Inliners International Forums General Discussion MOPAR flathead - round 2

Well, since the 8 wouldn't fit the next best thing seems to be a 251/265 motor. I'm looking for a complete engine in Southern Florida. Any leads? This will be a maximum effort build to go in my recently acquired 1950 Plymouth Business Coupe.

They used a lot of those in farming equipment... have you tried that source?

Johnny;
The 251 engines are somewhat easy to find as they were used in Desoto cars until 1953 and in Crashler until 1951. The 265 engine is a bit more elusive as they were used in Crashler only from 1952-54. Main difference in the 251 and 265 is the length of the stroke. It is possible to install a 265 crank in a 251 engine but it is not a direct bolt-in. As far as speed equipment there is a lot available depending on how radical you want to go. Earl Edgerton who you have mentioned in some of your postings on this forum can do a nice re-grind on your cam for an affordable price. He can pretty much do a custom grind to your specifications. He did my cam. I went with a 270 degree duration (both intake and exhaust) @ .410" lift. This makes a nice street-able cam with a slight lope at idle. There is a guy by the name of George Asche (814) 354-2621 in Pennsylvania who can help you out with most any speed parts you want. He does not do puters so you must call him. I have been to his shop more than once and it has nothing but Mopar flat 6 speed parts. George modifies factory manifolds for dual or triple carburetors and dual exhaust. He also is now casting a new aluminum triple intake manifold.

I have installed a Desoto 251 engine in my 1948 Plymouth. Was not too hard to do. I had to modify the front cross member for front hub clearance, move the radiator 2 inches forward, modify the oil pan to clear the tie rods, and several other minor modifications. I have installed a T-5 five speed overdrive transmission pushing a 3.55/1 Dodge Charger differential. A couple of weeks ago I went on a 1200 mile road trip and had no problems. Below are some pictures of George Asche stuff and my engine.
Don Coatney

I've found quite a few of these engines but none are anywhere near me. They're all in the midwest, northeast or north-central part of the country. It'd cost me more to ship it here than what it's worth. I'm hoping someone within at least a 400 mile radius of Ft Lauderdale has one laying around in the shop or something. If I can find one it'll be a fairly radical but streetable build. The compression ratio is just about right for a blower...

you didn't give your name, but if you'll e-mail me, i'll give you the phone number of a friend in lake wales, up in polk county, who might be able to help you locate a 251, or 265 MOPAR. better do it tomorrow, the 31st, because my comoputer's gonna be down for a while, beginning friday the 1st.

Dennis: drh@digital-link.net

Hey Dennis, I emailed you a while back but I still haven't heard anything. I still haven't found a motor down here. Most of my leads have gone cold...

Well, I've all but given up on this. I can't find one in the state of Florida. The hemi is a cool motor but a flat 6 would be more unique. I guess if no one contacts me by the end of this month I'm signing off.

Ah, hell - dont give up! there has got to be one nearby somewhere. pick up the currrent Hemmings - some one has one for you!! they are cool looking...

been almost 3 mos, singing off

Sometimes you have to look outside your backyard...