I just aquired a 1953 Ford Mainlne. The original 215 is tired 25psi on #4 cylinder, has been checked with leak down. To rebuild it would cost a fortune. I have a friend with a Ford 200 engine and transmission which are about half the price to rebuild and speed parts are available. So my question is, what is involved in swapping out the motor and transmission for the Ford 200? A link to or a thread on this would be very helpful... This is the car.
Keep the 215 ... rings & bearings, freshen the head, cam regrind & dual intake & exhaust will really surprise you in both power & mileage.
The Falcon six has the intake and exhaust on the opposite side of the engine. Don't know how this would affect the swap. I would look for another 215/223 that someone is pulling to swap in a SBC (that's a joke son). Either that or consider a 289/302/351w. Dare I say maybe even a Y-Block, if you don't want to overhaul the OE six. -Dave
Looks like i will be rebuilding the 215. It still runs and drives but has an awful miss due to the dead 4-5 cylinders 4 has 25psi 5 has 50psi The rest are 90!
If you just got it and it sat you may have some stuck rings,try the "H.A.M.B. friendly" cure one bottle of Marvel Mystery Oil in the gas tank with a fill up and one more in the oil,rob about 4 oz out of one bottle and pull the plugs on the two low cylinders and divide it up between the two and let it sit overnight before you fire it up.Don't be surprised if it smokes a bit at first.
Just a thought, but have you checked the valve adjustment? maybe the lash is too tight on the bad cylinders. Still, if it's been going on long enough there might be a burnt valve or two. Getting by with a valve job would sure be cheaper than a full overhaul. But when you get the top to seal, any problems with the lower end could then show up. Like blow by past the rings. -Dave
I would do a leak down on those two cylinders, then you will know exactly where to look for the problem instead of guessing....
I just acquired a '50 Tudor with a flat 8. Had compression issues in 2 cylinders also. Ended up being the valves weren't closing all the way.
That 215 is a damn fine engine, when right it will outrun a stock flathead. Build it and you won't be sorry. Or do a little research on the 300cid I6, I'm pretty sure it's the same basic engine with a bore and stroke job from factory. I bought a '53 w/215 in '59, and beat the hell outta it for years. Finally wrapped the car around a tree and totaled it. Sold the engine and it was installed in a plumber's truck and ran till the rest of truck was junk. As a parting shot, I don't know why anyone would go to the trouble of an engine swap to install a Y-block, always a problem engine in my experience.
I would certainly pull the head on the 215 and see what you can do.Even if you have to replace some valves you still wont be out much at all.as the other guys said,those are really good engines! DOM I have many years with Y blocks and generally they work pretty well.I will say the six will take more abuse for longer than damn near anything.
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