So I picked up a old 56 dodge stake bed. Going to hot rod it. I'm looking for information and references for the flathead inline sixes. I am wanting to convert it over to twelve volt. Would not mind doing a dual carb intake of a throttle body. I would like to drop the four speed mated to it and find a six speed or a auto. I'm not tech savvy. I'm learning as I go. Thanks
You would most likely be a lot happier with a MoPar slant 6 or V8 engine/trans in there - the underside of that truck is the same stuff used before the war, & isn't much hot roddable ... ('56 Dodge was 12 volt from factory).
Flathead Mopar sixes are cool but not especially powerful. You can find adapters to 727 auto trans sometimes, or adapt a T5. It won't ever be a hot rod with that motor, maybe 150 HP all tricked out. Most people who keep them are more into cool old car than fire breathing hot rod.
Although it is possible to adapt an auto trans (I do the Torqueflight and Pat McGuire does the GM stuff) it is not a weekend project. Take a good look at everything that currently attaches to your bellhousing... As noted, go to www.p15-d24.com or Moparts forum or the Dodge truck forum for additional info. .
Contact hitek, for any info, advice and/ performance parts, split exhaust, dual/tri carb intakes, cam grinds etc. These are great reliable engine, here are 3 major things going for them, full pressure lubrication, not splash and dipper like a stovebolt 216 and old 235, hardened valve seats, bearing inserts, and a water distribution tube for nice even cooling, Ford Lhead V8s envy this feature. These are long stroke engines, develop most of there torque around 1600 rpm, so right off idle. These engines can be made to go, especially the long block 250/265 versions. The 1956 and later 230s short block versions some had upwards of a 136 hp, from the factory with 8 to 1 compression ratio. You don't need a leaning tower of power, while those are great engines, they are very long compared to the Lhead 6, the bottom ends on the 2 were very similar. V8 your choice those trucks came with small ploy V8s but front engine mounts, so a 318 or 360, make new mounts etc. These engines make nice cruisiers, add a more modern read end with 3.55gears, or a very inexpensive adapter plate, and you can bolt on a Chrysler A833 4 spd OD trans. Good luck, give hitek a buzz, you won't be disappointed..
Here are some Chrysler flathead 6 goodies, the set on the sack with dual carbs and black exhaust manifolds are going on my 55 Dodge Fargo truck. Also is a Chrysler A833 4 spd overdrive trans, and the simple well made adapter plates for it.
While i personally think the 250-265 engine is a great engine. the guys up the street from me had a similar truck. They took a 400 B block and K member from a doner car and welded it in. came out clean and did what they wanted it to do.
A 1956 should already be 12v as that is the year they changed over. Look at the tag on the generator, it should be either a red tag that says 6v or a green tag that says 12v. The old flathead is a good engine with adequate power if in good shape, and very reliable. All parts are available and they are not very difficult or expensive to rebuild. Suggest you tune it up and check the compression and oil pressure. If it has good compression, good oil pressure, and doesn't burn more than a quart of oil in 500 miles, enjoy it as is. Take care of it and it will last for years. If you want significantly more power and performance an engine swap is in order. Fortunately for you they offered a V8 option in 1956 which means they have plenty of room under the hood for one, which is more than you can say for some older models.
Thank you every one for the input so far. It is a 265. The numbers on the block say it is a early 265 (long) that s made from a 250 block. It is froze up. I will be taking it to a good shop to be reworked. The generator is red tag marked 6v. It was early 65 production five ton stake bed. I plan on z'ing the original ch***is and shortening it. Using a nineties dodge 3/4 ton rear axle. The front of the frame will get reworked using the original dropped I beam axle. Bieber more spring mounts will be made to bolt onto the axle with a single spring set up used infront of the frame. The bed will get a custom truck bed with short stake bed rails on top. Thinking teal and vanilla paint job with a neve set of white walls and maybe some torque thrust of cragars? Thanks
I like those flatheads! I am looking for one for my 40 dodge project but are so damn expensive! You can get an adapter to put a Mopar small block bellhousing so you can run a newer trans, I had one with a 833 behind it a few years ago and so much fun to drive!
I have owned a 1950 DeSoto with the big 6 engine for over 20 years and have had a blast driving it. Not fast but it just keeps on going. The absolute best thing I ever did for the engine was to install one of Langdon Stovebolt's HEI distributors for Mopars. Lee
The 265 is the last, largest and best of the flathead sixes of the type used in cars and light trucks. It will fit practically all Plymouth Dodge DeSoto and Chryslers that came with a flatty. Even the crankshaft and rods are desirable because they will fit in any DeSoto or Chrysler block. If you don't use it there is a good chance someone will want it for a hop up, or replacement in a pre 55 Chrysler product of some kind.
Rusty, do you have a ballpark idea how much a machine shop will charge to resurface a 265 head? Will it cost more for an aluminum 265 head? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Whilst I no longer have the car or this engine I was building and its a 230 ex airport tug engine these pics will give you an idea of what these mopar flathead 6's look like with a little extra bling......this was the mocked up engine with an edgy finned head from Earl Edgerton in Ca., Offy intake, finned valve side covers and split & welded up stock style exhaust manifolds........that round thing at the front of the engine is an Oz only GM Holden water pump adaptor so forget that, lol..........the engine bay pic shows the only pic I had of the Langdon Chev HEI dissy ........I agree with Chrome Moly Steel.........the HEI dissy was a fantastic improvement, worth every penny...........Andy Douglas
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