It ran like that???
Since it isn't the OEM engine anyway, and needs that much, you might want to find a later model I6 engine to swap in where the parts are easier to come by. There's not a high demand for pre EFI I6 engines and they weren't usually beat hard, so a good one should still be less than the rare parts for yours.

Edit: Researching in Wikipedia shows the 215 was only offered in 52-53. No wonder parts are so hard to find. If yours is really a 215, then it is 3-4 years older than your truck.

 

One doesn't even need to be registered to use the search function for most things...it's available to all, no minimum post restrictions.

 

Further research says the last of the Ford I6's were bulletproof lasting 300 -600K with just oil changes, and taking to hopping up like a duck to water, easily putting out more HP than a 351 V8.

 

Gotta love posts on April 1st...

 

April 1st or not, I believe it. Considering I've been driving this truck everyday almost for over 4 years with an upside down fuel pump from the wrong motor and a hole in the intake (oops!) I'm thinking this thing must be bullet proof! I even used it to commute over the summer to a job over 70 miles away. Been a great truck. Now I'm ready to do it right if I can afford to.

 

and btw, this site has been great!
LMC Truck Parts - Page 34

 

I have a couple good intakes and possibly even an exhaust manifold or two, but for a 54+ 223 engine. The intakes and manifolds are the same structure except starting in 54, the exhaust manifold angled down at 45 degrees where it dumps into the exhaust pipe. The original 215 exhaust manifold dumped straight down.

It took me some hard searching to find a correct exhaust manifold for my 52. I wanted stock eventhough I had a couple for 54+ 223 engines. Still, the one that I found, had three small cracks that I had repaired. The repair job is not the greatest, but I can live with it.

You don't have any contact options set up through your profile. You can email me at modelking2000 at hotmail dot com if you're interested.

 

51Panelman, I'm looking for the one that angles down! Do you have one for sale? I sent you an email. Thanks!

 

I received your email. We'll take care of this off the forum as per the guidelines.