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Buick dauntless 225 question

19K views 15 replies 6 participants last post by  jalves3 
#1 ·
I currently have a buick 225 in my 69 cj5 and it's time for rebuild. I'm rebuilding everything else so why not the motor. But my question is this: I'm have trouble finding parts for this motor. would i be better off doing a swap to a motor that is easier to get parts for or do you guys know of anywhere i can find the parts I'll need? I have a sm420 tranny so any ideas on motors that will mount to that? thanks in advance!:)
 
#2 ·
Trouble finding parts for it?

Shouldn't be any trouble finding stuff for it, I don't have any problems finding parts. May take me a day or a few but I get 'em. See this thread for parts sources: http://earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25203

For rebuild kits, most guys in my forum highly recommend the Autozone kit. If you want a cam other than stock I have an aftermarket cam list: http://earlycj5.com/tech/engines/225/225_cam_numbers.shtml
I used the Comp252H, extremely pleased with it. Very torquey.

You just gotta ask the right people where to find parts. It ain't hard. ;)

Beyond that the only thing I'd even consider swapping in, well two things, first a Buick even fire 231 from a RWD GM car. Second a fuel injected Chevy 4.3L just for the fuel injection and you could mate it to a Chevy trans pretty easy.
 
#3 ·
well I have a buick 231 on an engine stand in my shop. will that fit the sm420? autozone makes a rebuild kit for the 225? i went and asked them and the lady said they couldn't get parts.
 
#4 ·
bowenboy said:
well I have a buick 231 on an engine stand in my shop. will that fit the sm420? autozone makes a rebuild kit for the 225? i went and asked them and the lady said they couldn't get parts.
225 and 231 are the same engine family. 231 is externally identical to the 225.

Here's some background reading for you since you seem unfamiliar with this engine:
http://earlycj5.com/tech/engines/225/index.shtml

Yes, Autozone has rebuild kits for the 225. Like I said, several guys in my forum have used it and been pleased with it.

Sure looks like they have it to me, PN BU225MK01 http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?UseCase=C001&UserAction=performSearch&Parameters=Auto+Store%7C%7EREGULAR+PARTS+LOOK+UP%7C%7EEngine+Kit+%28Master%29

Like I said, parts are easy to find. You just gotta know who to ask. ;)
 
#5 ·
thanks!:) You seem like you know what ur talkin about. In your opinion, what would you do? rebuild the 225 or 231. I have both available. I know the 225 runs bc I drove it before i took the jeep apart but I don't know the history of the 231. It came with the jeep when i bought it. which is the better option?
 
#6 ·
bowenboy said:
thanks!:) You seem like you know what ur talkin about. In your opinion, what would you do? rebuild the 225 or 231. I have both available. I know the 225 runs bc I drove it before i took the jeep apart but I don't know the history of the 231. It came with the jeep when i bought it. which is the better option?
Why do you think the 225 needs to be rebuilt? Just asking. Low compression, knock, etc?

Better option? My personal bias is run the 225. I just like the way it sounds and it's original. Other thing it has going for it is the flywheel.

The flywheel of a Jeep V6 is ~50 lbs. really helps keep it moving at low RPM, very advantagous for a Jeep. The flywheel can be put on a 231, an odd-fire 231 is ballanced externally, but an even-fire 231 is internally balanced so you'd need to have the flywheel balanced to the crankshaft.

A common weak point of the 225 is oiling. If the oil pump is in good working condition I don't think that's probably an issue. Mine runs ~30 at idle and 50PSI when driving with a stock pump and Melling girdle and TA Performance adjustable pressure regulator. I've outlined that in an article here: http://earlycj5.com/tech/engines/225/OilPump/index.shtml

Since you don't know the history of either it'll be roughly the same to rebuild and run either one. I'd keep the 225 unless the block is just trash. Since it's still running I'd think it's in rebuildable condition if it needs it.

I've got casting numbers on my site in the link I gave you to read that'll tell you what the 231 is.

HTH!
 
#7 ·
well I'm rebuilding it mostly for the piece of mind. the PO kept no records of anything. did not know the milage on the motor. didnt even know the last oil change! i figure i'm going frame off resto on the dang thing, i might as well throw another 500 or so into the motor and call it good. but i think i'll just get that kit you recommended and run the 225. thanks for all you input. you were a big help! :thumbsup:
 
#8 ·
bowenboy said:
well I'm rebuilding it mostly for the piece of mind. the PO kept no records of anything. did not know the milage on the motor. didnt even know the last oil change! i figure i'm going frame off resto on the dang thing, i might as well throw another 500 or so into the motor and call it good. but i think i'll just get that kit you recommended and run the 225. thanks for all you input. you were a big help! :thumbsup:
FYI, it's gonna run you ~$1400 to rebuild it by the time you have the machining done, buy the parts etc. That is unless you have a machine shop yourself. ;)
 
#9 ·
well I'm in an advance automotive class and we get all of our machining done very cheap. local business' hook us up. sometimes they'll even do it for free. so it shouldnt be that bad. I'm gusseing around 6-8 hundred for parts. we'll see though. thanks!
 
#10 · (Edited)
bowenboy said:
well I'm in an advance automotive class and we get all of our machining done very cheap. local business' hook us up. sometimes they'll even do it for free. so it shouldnt be that bad. I'm gusseing around 6-8 hundred for parts. we'll see though. thanks!
So you DO have a machine shop at your disposal. :cool:

In that case I'd rebuild too. If you need more help holler.

Got the timing cover off mine right now and I put a cam in it this summer so I've got some experience with it. :D
 
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