52 dodge inline six

[alfonso]

bought a 52 dodge wayfarer and would like input on inline six
performance options
it has low comp 7-1
is there a manufacturer that makes forged pistons for it
aftermarket head or intakes
will the block handle a small turbo low boost set up

[Masher Manufacturing]

I don't know about perf parts, but I have dealt a bit with this motor in a forklift.

There are 4 different water pumps , 2 have hub height differences by about 1/2 inch, the other 2 have different bypass / heater connections.

There are 2 fuel pumps from what I recall , one with bolts straight across, the other diagonal.

There are at least 2 crank flanges, one for manual trans and the other for auto. The auto flange is extended by about 1 inch. The torque converter nuts directly to the crank, you use a long wrench to reach between the flange and main cap.

Car usage went away circa 63, industrial use ended circa 75

[Ron Golden]

Get online and look for "Inliners.com". You can also find parts and info at the following places:
Kanters
Patricks
Egge

Several years ago I helped a tractor puller that was using a Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth (?) inline flathead that was turboed with nitrous. I don't remember much about the engine, but it sure as hell took a lot of abuse.

Ron

[Baprace]

alfonso, if I remember correctly there were two different flathead engines, one had a longer block that the other by about two inches, short engine came in the plymouth type cars and long engine came in the chrysler type cars.

[quickd100]

the long one is a 265ci. they used them in tractors combines and some of the full size Chryslers. In the Chrysler it was known as the 'Spitfire'. Dave

[alfonso]

i believe i have the 230
offenhauser has a manifold 2x 1 barrels
anybody still grinding cams for engine

if out of perf parts the other option is
a 340 i have laying around
or
i been thinking a inline mercedes turbo diesel setup
it looks like it would fit nicely

[dwilliams]

Heck, I built one of those a few years ago! Looks a lot like a Slant Six inside.

I wouldn't have any qualms about 6 to 8 PSI of boost.

[PackardV8]

IIRC, Edmunds, among others, made an aluminum head for the Dodge. Almost impossible to find now, but occasionally one comes floating down the bay or through the swap meets.

I second the motion to throw a junkyard turbo and water injection on it and have some inexpensive fun. FWIW, it will attract a lot more attention than just a V8 swap. If you manage to kill the sick six, the 340" option is still there for you.

What transmission do you have? Mopar was into some very perverse dead-end experiments with fluid drive in the late '40s-early '50s. These dog trannys and granny styling were the death of many very solidly built cars.

thnx, jack vines

[alfonso]

i believe the fluid automatic
is there a bellhousing to adapt a late model trans available

[PackardV8]

No idea about adapters, but the Dodge bell housing and flywheel, with three speed, 3-spd overdrive and 4-speed truck trannies were more common than fluid-drive.

thnx, jack vines

[ClassKing]

Is that the six that has like an 8 inch rod? Saw one last summer and was surprised how long and whimpy the rod was.

[Racerrick]

I've built various displacement for forklifts and dodge trucks. You can use SBC valves in them. If I was the owner of that car I'd swap in a v8 or v10 dodge and a 518 trans

[alfonso]

were can i find reference materials as far as rebuilding the engine and tranny
i bought the car to learn the flathead and tuning it for performance
and my buddy as a 52 buick special with a straight 8 that i would like to surprise him with my six

[PackardV8]

Watch eBay for a Mopar Shop Manual. An older Motor's Manual is better than nothing.

thnx, jack vines

[pdq67]

IIRC, Edmunds, among others, made an aluminum head for the Dodge. Almost impossible to find now, but occasionally one comes floating down the bay or through the swap meets.

I second the motion to throw a junkyard turbo and water injection on it and have some inexpensive fun. FWIW, it will attract a lot more attention than just a V8 swap. If you manage to kill the sick six, the 340" option is still there for you.

What transmission do you have? Mopar was into some very perverse dead-end experiments with fluid drive in the late '40s-early '50s. These dog trannys and granny styling were the death of many very solidly built cars.

thnx, jack vines

The old, "Fluid-Drive", the one in my '48 Dodge 5 pass coupe. I think it was called a, "Hi-Drive",??

Anyway, a fluid coupling with CPP and T/O bearing on the back of it along with a 3-speed stick tranny. Quite interesting to drive.

Clutch it, drop in 1st gear and go, no more clutching until you started over.

Boy back then when I was in college, (early '70's here), the long-haired hippies went nuts over my coupe!!

He, He!!

I think that I gave all of $80 for it?? It's still sitting up at Moberly, MO the last time I was by there.
Probably still has my old 9.50/14" mud & snow tires on the back.

pdq67