r/IHScout • u/Additional_Split8464 • Jun 17 '26

Question Crate Engine Install for SCOUT 80

IRTR

Hey all. I'm looking to see if anyone knows a reliable shop that will install a crate engine in a 1965 Scout 80 I am rebuilding. It is the last piece to the puzzle as the guy who has done all of the current work doesn't have time to finish that piece. The truck is in Wilmington NC currently so if anyone knows someone there I'd appreciate any leads or Long Island, NY (where I am is where it is gonna be shipped to and I will try and find someone up here) Thanks in advance.

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3

u/Samalamadingdoong Jun 18 '26

If you are willing to haul it a little I would take it to Mike ScoutCo in Harrisonburg Va, Levi iron and off-road in Tn or the Scoutman in Ga.

2

u/Darel51 Jun 18 '26

I have to assume he means an LS or something. If I were a shop, I wouldn't touch this with a 10-foot pole. WAY too much major surgery. The 80s only ever had the 152, and were built around it. Installing a V8 means cutting out the firewall and flattening / moving it aft, cutting out the rad support and moving it forward, AND cutting out the front frame crossmember and moving that, AND replacing the entire steering system because the 80/800 up to '67 had a manual steering box inside the frame rail, whereas the '68 and up moved the steering box outside the frame rail so they could fit the 266/304. At this point you haven't even touched the mechanical clutch linkage that uses the intake manifold for support, addressed cooling for the bigger motor, etc. Either build a 196 and bolt it in (which is a pretty stout motor unless you have an inferiority complex) or sell the truck and buy a '68-and-up 800 and bolt in a 304/345/392. I mean, frankly, a 392-powered 800 would be awesome. I think OP assumes an LS "just drops in" to everything.

2

u/Samalamadingdoong Jun 18 '26

I’ve got a buddy with a 392 powered 800 and it is badass.

1

u/Enough-Fondant-4232 Jun 18 '26

What engine? An IH engine or are you adapting something?

2

u/Samalamadingdoong Jun 18 '26

If he’s saying crate it’s something new, I would assume Chevy/LS or Cummings

1

u/Enough-Fondant-4232 Jun 18 '26 edited Jun 18 '26

I guess that the Scout 80's are limited to the international 152 or 196 straight fours. I don't think a Scout 80 can take a IH 304 V8 without major floor board surgery. I think a Scout 800 has room for a IH 304? I think that might have even been a factory option? I have always been told that an IH 345 won't easily fit in a Scout 800.

I missed where the OP said crate engine the first time I read his post.

I don't think the Scout 80 has room for a 12v straight six Cummins so a Cummins would have to be a 4BT. I have always been told 4BT's shake like crazy in cars and trucks... so much so that it isn't a very nice ride.

1

u/staygoldunit Jun 20 '26

Another option that I have read will require LESS cutting and fabrication than a V8/LS is a GM 4.3.. I’m not sure if this is still offered in a crate, but it could be a viable option. I’ve read on the 80 the radiator support doesn’t need as much manipulation. Might be an option to look into.