I've got a 480B Construction King. It has the 148 and it just doesn't put out the power I'd like. 4th gear is completely useless hi or lo. I've been trying to hunt down a D188/207, but in 2 years I've just not found one, save for rebuilts... and as I don't have a core, I can't justify the price.

So, another thought is a larger gas engine that might be a straight bolt in. From what I've been looking at, it looks as if the 188 and 201 gas are based on the same block as the 148.

Can anyone offer me suggestions or confirm/deny the 188/201 gas being a bolt in?

Thanks,

RC

Joe is correct the 188/201 swap is far from a bolt in job. If you want to do the swap it will take a different flywheel, three bolt starter, and lengthen the hood and front axle about 1 5/8 inches give or take. The throttle linkage needs to be a little longer and any other lines going from the trans to the front end. And last but not least you have to cut a hole in the hood. We put a 201 in a 411b its a fun little tractor but a lot of work.

The problem you will have with all of the spark ignition and diesel engine you have listed is they have blocks which are approximately 1.25 to 1.50 inches longer than the 148. The engines will bolt up to the bell-housing, but the tin and possibly some linkages will have to be modified or replaced from a donor tractor (factory diesel 430 CK).

The only realistic higher horsepower alternative is a 159 CI spark ignition engine which would give you about 7-8 additional hp. The 159 has the same dimensions as the 148 ci engine and is a true direct bolt up. This is the 530's standard spark ignition engine, and as such should be far more plentiful from an acquisition and parts availability perspective.

These engine swaps always get more involve and expensive than expected. Does the 430 have enough cooling capacity for a larger HP engine? It may not be a problem, but wouldn't it be grand to make the swap, only to find out you need to locate a 530 radiator? Have you considered trading for a 530CK or one of the "newer" 580s?

Hmmm well (this is a 480, rather than a 430) a 159 might make some of the difference up. Now the 480"s were available with a 188 diesel (actually the more common motor for them). So, the 480"s with the 188 diesel were physically longer than the gas version?

My appologies...I must have had 430 on the brain when typing the reply. The early 480 would be nearly identical to the 430ck. The simple answer is Yes. The 430CK, 530CK and early 480/580s with spark ignition engines were just over an inch shorter that those equipped with the 188/207 Diesel engines.