Restoring 1960 223 Engine
Restoring 1960 223 Engine
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 693
Likes: 6
From: N E Ohio
I have seen a few "complete overhaul kits" on Ebay and similar places, but I think you will be better served by doing it the old fashioned way.
Full line auto parts stores (I like NAPA and Federated) can get overhaul gasket sets, and the other parts you need such as rod and main bearing sets, cam bearing sets, rings, and so on. The first step to a complete overhaul is completely disassembling the engine and inspecting all of the hard parts (cylinder bores, pistons, rods, camshaft, head, crankshaft and so on) to see what is OK as is, what needs to be machined, and what needs to be replaced. From that point you can determine the parts needed.
Full line auto parts stores (I like NAPA and Federated) can get overhaul gasket sets, and the other parts you need such as rod and main bearing sets, cam bearing sets, rings, and so on. The first step to a complete overhaul is completely disassembling the engine and inspecting all of the hard parts (cylinder bores, pistons, rods, camshaft, head, crankshaft and so on) to see what is OK as is, what needs to be machined, and what needs to be replaced. From that point you can determine the parts needed.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 31,786
Likes: 2,354
From: Upstate NY
I got the gaskets at NAPA but they didn't have a lot of the stuff I needed for a total rebuild. I got some off Ebay and ended up getting the things I was missing from Northern Auto. 1-800-831-0884 They don't list all the old stuff they have on their website. I gave them a call and they had everything else I needed. As 3414 said, tear it down and see where you are first. You won't know what rings or bearings you need untill you do.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 31,786
Likes: 2,354
From: Upstate NY
I just got a catalog today from Northern auto and they do list a master rebuild kit for the 223 for about $550. You will have to get one year specific as the earlier ones have different width main bearings as do the '61- '64's. The kit that is listed states 54-64.
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,897
Likes: 651
From: Mariposa, Ca.
Chuckly,you might be interested in checking out long-time member Col. Flashmans' built 223.I could not locate where, but someplace he gave the build specs.If he sees this,he'll likely respond,but I believe he had it built to eventually install in a 57-60 Mercury panel,and that he had it built to a list of specs put out by Offenhauser, or perhaps Clifford Performance.I've been intrigued by the 223, especially by the idea of having a fuel-sipping engine with "enough" giddyup.I would like to perhaps one day have one in an old pre-1948 truck, prolly just a pipe-dream.Pass that pipe this way,Bro.
Col.Flashmans' Gallery:
1958 Mercury M100 4x4 - '58 223c.i. I-6
Col.Flashmans' Gallery:
1958 Mercury M100 4x4 - '58 223c.i. I-6
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 31,786
Likes: 2,354
From: Upstate NY
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,897
Likes: 651
From: Mariposa, Ca.
Steve, member 46yblock has a very lightweight truck with a fuel efficient Y-block.A somewhat built I-6 might be nice and affordable for just tooling around locally.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 561
Likes: 2
From: Willow River B.C.
I usually just go through my machinist for gaskets, seals, and engine parts. Prices are about the same as the box stores, the owner lives down the road from me so the money isn't going too far away, and the more parts I buy the better deal I get on machining so it's kinda a win win.
Plus a lot of parts jockeys wont be able to put together the contents of an engine kit unless you hold there hand through it.
Scott
Plus a lot of parts jockeys wont be able to put together the contents of an engine kit unless you hold there hand through it.
Scott
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Austin, TX
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
I'm going through a similar ordeal now with my 215. I had the machine shop tell me exactly what I need and then called Green Sales Co., Green Sales Company - Obsolete Ford parts, Lincoln, Mercury parts Green Sales Company, supplier of obsolete Ford parts and Lincoln / Mercury parts.* Our Ford parts inventory represents all Ford and Lincoln / Mercury products from 1950 to the present.. They carry a lot of obsolete and NOS parts. I was able to get everything from them, except for three .060 pistons, main bearings set and an oil pump. The complete engine overhaul gasket set is readily available from Mac's, DC or Sac Vintage Ford. I have about $600 into parts for this engine. Half of the price is for three pistons, main bearings set and an oil pump from EGGE. The rest was purchased from Green Sales, and I already had the engine gasket kit.
Kanters also sells complete engine overhaul kits. They have three levels of kits available depending on what you need. They're kind of pricey, though. FORD ENGINE PARTS
Like Col. Flashman's engine, I, too, am hot-rodding mine slightly. I already have a 2x Offy intake with two Holley 1904 glass bowl carbs, as well as an Offy valve cover. Since I can't locate a good and not cracked original exhaust manifold for my 52 215, I plan on getting a set of either Patriot or Clifford headers.
Kanters also sells complete engine overhaul kits. They have three levels of kits available depending on what you need. They're kind of pricey, though. FORD ENGINE PARTS
Like Col. Flashman's engine, I, too, am hot-rodding mine slightly. I already have a 2x Offy intake with two Holley 1904 glass bowl carbs, as well as an Offy valve cover. Since I can't locate a good and not cracked original exhaust manifold for my 52 215, I plan on getting a set of either Patriot or Clifford headers.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 783
From: Simi Valley, CA
This is his 1958 Mercury M100 DD and is 2WD, not 4WD. The Mercury panel he owns is still parked where he bought it...in Canada.
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,897
Likes: 651
From: Mariposa, Ca.
Bill,what is "DD"?
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