You guys seem to know alot about swapping engines in the M35.
I've been told the simplest swap for more power is to go from the LDT-465 to the LDS-465 5-ton engine.
The original engine has what, 126HP @ 300 LB-FT, and the 5-ton has 175-180HP @ 425 LB-FT of TQ?
I got the specs from these manuals:
2.5 ton engine specs: (TM 9-2320-209-10-1)
5-ton engine specs: (TM 9-2320-211-20)
The reason I ask is that my M35 weighs in at 20,000 LB with the AN/GRM-32D electronics repair shop on it (like an S-280) and I tow an M105 trailer with 1000 LBS in it, so when going up any kind of hill, the beast bogs down from the flat road speed of 55MPH to 35-40MPH, and by that time I'm in 4th gear with it struggling at 2000RPM to keep moving and get over the hill.
I have no way to swap something that large. Repo-Depo says it's mostly a drop-in, no need to change transmissions etc, and they can do this 'reasonable' and will guarantee it, but is this enough power?
I'm not looking to race it or start snapping axles, but it definitely needs more cojones. 90% of the driving is highway, at 50-55 MPH with 11.00x20 tires all around incl. duals in the rears. I welcome any comments or suggestions for better/alternative engines which can be installed as repo dep says, 'reasonable', as well as where I can get it done (I'm in Texas but would consider a road trip -there's nothing wrong with the existing engine). I don't want to lose any of the so-called "top end speed". Better to ask for the comments before I make a decision!
Thanks,
Patrick