4 cylinder engine

[Richard]

I have a 1977 sii, 196 1bbl, 3 speed stick, chain transfer case with 4.11 gears and open axles.
I have had the Scout for about 12 years now, I had the 196 rebuilt and balanced about 10 years ago. The engine has about 5,000 miles on it, it runs great, get about 18-19 mpg. Speedometer read 92,500 when I rebuilt the engine.

Some questions about the engine: how durable is the 196 in stock mode? What would be the upper end rpm's for this engine? (at 60 mph, it tachs @ 2900 rpm.) the 1 bbl: how stable is it (has not bothered at all and it smogs just fine every 2 years)

some questions about the transfer case and tranny: I have never had a chain t-case, how durable is it? How many miles can I expect out if it? How "strong" is the 3 speed? I don't plan on abusing the truck, but would like to do some "soft" off-roading with the Scout. I had planned to put a 4 speed with d-20, but is that too much for the 196?

Completely redid the interior (re-upholstery, headliner, sound proofing, new glass all the way around, wiring, carpet and herculiner stuff, stereo)

would like to hear your thoughts, thanks.

 

[Mark Pietz]

I'm on my second 196, the first a non-ic I rebuilt and put into a 1965 model 80 to replace the tired 152, and now an ic 196 I recently rebuilt for my 1980. See my build below this post for how that one went together. I, too, had it balanced in the process.

These are industrial-grade engines and very durable, although underpowered for their weight and application, but still a lot of fun.

I have about 1,000 miles on mine at this time and this weekend took an opportunity to gauge the mileage. It comes in somewhere over 20 mpg. "by the numbers" around 23, but maybe it didn't fill exactly to the same place, but still a solid 20+; this will all the 1980 smog stuff in place. I decked the block for quench and used the isky IH 256 grind from Jeff. All new nos springs. For a four, it spins pretty smooth well over 3k. I have 3.73 gears and so am turning about like you at 60 or 65 mph, that's the nature of the beast.

I have the d20 t/c but the narrow ratio t-19. My opinion is that if you have an opportunity, dump the "3" and grab a narrow t-19 and d20. Conversion should be a simple nut-and-bolt job. It will transform its road manners and with its lower 1st gear, be an improvement over what you're used to off road at this time. I would shy away from a t-19 wide because the power band of the four isn't sufficient or broad enough to operate as a 3 speed (1st is a granny low of 6.32:1).

Others will chime in, I'm sure.

Nice little rigs with the four.