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nickm1978

Hey, this is my first post. I just purchased a 1940 dodge business coupe and just want some general information on an engine swap. It has the original flat head six in it and was wondering if a 225 slant six can be put in its place and if so what modifications have to be made to frame/engine mounts. I know a lot of guys change the whole front clip and hot rod these cars, but this was a rare find with no rust and 46,000 original miles. I don't want to modify to much, just want to enjoy for a few years before complete original restoration.

Oldcar_Mechanic

I can't help you on the swap but, I want to welcome you to the group. There are some intelligent Mopar people here that cen help.

Best of luck with the car.

One more thing. Why do you want to change the engine?

Ron

Jon B

I'd "second the emotion". Those old pre-war Chrysler Corp. engines were bulletproof, and the parts aren't hard to find. If you have your heart set on a modern engine, hey, be my guest. But if you're considering a swap just because you think the car is undriveable with the original engine, be aware that these cars were driven daily, and hard, when they were new. Unless you intend to cruise at 80 mph every day of the week, you may find the engine quite adequate for your needs. Of course, that's if you get it into tip-top condition.

If you do put in a modern engine, and intend to do a lot of everyday driving at modern day speeds, you will probably want to modify a number of other things as well, not the least of which is the brake system. To go along with the increased horsepower. But again, in general, these cars were driven as everyday cars 70 years ago, with few problems, and they will still treat you right if you keep them in good shape.

rodan57

I had a 1941 Plymouth for years. It was a beater in many ways but that flathead 6 always, always started.

Lee ODell

rodan57 wrote:

I had a 1941 Plymouth for years. It was a beater in many ways but that flathead 6 always, always started.

My 40 Ply got me thru 3 yrs of high school. The man Dad bought it from, had put in a dodge crank. He probably bored the cylinders, not sure about that or what else was done to the engine. It looked stock from it's appearance. Anyway, even with a slight rod knock, three years of a teenagers abuse, it proved it to be rugged. It never left me stranded. However, I did have to check the oil level regularly. With overdrive it cruised easily 70 - 80 on the interstate. Top speed was 105 mph. Oh ya, after the second over drive, Dad said I would have to buy the next one. Didn't break another O/D after that.

I rebuilt a slant six for a friend when he was in the Navy. That was one smooth running six cyl. If you must change the engine, that's a good choice.

Lee

37 Terraplane#2 · 37 Terraplane#2 July 2010 Posts: 1,659Platinum Member

WE had a 68 Dodge slant six , wife drove it till it about fell off the frame from body rust , got another car , was gonna take it to the J-yard the next day but the neighbor lady said she'd give $500 for it cause it went EVERY DAY no matter the weather and she had to get to work to support her kids. Then she drove it another 3 years . I've got a 40 Desoto coupe parts car if there's anything that you need from it that will work on yours , prices will be CHEAP BUD

hemiparts

Sorry, but when you get your tape measure out you will find that the leaning-tower-of-power simply won't work. Then consider that you will will be making a one-off trans adapter, changing to a partial 12 volt system for the ignition, etc.

As mentioned, the flat six is a good, if basic, engine and they are an easy and not expensive engine to rebuild.

Be sure to check in to this forum: www.p15-d24.com

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