hey do you back onto the golf course. if so my house is only a street or two away

which golf course you talking about Frank?

I've explored the A series option, and it may be more trouble than it's worth. The sump on J series motors has the large oil pan area to the rear of the motor, whereas the A series has it at the front. That would require either the sump on an A series motor to be turned around, with oil pickup relocated, or the crossmember in the car to be relocated about 10 1/2 inches rearward.
Which end of the sump is it on for L series does anyone know? Dont have one to look at.
Looking at the input shaft on the J series box today, it looks similar to L series, (have to confirm tomorrow) so it may be possible to mount an L series 5 speed there. I know a few L series parts interchange with the J, the dizzy from L20B is identical except the drive coupler which swaps over. Easy electronic ignition.
Theres plenty to do yet before I worry too much about the engine though....

PS: Dont make any more post Frank, you have the perfect amount

Thats quite nice and rust free under those guards, how old is this? What are your plans for the beast?

It's a '62, so that makes it 46 this year, it's spent at least the last 15 years garaged without being drive(thank God), which explains the condition. It'll get new steel, new paint the same colour as my '63 ute(see my photos), refit the old venetian and sun visor, as well as the hub caps, throw on some whitewalls, a nice fresh J15 and three on the tree, then the missus can have it.

Thats 10 years older than my yellow sedan and that has much more rust, good on you! How do you go finding parts for the J-series?

I've got a few spare motors, and enough spare parts for the rest of the car to get by. but you can still buy most parts for the engine new, and the rest I'll fabricate

Nice, I look forward to seeing pics of it finished.

cheers, should be a few months work in it, but all up, it's a pretty simple fix-up.