Good deal on new M151A2 power pac???

[MUTT Vet]

I have a question for the collective.

I got the following email from Hercules Motors Company. I'm wondering if the price is good for what i'm wanting?

"I got your numbers together. A completely rebuilt PowerPac
including a rebuilt engine with .030 oversized pistons, new carb. new
radiator, new fuel pump, new fuel lines and filters, etc. It includes all new
seals on a rebuilt transmission and transfer case. Price for this package
will be $4,380. This price includes a run in on our test stand and new
paint. It does not include an alternator, shifters, and ebrake.
Prices are Free on Board (FOB)Star NC, shipping will be around $400 and we
require a 50% down payment."

I already have a rebuilt engine, but this one has a modern made engine with more power plus all rebuilt tranny and transfer case. If it's a good price and anyone wants this guys email let me know.

[Rainman]

Hey MUTT Vet,

Is the address for that place in Massilon, Ohio? The higher power engine sounds great, the price is my major distraction. A factory rebuild sounds great, but at 4X the cost of a Gov't rebuild, it's way out of reach. If it's at the Massilon plant, I can drop in and take pictures for you! I stored my A2 about 1/4 mile from there last year.

Rainman

[rickf]

Five grand for a four banger is a LOT of money! I have my doubts about the modern and more power claims also. That engine was rated at 71 horsepower and if it is the same engine it will have the same hp plus maybe another half a hp for the extra .030 bore per cylinder. If there was a more modern version of this engine then how come no one knows about it? Be careful where you throw your hard earned money. This is not worth it in my opinion.
Rick

[TrueXena]

I've only got a thousand bucks into my 'rebuild' of an engine, and I'm not even close to half way done yet rebuilding it. (that is with cost of getting it tanked, milled and a bearing set) I figure by the end of it all, I'll probably have the same amount of money invested (maybe a lot less, one can only hope), but I'll have done most of the work myself saving on labor and I'll have really pretty & shinny new engine parts. (that I'll never see again till another rebuild happens)

I got a whole M151A2 for the kind of money they want for a rebuilt power-pack, now if they where talking ALL NEW, to include the tranny, then I might have to think about it.

[MUTT Vet]

What thery're asking for includes a new engine, a rebuilt transmission, a rebuilt transfer case, and brand new components like all the pumps, clutch, carb, etc...; everything alternator, shifters, and ebrake.

I've talked to the guy and he says it's not a rebuilt MUTT engine it's a new modern engine that will fit in a M151A2. I will get the specs on the engine and post that later.

[mrdibbles]

I think that price is outrageous! Call that guy back and ask him to send a close up of the rebuild tag on the side of the block. If you see the this logo on the rebuild tag then maybe... just maybe it's worth it



Seriously though... I know a guy selling whole rebuilt power packs for $2,000 and they include the accessories. The place is called Red River Parts and the guy's name is Blake. He can be reached at: bcallaway@redriverparts.com

Here's a picture of one of the units:



Yes... this price includes both rebuilt diffs too.

[rickf]

What thery're asking for includes a new engine, a rebuilt transmission, a rebuilt transfer case, and brand new components like all the pumps, clutch, carb, etc...; everything alternator, shifters, and ebrake.

I've talked to the guy and he says it's not a rebuilt MUTT engine it's a new modern engine that will fit in a M151A2. I will get the specs on the engine and post that later.

"

[[I got your numbers together. A completely rebuilt PowerPac
including a rebuilt engine with .030 oversized pistons, new carb. new
radiator, new fuel pump, new fuel lines and filters, etc. It includes all new
seals on a rebuilt transmission and transfer case.]]



I would be real interested in those specs! See your quote above from your first post, rebuilt engine. Don't get me wrong, I am not questioning your integrity. It is just that there are no other known interchangeable engines up to this point for a mutt. You may have stumbled onto a never before seen item!

[halftracknut]

Do you know how many pop cans I have to pick up for an engine like that? My jeep didn't cost that. I could take out a fannie may or jimmy mack and have it all insured by aig

[MUTT Vet]

I don't know the validaty of the statements.

All i know is that the guy says they are new engines, he hasn't gotten back with me on the specifications or exact info on if it's a rebuilt 151 engine or a new engine. I'll post the info as soon as i get it.

[MUTT Vet]

I got an update from the guy and he says it is a M151A2 engine that has been rebuilt with a mixture of NOS and modern parts. He says that the .030 over sized pistons will deliver 10 hp extra.

He also sent me the following info on modern engines that can be adapted to fit the MUTT:

"We have adapted a number of new engines to the M151A2 drivetrain. We've built vehicles with 65HP Kubota diesels,
140HP MWM diesels, GM 4.3L V6's and Ford 302 V8's. Of course these aren't drop it conversions and may require some
body mods to adapt engine mounts to the frame."

So knowing this is the $4300 price tag a good deal or not?

Thanks for the collective wisdom!

[raymond]

Eric

Interesting topic.Some time ago over at G503, someone from out of the U.S. posted some pics of a small diesel that had been adapted for the M151. I think it even used the original transmission too. Someone else (perhaps Ken aka Muttguru) had a few pics of some M151s that the military had modified with a small diesel engine. I had always heard that the M151 used a modified forklift engine, so if that story is true, it stands to reason there ought to be replacement parts (and engines) out there outside of ordinary military surplus channels. Forklifts can have an extremely long service life, so parts for such an engine should be around for years.

[mrdibbles]

It's too much money. You could buy two complete rebuilt power packs, shown in my earlier post, for less. I think it's a horrible deal in fact

The caveat I will add however is that it isn't up to me... it's up to you. If they warranty the motor and you just flat want to bust out and give it a try then hey there's nobody here that will get in your way. In fact I think most would be interested to hear how it goes!

[rickf]

I got an update from the guy and he says it is a M151A2 engine that has been rebuilt with a mixture of NOS and modern parts. He says that the .030 over sized pistons will deliver 10 hp extra.

Unless he is useing custom built domed high compression pistons he is full of s***! Maybe 1 hp if you are lucky. This guy must sell raceing parts, that is their favorite line, inflated hp figures!

He also sent me the following info on modern engines that can be adapted to fit the MUTT:

"We have adapted a number of new engines to the M151A2 drivetrain. We've built vehicles with 65HP Kubota diesels,
140HP MWM diesels, GM 4.3L V6's and Ford 302 V8's. Of course these aren't drop it conversions and may require some
body mods to adapt engine mounts to the frame."

Given a fully equiped machine shop, a welder and a set of torches I can put a 3408 Cat in a MUTT! You put anything more than 100 hp in there and you will be ripping out the driveshafts, halfshafts and differentials!


So knowing this is the $4300 price tag a good deal or not?

NOT, NOT, NOT!

Thanks for the collective wisdom!

Sorry Eric, I realize this is not the answer you want to hear but it is my opinion.
Rick

[MUTT Vet]

Well Rick it might not be the answer i was hoping for, but i will always take the advice of those wiser than myself. If you say it's not a good deal then it's not a good deal.

Mr. Dibbles, when you say rebuilt power pac what kind of quality are you talking about? i use my MUTT as a daily driver and a weekly off roader. i need something dependable.

Thanks guys!

[mrdibbles]

Mr. Dibbles, when you say rebuilt power pac what kind of quality are you talking about? i use my MUTT as a daily driver and a weekly off roader. i need something dependable.

Thanks guys!

I can't speak for the quality and haven't personally ever done business with the dealer. He was very informative though, when I spoke with him, and at the price it sure seems reasonable. If I had the room I might store something like that for a rainy day.