Hi guys / girls,
Been in negotiations to acquire a 1960 Austin Gipsy pickup...its in a sorry state so will require some serious work to get it back to even "work vehicle" standard. Looking to build something that is driveable on modern roads, that I can use to move stuff around - garden waste, DIY materials etc rather than a car show ornament...
However the 2.2 diesel currently in it is far too slow for my liking (top speed 55 and about a week to get there plus the engine is getting difficult to find parts for), and the current keeper has indicated an interest in the engine and gearbox for a vintage generator project or similar.
So does anyone have any suggestions for a suitable engine/gearbox/transfer case combo?
So far considered
1. Small block chevy / Rover V8 - mated to something like an nv4500 or other suitable box and transfer case (If I was still living in Canada I'd probably go for an NP205/203 - problems - bad mpg, cost of acquisition, positives...power...lots of power..
2. Fiat 1.9 150 diesel (have one in another vehicle so I'm aware of its foibles and have the tools to work on it / tune it) I just have no idea off the top of my head of a gearbox that would mate to it (its usually fitted transeverse and I'd be looking to rotate it so it was longitudinal)
3. Drivetrain out of something like a Frontera - advantage already 4WD, relatively cheap to acquire and parts supply good
4. ?? Suggestions ??
Thanks