Asking for some engine experts here. I need a few new things for my '53 215. (like exhaust manifold and distributor) Are the later, bigger sixes up to '56 relatively interchangeable except for bore and stroke? Appreciate any info...

 

Yes and no. The 215 exhaust manifold was straight where the muffler pipe attached to it, while 223/262 was angled. The distributors should be the same.

I have two complete 52 215s and 1.5 53 215s. I have both styles of the exhaust manifolds. Let me know if you need one.

I'll post pictures of both when I get home.

Ilya

 

I also have a dist. from a 52 F-1 with a 215. It's yours for the postage.

Barry

50 F-1

 

You guys rock! As far as the distributor, I need parts, not necessarily the whole thing. Mine works, but I'd really like to rebuild it and replace the points and condenser with electronic, maybe Pertronix? I'm open for suggestions, some have had questions about Pertronix reliability. I just can't seem to figure out who has an application that works. Knowing that they're probably the same between 215/223/262 will help cross-reference, I think.

As far as the manifold, I might take you up on that, Panelman. Mine has a big crack that someone has tried to weld/braze. Won't know until I get it off in a few days if it's toast, or if it'd be easier/cheaper to try to fix it or buy yours. The next question is, that goofy butterfly warm-up valve. Is that worth trying to make functional?

 

There are minor differences such as already been pointed out, but basically the same engine bored & stroked.
Pertronix is Not designed to work on the Pre '61 FoMoCo I-6 Distributors, as I've spoken w/ the Head Techie several times on the Phone & in person about it. The company is a tick down the road from my house.

 

Really?! I've heard success stories from those that have used it on the I6 in the other message board.

Ilya

 

Yep, FomoCo changed the design of the Distributor in '61 or there about & Pertronix only makes a conversion unit for the Later distributor.
Anything is possible, but if those individuals Monkeyed w/ the conversion unit to make it work, which I doubt as those that I know of being tried, fried, Pertronix no longer Honors the Warrenty or Responsability for an Altered product.

 

I bought a unit for my 1951 flathead 6 a 12 volt and 6 volt version was offered. I called Pertronix for the application data and they supplied the part number. Mine bolted up and ran good. My sparkplug wires and coil were also supplied by Pertronix.

 

OK..I'm confused.. So Christopher, you DID get a Pertronix unit to work in the standard distributor? Maybe Pertronix does make one for the '51 flathead 6? The 215 is an OHV. And my next question is, can I get a post-'61 distributor to convert over and then drop it in my 215? Would it fit? Or are there suggestions other than Pertronix, such as a whole new electronic distributor, does anyone make one that would fit this engine?

And Ilya, I would like to talk about buying one of your exhaust manifolds. Mine's fairly well toast, and I'm told if I get it welded up it'll probably warp and be a nuisance. What are you asking for one that would bolt up to my stock '53 215?

 

Interesting thread, as I'm also running a 215.

I'm considering some "speed parts" (it's all relative, I guess). For example, headers/glasspacks and a dual carb set up. I assume if those are being produced for the 223 or 262 that they will fit a 215?

 

I install a Pertronix system in my 60 223 and it worked great.. I have the part # around here somewhere for it if U want it..

 

OK here the one I used Part # 91261 fit without a problem, Here a screen shot of there parts listing for it.. All 6 79-49

 

Well they must have made a change to it after I discussed this w/ the Head Techie, because it wasn't available all the way back to '49 when I spoke to them a few months ago.

 

Your tech has been out of the loop for awhile I bought mine last year in the winter.

 

Is is possible that there are different distributors? I haven't looked at mine to see if it's the Motorcraft model. Part of the reason I was confused was that the year numbers go "backwards" in their catalog. Weird...