ok i have the original 223 straight 6 in my truck, it has now rolled over 345k on this engine, yes its gotten quite a bit of use, i have a 73 ford econoline van with a 302 and C-4 trans, how hard would it be to convert, also what would be needed in the process? engine mounts? how hard to add em?

the 223 still runs and does its job, but im looking for a bigger engine, and i just want a different sound, dual headers may even do the trick for me on the 223, but as i said it has ALOT of miles,

any views? change it? im not even sure if the 223 has been rebuilt yet.

 

You can buy the motor and trans mounts.I would go with a floor shifter.It's hard to kill a 223 that's why I haven't gone to a V-8 yet.

 

I recommend doing alittle research thru past threads; being a 63 straight axle; after market mounts are probably the best & easiest way due to frame location differences; I installed a 76 truck model 302 in my 65; but I removed it out of a 66; so all brackets & mounts where a direct bolt on; (I did position the engine about an inch farther back then previous mounting post); anything is possible with the right mind & dedication.
Do check previous post and measure twice everything. Once you decide to pull your 223; what's your plans with the engine mounts; I could possible need some for a 59 F100 installation; to bad where 9 hours plus away.

Mitch

 

What can I say I like to use the tools it came with, you can never go wrong there.. the I6 is my vote..

(I had a friend who's dad was a Chief of Maintenance for TDC , his old man said "I can take a I6 in this 68 camaro and kick anything you can buy stock with a V8 in the a$$" ) then he proved it.. 68 Camaro vs 87 IROC 350 SS ... it's what you make of it..I'm convinced My .02

 

I'd either rebuild the 223 or swap it with a 300.

 

I, too am a fan of the I6. They're hard to kill and with the aftermarket, they can make impressive power. Dollar for dollar, you may come out ahead with a built 6. But, that;s just my opinion.....

 

what after market parts can i get for my 223? what should i do to build it up.

FYI im 17 and i dont know what i can do for it. well i do, but in detail, i just know how to do the work

 

Check out Larrowe & Sons for I6 high performance parts for your 223. I have had good success with them on parts..a good seller. You can buy a header that will allow you to go to dual exhaust and an intake that will allow you to go to a Holley 4bbl (390cfm for that 6) that will give you better performance and gas mileage than that autolite 1100. Be advised that if you go that route you will need to swap out your spark control valve distributor for a newer one that has both vacuum and centrifigal advance----I think 65 or newer will work. Somebody on this forum will correct me if I am wrong. I think the 223 is a strong motor with plenty of torque and that it will outlast an 8. Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

The first place you may want to look is Clifford. There are other suppliers as well, but I can't remember their names. Someone else may be able to come up with some. You can also check out the I6 forum here at FTE. It is your truck, so do what makes you happy with it. If an 8 is what you want, then go for it.

 

whats the link for them?

 

ill stick with the 6, i only have 9 months before i have to move back to england, so i want to get the truck up and out with out takign alot of time, but i also want more out of it.

 

http://www.merchantamerica.com/chevy...ex.php?ba=home will get you to Larrowe and sons.

 

i havent been able to find any parts for 223-I6 at all, i cant even find sites that have them. also the link given doesent have any that i can find either.

im having trouble. sorry

 

Ask the guys over at the 6 Cyl area of this forum. I know the 223 isn't advertised in the description, but those guys are 6 Cyl gurus, I wouldn't be surprised if they have the answers.