Quote Originally Posted by slider View Post
I'll bear that all in mind.
It runs quite well surprisingly once it got fresh fuel and I cleaned the plugs. It's already got a new distributor cap, points, rotor button and leads so the spark's pretty healthy. I might throw on a new coil though as the current one has some age to it.

I'm not yet sure whether I going to keep the 186 as my partner and I have another project we're working on which we've just pulled a prefectly good 253 V8 out of which I'm contemplating dropping into the 109.

Jusy need to work out how easy the conversion is going to be. I know I'll need ta new adaptor plate for the bell housing but other than that and probably engine mounts I have no idea yet. If it's going to require too much fabrication or modification of the 109 I'll just stick with the 186 or possibly drop in a 202 instead as that should just be a direct replacement (I think).
If you go with the 253 consider getting an old Bedford truck flywheel for it as they are a lot heavier and boost the low down grunt.
Back in the day when a 253 V8 conversion was done on a Bedford truck it was always a much better outcome if the truck flywheel was used.

If you decide to go for a 202, consider a later Blue 3.3 engine, but be aware they do run warmer (bigger "bang" in the same size block) so you will need your cooling system at it's best. Also consider fitting a heavier flywheel to either of the red or blue 202's, or the 186 for that matter.
It makes a huge difference.

Cheers, Mick.