Thread: Flat Head Power Options

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After almost 30 years, I am finally getting around to a semi-custom restoration of my 1959 Willys Station Wagan. I intend to keep the original L6-226 but would like to increase its power to something beyond the stock 105 HP. After-market bolt-ons are not an option so it seems that I would need to find someone willing to take this on as a project. Before I go any farther, I need to say that my wife is a bit skeptical about, let's just call it, this idea.

I understand how an engine works but don't have a clue about how to determine what can or cannot be done to an engine and still have it be dependable. Performance areas that I have considered include, increased displacement, increased air flow efficiency, increased combustion efficiency, and increased RPM.

Am I dreaming, thinking crazy, or is there life beyond 105 HP?

Originally posted by techinspector1
Earth to BWilly, Earth to BWilly, come in please !!!

Tech:
I think BWilly'z gone phishin' in the Potomac. He He HE

Anybody been keepin' track of how many one-hit-wonders we've helped lately that don't ever reply back? Seems like there have been quite a few.

You guys are tough.

What I meant when I said that after-market bolt-on are not an option is that I have never seen high performance parts, such as a manifold, header, cam, etc. advertised for the 226. The idea of installing a turbo has occurred to me, but how do I make that happen. I don't have the technical knowledge needed to select the hardware, let alone install it.

Don't I need to find an engine builder to work with?

Originally posted by BWilly
You guys are tough.

What I meant when I said that after-market bolt-on are not an option is that I have never seen high performance parts, such as a manifold, header, cam, etc. advertised for the 226. The idea of installing a turbo has occurred to me, but how do I make that happen. I don't have the technical knowledge needed to select the hardware, let alone install it.

Don't I need to find an engine builder to work with?

I'm sure somebody here will have some leads on Hi-PERF. flathead parts. I know they exist, I've seen em' @ shows, just never worked on 1 personally. Have you tried a seasrch on the net?

I've searched the web but have only found parts and builders for the old Ford FH. As tech said "even if you polish a turd, you've still got a turd." Those guys know that and aren't interested in my FH 6.

Who's tough? Nothin' but teddy bears here!

Try this; http://www.inliners.org/

Ok, one I6 to a next, I think I can help a bit. The inline 6 is a torque motor in stock form. Due to the long and heavy crank, this motor will respond better to low-end load better than a comparable V6 or V8. However, with your flathead design, the options begin to dwindle. Air flow is an issue. Clean out your intake runners, replace/rebuild your carb and inspect your block for any stoppage points. If your going to upgrade your ignition, Go 12 volt(If you havent already) and save yourself a headache. Turbo with an I6 is an appealing concept. Due to all of the exhaust gases going through one manifold, theoretically you could get a good push through a turbo. It would take some custom piping, but it could be done. A Very viable option is shaving the heads. As with any motor, this will raise compression and create a few more ponies. However, i would reccomend aquiring a replacement head prior to this should anything go wrong. a 4.0 or 4.2L swap is an option(4.0 is EFI, 4.2 is Carb), but it wouldnt retain the origional look. It may be possible to use a distributor from one of these engines, and I would lean towards the 4.2 or its Earlier AMC designs. Remember, AMC bought willys in the 60s/70s, so there are bound to be some carried parts. As for camshafts, Anyone who makes performance parts for jeeps should be able to make your camshaft. Just relay the measurements of your current camshaft(Length, thickness, lobe seperation) and they should be able to make a custom piece for your block. Good luck with your motor. I6s run forever for a reason