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In this Discussion
- 40PT105 April 2008
- Don Coatney April 2006
- hemiparts August 2010
- newhudson August 2010
- Oldcar_Mechanic February 2006
- Ray Bell June 2006
- rparker66104 May 2008
- savoy64 July 2008
- thermite February 2006
Engine swap for '48 plymouth
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I have a '48 plymouth with the original flat head straight six (three on the tree). I want to swap out the engine for something more reliable and cruisable. I'm thinking I'd need to replace the tranny as well. Anyone done something similar before? Any suggestions on where I can go for 'how to' guides or other information. Also, any advice on what engines would be a good fit. I've never done a complete engine replacement before but I have a couple of buddies who said they would help me. I still would like to find as much info as possible before hand. Thanks for your help.
-thermite -
First, welcome to the group thermite.
I often wonder why people want to swap an engine or transmission. I've worked on many early 50's Chrysler product cars and always found them adaquate for driving around. I think it boils down to exactly what you want to do with the car. The one thing that you will have to do to make any kind of swap is fabrication to make it all fit properly. I'm glad to see that at least you are going about it systematically and finding out all you can before you tear it all up.
Have you tried the AACA website? Are you a member of either the AACA or a Dodge club? These are two valuable places that have people that have a wealth of information. Anything can be done with patience, hard work and plenty of money.
The best of luck with this project and keep us posted. I for one am interested in what you do with it.
Ron -
Thanks for the info, Ron. To answer your question, the main reason I want to swap the engine is for drivability. Right now it tops out at about 45 mph and I would really like to turn it into a more regular driver. I only live 10 minutes away from work so I would like to commute with it during the spring/summer.
I'll definitely check out the AACA website and look into local Dodge clubs. I do live in a somewhat rural area so I may have to do some checking around to find a good sized club. But again, thanks for the info.
-T -
I replaced the original engine (after it died) in my 48 P-15 with a 1953 Desoto big block flat 6. This required lots of modifications as the Desoto engine is two inches longer than the Plymouth engine. I also installed a Borg Warner T-5 (5 speed overdrive) transmission from an S-10 pickup. And I installed an 8.25" Mopar differential with 3.55/1 ratio. I have driven this car over 4000 miles with this setup and it is very dependable.
Don Coatney
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Best replacement is a 265 Hemi 6... but like Oldcar mechanic I can't see why you want to do it...
The original engine shouldn't 'top out' at 45 mph at all. The engine is a 218, right? So it's got to be able to push the thing along at better than 75mph if it's at all well. If it's not well, then you just make it well.
Or better... as Don shows he's done with the bigger engine in his pic. A 218 can become a 230 very easily, crank change etc... which won't necessitate any modification to the car, the cooling system or anything else. Of course, if you got serious you could bore it out even further in the course of reconditioning it. Don would be better able to advise on how far you can go than I would, but I'd suspect that you could take it out 1/8" or so and that would give an appreciable gain in capacity with less trouble than an engine change.
For flexibility, why not find an overdrive gearbox for it? They are pretty good when matched to a slightly lower rear axle ratio, and when you understand it and drive it the way it can be driven, it will help you get more out of the car without departing from parts that can be bolted straight in. -
I had precisely the same question on an engine swap.
I have a 1940 Plymouth Pickup that is stock and clean.
My issue is the double clutching to shift. I love it, my wife hates it.
Is there a newer transmission from a Mopar truck that will bolt on my 218 with the shifter up through the floor with synchro gears for easier shifting?
Allen -
Hey everybody I know very little about classic cars i have always admired them but never looked at them as an option for transportation. However, my little sister is very different she has a 1950 plymouth deluxe with a straight six inline flat head engine i believe thats what she was told. Anyway the engine is locked and i want to get her a new engine as a gift. Can anybody help.:confused::confused::confused::confused: :confused::confused: :confused::confused::confused:
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i would use a 318LA backed by an automatic---am afraid after you listen to all the complicated builds from the "guys that know" that you will go to a small block chevy
save all your old stuff in case you sell the car to one of the guys that knows" it may be worth more that way----bob -
Swapping a 6 Cylinder Chrysler/Desoto flathead into a 42-48 Plymouth is a snap!
The rear motor mounts will match up perfectly. Usually, you will find holes in the Plymouth frame which will perfectly align with the front "Floating Power" motor mount for the Big Block engine. To gain space for the radiator, simply reverse the radiator bracket and you will gain the needed space for the longer engine.
I believe the Plymouth bell housing will bolt to the chrysler engine, but you may require the installation of a different pilot bearing. Or, just install a Dodge fluid drive bell housing complete with the fluid drive and transmission and the whole thing will bolt right up. The Fluid Drive will not slow you down very much, and you will have a really smooth performing car. You may find it desireable to install stiffer springs in the clutch to accompdate the torque of the larger engine, but if you go with the Dodge Fluid Drive setup that may not be necessary.
Years ago (1953) guys in my hometown of Racine, Wisconsin made this swap, sometimes replacing the rear end gears with 3:55's from a Chrysler or DeSoto business coupe.
The result of this easy swap was a marvelous car! Performance was amzing, gas mileage was wonderful and if anyone made a casual inspection under the hood they imagined they were looking at at 218 Plymouth mill rather than a 264 Chrysler. The Ford V8 boys could never figure out these fast Plymouths!
A good swap. Fairly easy. I wish I owned one today. -
You have plenty of options when considering an engine swap. The easiest is to use a dimensionally similar engine like the 230, that way there are no modifications.
As noted, the bigger sixes will work, and they have plenty of power, but because they are longer some mods are required.
If you have the space to work, need an ambitious project, and have serious skills then swapping for a 318-360 is very doable. This swap has been done countless times but is not for the noephyte.
A properly rebuilt 230 will move the car quite well and some 'hot-rod' parts are available to dress it up. Additionally, you might consider using a 5-speed trans with the flat 6, it will add alot of driveability. Caution: any transmission change (to a later unit) will also require a newer rear axle due to the e-brake.
If you need information on transmission adapters send an email to hemi.parts@yahoo.com. We make adapters to mate Mopar engines to Mopar transmission like the 230 and the Dakota 5-speed.
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