Hi All,

I have a 52 Ford with the 215 in it. What is the latest model 6 that will bolt right into it's place. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks, Dennis

 

The later 6 cylinder engines will bolt into place (like the 223, starting in 1954, and the next generation, 260 something from the 60s and 70s). However, you will need to change out the timing chain cover if you're bolting in a later 6 cylinder. In 1952, the front engine mounts were cast into the timing chain cover. Starting in 1953, a separate front engine mount bracket was bolted to the timing chain cover.

The exhaust manifold was also changed in 1953. In 1952, the exhaust manifold exited straight down, while 1953 and later was angled. So, you'll either have to swap out the exhaust manifolds or get a new exhaust pipe section made. See the difference below.

1952


1953 and up



What's wrong with the 215 in your truck? They're great engines and not too common. If you want to replace it instead of rebuilding, I'd suggest getting it rebuilt because there's no guarantee that a used drop in motor would be ok.

Look what I did with the 215 in my 52 Panel.





I've added an Offenhauser valve cover, Offy dual carb intake and had two original glass bowl Holley 1904s rebuilt. The same can be done with the 223 and the later engines, but to me, it's just not the same.

Where are you located? Please update your location through the User CP section.

If you are set on swapping out your 215, I may be interested in a few parts from it.

EDIT: I just looked through your photo album. Nice looking truck! If it were me, I'd get the engine rebuilt and painted the correct light/dark green colors. Your current engine has remnants of the correct paint scheme. We can let you know the closest matching colors available now, as a few of us with 215s have researched this. I'd also add some speed equipment parts, like I have done. After that, you'll definitely have a great looking ride!

 

Thanks for taking time to respond and for the helpful info. I have to say my little 215 runs good but it is leaking alot of oil from somewhere. It seems like once you drive it and park it, the next time I start it and back it out it leaves a stream of oil on the floor as I back it out. Haven't found out where it's coming from. I just thought I might be able to find a later model motor that I could buy worth the money. I also have a 283 Chevy motor and I know they make adapters that will let this bolt it. I want to do something that would fit without a bunch of mods. Thanks again and I am interested in any advice that you have to offer. Have a good one, Dennis

 

If there's an outfit local to you that does undercarriage steam cleaning, then I suggest going that route first. It'll help you locate a leak. These old motors leak, even after being rebuilt, just not as much. The rear main seal is likely the problem and cause the leak.

After all, it is your truck and you can do as you please, but I would price around getting the engine rebuilt. Needed parts for a rebuild will run in the $600 range.

 

I thought the 215 installation in the 52 trucks used the side motor mounts, not the front mount. If this is true, the only true bolt in 6 cyl will be a 215. They are great engines, no need to change. It doesn't matter what you put in, someone will always be faster. I like to cruise smooth, and like the fact that I'm the only person with a 215 at whatever cruise or show I am at. How many other engine can do that?

 

215 engines in cars had sidemounts. One of the 215 I bought for my Panel truck came out of a 53 car and had sidemounts brackets on each side. Truck engines mounted in the front. The rear mount was to the transmission. Any later style inline 6 cylinder engine (233 and the 264??) should bolt in directly because the structure is the same.

I agree with you about the 215 engines being great. Many 215s were pulled out and replaced with a flathead or some other newer engine. Not many 215s are around these days and I enjoy the same fact, as you, that there likely won't be another vehicle with a 215 engine at a car show. Especially one that has been "hopped" up with some Offy goodies, like mine.

It took me a few years to find a decent 215 engine to put back into my Panel after the PO put in a 239 V8 (truck originally had the 215).

 

I would be interested in acquiring a 215 if anyone knows where I can find one. [7/1/2015]

 

Chuck, welcome to FTE the best darn place for help advice and information on these old Ford trucks. Rather than jumping into threads that are 8-10 years old looking for an engine, you would be better served by starting a New thread, introduce yourself, tell us about your truck, add pictures of your truck, because we all love pictures and then explain to the folks what you want to do.