251 vs 218, need motor for 1952 R12 Bombardier

[walrus]

Thanks in advance for any help. I have a 52 Bombardier, its a snow machine used mostly in Quebec.  Its a tracked vehicle powered originally by a 251 Chrysler industrial engine. When I got it, it was in tough shape. I finally got engine to run, it had a rather loud knock.  It finally spun a bearing or something as its stuck. Never really got to use machine other than move it around. I've found a T172 engine thats whole and supposedly was run a few years in a 50 Dodge PU. I'm wondering if there is any difference as far as bolting it up if I were to change motors. Also I assume less HP, will that make a huge difference? This vehicle weighs 3500 lbs or so.  Its no hot rod but kind of a cool old machine, at some point I plan to give it to

Owls Head Land Transportation Museum thats located in Maine. Like to get it running but can't afford to rebuild engine. 

[Dan Hiebert]

I'm unfamiliar with what a T172 engine is, assuming from your message title that'd be a 218?  If so, I believe the 218 (23") is two inches shorter than the 251 (25").  Several herein have replaced the shorter engine with the longer one, I don't recall anyone doing the opposite, but I believe the mounts are the same.  Fan may be too far from the radiator for the cooling system to work well if you don't move the radiator back. 

 

Those big Bombardiers need torque more than horsepower.  A 218 will move it, but it won't like it.  Where ya at in Maine? 

[walrus]

9 hours ago, Dan Hiebert said:

I'm unfamiliar with what a T172 engine is, assuming from your message title that'd be a 218?  If so, I believe the 218 (23") is two inches shorter than the 251 (25").  Several herein have replaced the shorter engine with the longer one, I don't recall anyone doing the opposite, but I believe the mounts are the same.  Fan may be too far from the radiator for the cooling system to work well if you don't move the radiator back. 

 

Those big Bombardiers need torque more than horsepower.  A 218 will move it, but it won't like it.  Where ya at in Maine? 

Yeah, the t172 is a 218 and like you I'm skeptical it will be powerful enough to move 3500 lb machine. Wouldn't be a problem moving radiator  but thinking it needs more torque not less. I have a lead on a 251 but seller won't pull it out for me to buy.  Been talking to him for a few years and he says oh yeah I'll do it but never does so I've given up on that one. I'm in Bucksport area of Maine, sounds like we get snow this weekend.

[Dan Hiebert]

Yeah, we're on tap for a good snowfall up here, too...about time in my book.  I've been like Calvin in "Calvin and Hobbes" sitting on the hilltop with a sled waiting for some snow.  I'll keep an eye out for something up here, if it's not too far of a haul for you.  That kind of stuff pops up further north on occasion, usually originating from the closed Loring AFB.  

[walrus]

17 minutes ago, Dan Hiebert said:

Yeah, we're on tap for a good snowfall up here, too...about time in my book.  I've been like Calvin in "Calvin and Hobbes" sitting on the hilltop with a sled waiting for some snow.  I'll keep an eye out for something up here, if it's not too far of a haul for you.  That kind of stuff pops up further north on occasion, usually originating from the closed Loring AFB.  

I've worked in the county many times but not so much any more.I would gladly drive up there for a 251 or a 265. up