Built a Mopar Flatty as a daily driver and added A/C? If so, what did you put it in? Were you happy with it? What did you *not* like about it? Would you do it again? And can someone direct me to some good books or articles about Mopar Flatties? I'm curious to learn about what different displacements that are available, as well as what parts are *commonly* available, as well as learning about them mechanically. Googling simply presented *way* too much noise to signal ratio, but I'm probably not using the right words. Thanks, Weyland
there is a ton of good info on here, use the search, try every word/combo you can think of. you'll find good links too.
Thanks. I actually have been reading much here, but again, it's like a shotgun effect... I'm starting to see a slight pattern, though. Looks like most of the high priced Flatty knee jerking is coming from "go fast" mods that I may or may not actually want. (I'm thinking not) (but I'm still very green) It also looks like I might have gotten a misconception, too... From what I *have* read, I was under the impression that many of the Mopar Flatties were basically the all same motor, but with varying strokes and bores. Hence, my thought of a small stroker Flatty solving my imagined possible drawbacks. One thing I can't seem to find is if there is an aftermarket supplier for blocks. Is it safe to say that for my purposes, I could probably get better bang for the buck by doing the simple things like increasing compression ratio, porting, and a mild cam? Is anyone out there making crate Flatties? (searched but haven't found) (yet?) Thanks, Weyland
For engine parts check Vintage Powerwagons, HAMBers BlueSkies and Don Coatney are running flat-sixes. Check out their posts for more info, and go out to BlueSkies' website, www.50plymouth.com, for information on his engine build.
No crates that I know of, but you can increase compression with an Edgy head, for a 230 compression is like 9:1 with .030 over pistons. I think he said it was closer to 7.5:1 if you are running a 218. I don't think he makes heads for the large sixes (Chrysler and Industrial engines).
*VERY* good stufff, there. Thank you very much. It's looking very much like I might just stay with the Flatty and make an adaptation for A/C with late model parts. Best, Weyland
As a half-***ed refrigeration tech (I went and got a ticket so I could buy R416A for our shop's leaky reefer units - don't do this 40 hrs/wk), I'd tell ya' to look for a small late model car A/C pump. You'll want to run 134A (easy/cheap refrigerant), and the newer pumps will last longer w/ the higher pressures that it requires for adequate performance. Best o' luck, and BTTT for experienced A/C techs...
That's *exactly* what I had planned on doing and laid out in another post, here or on another board (I can't recall right now which one). At least I'm on track slightly, even if only by luck... Sorry... "BTTT"? Thanks, Weyland
I wouldn't be surprised if there are some mega-rare factory brackets for an A/C compressor made circa 1957-8-9 for these motors. They exist for Chevy 235's, supposedly, but I had a guy tell me if I found some he'd pay $400 for them. Which means they'd probably eBay for twice that.
Weyland, what sorta stuff you looking for, a Mopar 101? I dont know how much you know. Plymouth and Dodge used "short" blocks, 23inches long. Chrysler and DeSoto used "long" bocks, 25 inches. Most "short" motors are 218 or 230 ci, most "long" motors are 251ci. Very few parts are interchangeable. Compression is the best performance mod for the buck. Porting is not worth it for a street motor. Releiving is not necessary at all. If you want to run a cam, you need to do some bottom end work such as crossdrilling the crank, because these motors dont like running at high revs. They spin bearing shells. A machined head, twin carbs and modified exhaust system will give you a good motor. Blueskies motor is a prime example of a strong, reliable motor. It has nothing radical, just attention to detail, for example ARP stud kit.
Thanks, but I'm not really too concerned with something like that. As pointed out above, I'd most likely rather use some late model A/C parts, and can make my own brackets easily enough. If you guys can educate/direct me to earlier (metal, even?) A/C *vents*, I might use them for when I cut the holes in the dash... Best, Weyland
Weyland, I forgot to mention, I have an evaporator core out of a Toyota P/U I parted; you're welcome to it for the price of shipping. Pretty light so it should be cheap. All I ask is pics posted of AC install... -bill
I appreciate that, Bill. Sadly, I don't need it right now, as the truck got sold to someone else. So... I'm still looking for a late 30's Dodge truck. I seem to be drawn to the ones that the majority doesn't like, though... ... the heavier duty ones, most often actually used for work. (dually, long bed, etc...) Best, Weyland
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