Friends
I have some troubles at finding parts for the original engine of my Ford 52. As yoy know that engine was used only for a couple of years (52 & 53). That makes a little difficult to find parts.
I want to replace the engine for another similar and less difficult to find parts. I am thinking in a 223 but I would like to know if they have common mounting parts for the engine and what about the gear shift.
I will appreciate your help.

 

It should be a very easy swap. You will need to keep your '52 bellhousing since I think it is a one year only kind of piece ( the transmission pattern changes on trucks after '52 to the more common pattern, the '52 and earlier have the '48 and earlier car pattern, but you can also install a '49/'50 Merc transmission w/od ). There may be some minor things to look out for like the way the fan is run. I think the 215 has two belts while most later 223's will have just one belt. My '54 223 has the flat and bolt holes on the thermostat housing like the 215 would use to mount the fan. You can build a 223 to late fifties spec's and it will have a lot more power than the 215.

 

Althought I won't be swapping my 223 for another six, I wonder if the 262 I6 would be another drop in replacement for the 215/223. The 262 is from 1963-1964 and seems to be in the same 'family' as the 223.

 

I would think that you also have the option of replacing the tranny along with the engine. That way you wouldn't need to screw around with bellhousings etc.... I have a (2) 223's and a 3 speed's that I am getting ready to scrap. Let me know if your interested at all.

Thanks
Mike

mikew@campbellsurvey.com