Gotta go with AJ on this one. A stock 239 has an effective torque curve of off idle to about 4500 rpm, a close ratio A230 with 2.94 gears would make a very nice cruiser and distance driver in an early A. I am all about keeping it real with the three speed, too, but I would definitely upgrade to an A230 close ratio. I did find this,
Perfection OE Replacement Flywheels 50-3409. Bring it works on the 318 as well, it is a neutral balance engine. It has been a while since I worked on one of these, so I had to jog my memory. All the 5 speeds are pretty large and going to require floor pan and cross member surgery. For someone doing a 5 speed, there is also an NP535/Nv2500 box that was close to AX15 size. It was used from 1987 to 1991 with v6 4X2 or 4X4 and light duty 318 4X2 truck and van service with removable bell housing with ratios of 3.79, 2.29, 1.48, 1:1, 0.79 OD, and a 3.90 reverse. But to me a five speed swap takes away more than it would give back, May as just get the whole Dakota/Van/Pick-Up as a driver.
