough to clear the frames. Don't have any direct experience with that conversion, but you'll need an adapter plate to mount the block to the bell housing on the tractor. As far as clutch, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, fork, pilot bushing and flywheel--that's another story. First, I'd check the diameter of the V8 flywheel to see if it'll even fit inside the bell housing. And then there's the starter interface with the ring gear on the flywheel...and then, what about the length of the input shaft on the tranny...mmmm--you sure you want to do this?? I guess a good machinist and welder can do just about anything as long as you have the money.

Is the original motor busted up or something?

Probably didn't help you much, but that's my first thoughts...

Kevin

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rogerf

09-30-2002 07:23:22

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Re: Re: WD motor transplant in reply to kevin, 09-27-2002 14:28:01

A valve stem snapped and dropped onto piston. Piston is in 4 major & several smaller pieces and sleeve is split. I could fix it back, but deceded I'd like something unique. I use this for pushing snow in winter and a little occasional mowing in summer only.

Roger

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Denny

09-27-2002 14:22:19

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Re: WD motor transplant in reply to Rogerf, 09-27-2002 11:35:21

I saw a 70 Oliver about a month ago that had a Chevy 327 in it. They kept the original transmission and the Chevy four speed so they had 20 forward gears - most of them too fast for a sane man. They had to extend the frame to get everything in there. I'm a traditional tractor guy but I do find these projects interesting. Good luck - you are in for some serious work.

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