So I’m debating on rebuilding my original flat 6 and it’s going to cost me close to 3k, I’ll be doing the work I like this idea because I will be the one to put my hands on it with some help of course, now I have found a freshly rebuilt flat 8 that will cost around the same, now with that said this flat 8 will not be numbers matching but will have that flat 8 sound and I don’t have to do the work. My flat 6 currently runs but will need a rebuild in the near future. I just can’t decide what to do. I need some convincing. I will say the only reason I want that flat 8 is for sound and the work is already done, but I want to rebuilt my flat 6 because it’s original to my truck (which my truck is all original) and I don’t want to ruin the original Integrity by putting a non matching motor in the truck. I’m stuck I need help lol

 

I think you answered your own question by your statement.” I don’t want to ruin the original integrity “ of the truck. Id say rebuild the flat 6. Would you drive the truck more than you do now if you installed flat 8?

 

I agree with Oscar if ya want to keep it original, I don't think they had "numbers matching" back then other than the vin tag determinating what engine it came with 6 or 8 cyl.

 

I would drive it the same, and yes they didn’t have matching numbers but I meant period correct engine and size, who knows I might not even have the original motor lol but I’m in the middle, I would have a period correct flat 8 and sitting in the garage would be the matching motor to the truck.

 

It seems like there would have to be some changes to accommodate the V8. The radiator would for sure be different. The position of the battery is probably another change which would involve some modification to the wiring. Then how about the carburetor and accelerator linkage and the exhaust? For many here (maybe you too) these issues would be just slight inconveniences hardly worth mentioning. For me they would be obstacles requiring time and $$ and not so easily overcome.

Good luck.

Jim

 

I rebuilt the 226 in my stock '49 F-2 almost exactly a year ago. It cost me about $1200 in parts and machine work to turn the crankshaft. I had two engines, the original one, which wasn't really the original one, I replaced the original 40 years ago with a good used one. I also had a engine I took out of a parts truck about 15 years ago. I was able to used the block from the parts truck and the crank from the "original" engine. I didn't touch the camshaft. I installed new pistons and rings, rod bearings, valves and valve guides and timing gear. I stripped the engine block down and cleaned every passage as best as I could. Built it back up and installed it into the truck along with a new clutch kit.

I like my 226, it doesn't sound like a V9, it sounds like a flat six. Not many of those, most opt for the V8.

As Jim stated, many little things would have to be switched out to correctly install a V8. The radiator would need to be replaced with a V8 radiator. The radiator position is closer to the engine and the air dam in the hood above would have to be switched to the V8 because the V8 is wider. The accelerator linkage is different and the batter and starter solenoid is on the other side of the engine compartment. The battery holder is a mirror of the one for the flat six. The wiring would have to be converted over to connect to the starter solenoid and V8 engine components like the generator and dual temp sensors. The exhaust pipe is also different. A lot to change it over correctly but it can be done, many have done it.

As you probably can tell, I am a vote for keeping the 226.

 

As others have mentioned, there are differences with parts between the engines:

Battery box is different
Radiator shroud is different
Accelerator linkage different
Radiator different

It would make sense to try and source the parts collection and add it to the total cost of the V8 conversion.

 

Here’s what I would and did do, you’re gonna like this answer cause there’s not a no in it.

take the rebuilt 8 put it in your truck. Now go ahead and rebuild that 6 it sounds like fun and if you can do it why not, then once it’s rebuilt keep it on a run stand and fire it up every week to show off your skills! You can also switch up the answer and put the rebuilt 6 back in your truck and keep the 8 for a show engine.

 

Thanks for the input Eveyone I can’t stress enough on how great this forum is, I appreciate the advice and everyone’s opinion, I really like posting on here because you guys are like the uncles, dads, grandpas and knowledgeable friends that some of us (including me ) don’t have. It’s nice to go to others whom I think know it all. Thank you. I will look alittle further into that rebuilt flat 8. I was quoted around 2300$ on almost everything I needed to rebuild my flat 6. I’m intrigued by the flat 8 and would prob start needing pics of people linkage set up from pedal to carb, and slowly take it from there. I’m not going to lie I saw a video of the flat 8 fired up and it got me going lol

 

my say is go for a 223 or 215, but if you swap the motor you can put the old one in a crate for if you want to go back to stock later or for when you sell it.

 

Quick question if I get the flat 8 will it fit with the transmission I already have, which is a. 3speed.

 

One thing I haven't seen brought up yet is if the Flat 8 you are looking at is outfitted with truck or passenger components. Not deal breakers, but worth considering as that can leads to more fabrication and expenses.

 

Yes, if the V8 is of the same vintage.

 

On the 48, my 6 block was cracked, sourced another one from a member here. (Thanks Andy) . It was my first truck project so I wanted to learn the truck and not have to deal with the issues listed above required for a flat 8 swap. My currently project has a flat 8. Its a disease as other mentioned.

 

Here are some pics of what that flat 8 looks like, I’m going to put this on my 49 f1. Let me know what you all see or think