Hi I just got a 51 Plymouth sedan and I was wondering what type of engine could I put in it without changing the transmission or any thing else
The only engine I know you could put in there and not change the gearbox is a Chrysler or Desoto 25 1/2' block sidevalve 6 - you have to move the radiator forward as the car would have a 23 1/2" block originally but that's about all. Other than that you are up for a complete power train swap - Mopar s/b auto trans and corresponding diff updates these girls real well
Plymouth, Dodge, and Dodge truck 1938 - 1959 basically the same engine. Up to 230 cu in and 132HP in stock form, a mild hop up gets you to 150HP or so. The larger DeSoto - Chrysler (1938 - 54) - Dodge (large) truck (to 1962) up to 265 cu in. Suggest you get the original engine running if possible and try it out. If it is badly worn consider a rebuild, they are one of the easiest engines to rebuild and parts are cheap and not too hard to get. Most things are available from your local NAPA parts store, for everything else there is Vintage Power Wagons, Andy Bernbaum and other MoPar specialists.
Quite a bit. Mounting points for the engine and trans. Exhaust manifold on the driver side might be a challenge.
Well I also found a chevy 215 inline 6. Would that be easier to put in I'm just trying to get my Plymouth driving again. I traded for this Plymouth and when I picked it up the person I got it from. he said he had the hood off and it sat out in the rain and it rusted and that's how it got seized it ran before that. I poured oil in each cyclinder to try to unsize it but it only got one head lose. Does any one have any info on a engine and trans that would be easy to put in
As has been said before, anything other than a compatible Mopar flathead 6 will require major work. The chev 6 is probably the least likely to fit due to the length...the Mopar L6 is quite short, and, nothing is compatible with the stock trans except for ...drum roll please...another L6. There are numerous v-8 swaps, but none are quick or easy. Many are found under the 'search' button. This one is also informative: http://p15-d24.com/topic/25759-318-into-my-50-coronet/ Unless you have a well equipped shop and lots of free time, or, lots of excess cash to pay for the swap, find a replacement 230. Craigslist is your friend and a 230 should not be expensive as 99.99% of the folks see an L6 as garbage. .
Just a heads up,,you should read this and post a intro. HRP http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44274
My '47 Dodge had an old Chevy I-6 in it when purchased. To change to a newer engine, V8 or whatever, you really need a rear sump engine, hopefully something other than the SB Chevy. You'd need to change the whole drive train. Plenty of Threads on the early 50s/late 40s 318 engine swap. Basically weather you have any welding & fabrication skills or not, or can pay someone.
It's not that hard to locate a running flat six around here. They made that motor for years. I would go that route if I were you.
There are several Plymouth and/or Dodge flatheads for sale in the classifieds. All you need to do is search. Any of the 23 inch blocks from the early 40's up will work.
Hey I went looking for a flat head l6 to fit my 51 plymouth and I couldn't find one. What type of engine and transmission can I put in the car without changing the drivetrain
Brings up old memories. In the mid 60s on my paper route, neighbor was getting his 48 Plymouth running after winter sitting. Warming the motor up starts revving the snot out of it. Blows the whole crank,flywheel ,clutch out the bottom onto the ground(red dog). Only old guys know what red dog was. My Dad had a 51 Ply sedan, bought new for $1500. Took my driver test on it. Me and Dad re ringed it once. Ago
Keeping in mind the lack of HP in the OEM engine/tranny....you can probably put in any 6 cyl you want, well those in a simular CID range, not one up around 300 CID & a stick.. You MIGHT get away with a small cube V8 if you use an A/T. Of course changing out the rear axle is easier than the engine/tranny.
You can use a flathead 6 from any Plymouth or Dodge from 1940 through 57 for a car and up to 1960 for a Dodge truck as long as the head is 23 inches long. You can use the 25 inch long version that was used in Desotos and Chryslers with some added work to move the radiator and notch the front cross member for crank pulley clearance. With either you may have to use your current bellhousing to get the proper motor mounts. You also need to make sure that the starter / flywheel are mates.
Anything other than a a flathead six will require changing clutch, trans, and rear axle. Your rear axle has no hand brake, it is on the trans, and if you change the engine it is easiest to change the trans too. The Ford 302 is a narrow engine and may fit ok. You will have to do a lot of work and make mounts, fit the rad, electrics, throttle and trans controls etc to do a swap. I don't know anyone who had done this, if you do it and it works post some pics.
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