Since i don't have an engine I have been thinking of possible swaps. I'd keep a <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">flathead</a> but want a better oiling system. Also I have liked the I-6's. How hard would it be to put a 60's 223 in my '51 M-3. Would this fit my 3spd center shift transmission which I would like to keep. I would find some mounts in a '52 with a six but up here in Canada we didn't get sixes till '57.

 

Were the 223 good engines?

 

Nathan,
Since no ones responding I'll add what I do know. Yes the 223's were good economical engines. It's no hot rod, but my 59 LWB is powered by one and I can keep with traffic fine. I don't know for sure if it will bolt up to your 3 speed. What are the dimensions of the tranny face bolt pattern? I know of 2 different 223 bellhousing patterns available. How long is the input shaft stickout (tranny face to tip)?
As far as mounts, clutch linkage, etc. I don't know for sure. Maybe some of the 53-56 parts could be adapted.
Good Luck!
Brett

 

I did keep the bellhousing. Tomorrow I'll go measure. But since they used a 215 in the 52's(223's older brother) I think I could mount the engine so the transmission is in the same place. The <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">flathead</a> radiator should be able to keep it cool.

 

The flatty can be converted to a better oiling system fairly easy. I got one from Red's Headers for...I think $90 or something. All it takes is a little drilling and tapping.

Flatties look good, have "that sound", but will cost you an arm and a leg to rebuild. They can be hard to come by also.

Clayton

 

The 223 would not be an all years upgrade as it had its share of problems.
When the compression started going up in 55-6 the engine started blowing head gaskets. Some lower end weakness also when pushed. The compression started going down again in 59 and the head and block changed in late 60 for the 61 models altho some 60's got that engine. The 223 lasted until 64.
Also in 61-4 a 262 was available and the 300 arrived in 65.
In 65 a 240 came out but that was a real big bore oversquare that wouldnt really do in a larger truck.

I get confused about tranny interchanges amongst these engines but I havent dug into Hollanders yet. Just going from Senile Citizen memory.

As mentioned a flatty V8 would sure sound sweet!

 

I guess I'll stick with the <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">flathead</a>.

 

Nathan,
Last time I talked to my dad the conversation turned to 262's. Turns out there were a lot of grain trucks with those engines, and you since you're in SK I bet you could turn one up. The 262 has a 4" stroke, which gives it a lot more oomph than either a flatty or a 223. You CAN find parts to rebuild one. The 240/300 have a much better head, and much more power potential. I've got a built 300 and am thinking of swapping it into my '59, but you have to change just about everything to do it. Why did Ford do that??...
Adios,
Brett

 

I heard the 262's were really hard on gas. I thought about a 300 I6 but the engine is too long. I would have to modify the firewall and I don't have enough experience to do that.

 

Nathan,
Couldn't say for sure how much worse a 262 would be compared to a 223. Your truck would be a whole lot lighter than a 2 ton truck, and you could gear it higher to get some mileage back.
It looks like a 300 is about 2" longer. I believe you when you say it won't fit. They barely fit in a '59.
Good Luck!
Brett