changing plans...going 223

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Oct 5, 2010 | 02:24 PM

#16

Julies Cool F1

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Joined: May 2008

Posts: 7,641

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From: Poway, Ca.

Honestly, I think you'll like the 6 cylinder better than the 351C!

And you've only changed your mind 6 or 7 times????

Oct 5, 2010 | 08:21 PM

#17

Huntfamily53

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Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 494

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From: AZ

I figure it will at least be pretty fair on gas...surely better than the v8. I think it will allow me to drive it more which is what I want.

Oct 5, 2010 | 10:15 PM

#18

1952

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Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 291

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From: Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huntfamily53

I figure it will at least be pretty fair on gas...surely better than the v8. I think it will allow me to drive it more which is what I want.

Period correct, to boot!

Nov 4, 2010 | 11:11 PM

#19

Huntfamily53

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Joined: Aug 2006

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From: AZ

Here are a few more pics since I have cleaned her up...still needs some more scrubbin' but it looks a sight better than when I picked it up. Ignore my "junk" in the background...

Here is the tranny...it says T98-148. It is missing the shifter.
This is a 4 speed, correct?

I am thinking of doing the Mustang T5 swap. What do you guys think? is it worth it or is this stock trans good to keep around?

Nov 5, 2010 | 06:04 AM

#20

jake08

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Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 807

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From: Cypress,Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huntfamily53

Well, I decided to totally change the direction of the 53...again. I'm no John Niolon

, but it seems like this has to be the 6th or 7th time I have gone a different direction and probably not the last. I have never even driven the thing or had it all together but I think sometimes the change keeps me interested in it.
My plan for the last couple of years was to put in a 351C in the 53, but I ran across a 223 and 3-speed from a 1955 f250 that I just couldn't say no to for $75. Dirty as heck and has been sitting for 15 years but still turned over fine. These are the before pics.

The engine sat covered for a long time. I got it home and cleaned it up pretty good with oven cleaner and simple green. I wish I would have took it to the car wash before I took it home to save the greasy driveway. I will probably clean it up and reseal it; replacing whatever parts I need to.
I'll post more pics later of it more cleaned up.

Now I gotta sell all my Cleveland stuff I have accumulated over the last few years so I can buy more stuff for the 223.

I have seen some nice looking 223 engines with 2 or 3 glass bowl carbs that sure looked cool.

I have also been reading about hooking up a T-5 to it. Sounds like that may be in the works down the road.

Anyone else have a 223 and want to chime in with stuff to do to it or things they did to it... any pics?

Mine runs great. Just added 3.31 gears, pulls them fine. Check my gallery.

Nov 6, 2010 | 12:57 AM

#21

pcmenten

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Joined: Mar 2002

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From: Boise, Idaho

3.31 gears? Do you have the Dana/Spicer 44 carrier and swap axles?

I rebuilt my 223 and it runs nice, but the truck is geared so low that I avoid trying to drive on roads with speed limits above 45.