Stan,
Many MH owners envision a V8 swap at some point. If done properly, it will cost several times more than a repair on your existing tractor. The tractor will be difficult to re sell, and worth only a fraction of what you put into it.If you must have one, consider selling your current tractor and buy one already done. It will be cheaper in the long run. However, if you must do the installation, here are some tips:
1. Any automotive V8 will do, try starting with a small block Chevy, as its relatively compact, versatile and cheaper to buy and build than anything else. 2. You will need to use the clutch, clutch fork flywheel, pressure plate and bell housing designed for the engine. Avoid an engine that came with an automatic trans, as often they lack the pilot bushing in the rear of the crankshaft. 3. A machine shop would have to make some kind of splined adaptor so the tractor's trans input shaft will work with your clutch. 4. You would have to fabricate a clutch linkage. either a pushrod and bell crank affair or cable would do. 5. The engine would need custom made solid mounts front and rear at precicely the right location. Great care would be required to be sure the transmission shaft is perfectly centered relative to the flywheel. The rest of the fabricating( exhaust, cooling, fuel electrical etc)is relatively straightforward, but still time consuming to fabricate or adapt the proper components.
| 
