I have a 52 Ford Customline, with a 215 6cyl with Fordomatic trans. The engine is tired, leaks oil from several places and has massive blow by and condensation coming out of breather, yeah. I'm debating on a budget friendly rebuild it or just take the opportunity to go with a V8. Of course monies will show the path. Got a lead on a good running 221 with a T10 side loader out of a 1963 Falcon. Question, will the 52 Fordomatic bolt to a 1963 221 V8? Prefer the automatic. Thanks in advance!
Nope.... You'll have a hard time finding an automatic to fit the 221 also (if it is one; should be a 260 with the 4-speed).
If monies are the determining factor, the 215 rebuild would be the cheapest route. There are a few V8 engines that will fit and engine mount kits are available for the SBC or SBF. Each one will require a transmission change, probably a rear axle change, new exhaust, and adapting whatever linkages that are involved. The radiator support is also different on the 6-cylinder cars, requiring the use of "reverse brackets" on the radiator and mounting it in front of the support. SBF will require a rear sump oil pan or notch the front crossmember. Other V8s will require all this, as well as motor mount fabrication and careful planning to clear the steering box.
Part 2- because of having to shift the radiator forward on the 6-cylinder support, the front gravel pan also has to be modified to clear the lower radiator tank or use a Flathead V8 support and gravel pan. I see the car is still 6 volt, converting to 12 volts would be needed to spin a later model V8 starter.
Yea you are definitely correct on all of those issues. I figured the same but wanted to see what "the voices of reason" would confirm. Looks like the hunt is on for a good machine shop to redo that block. Luckily I know a retired mechanic who is itching to work on something. He has offered to work on the engine with me to pass on his knowledge. Thanks!
I have a small block Chevy with a TH350 in mine, hooked up to the original column shifter, fits well. I have to think that's cheaper than rebuilding the 6 and that Fordomatic. Can you even get rebuild parts for the 6, like oversize pistons and crank bearings and stuff? If they are made, I'd guess they're fairly pricey.
The OP indicated the Fordomatic is functional, but if that is not the case a complete swap may be attractive. Rock Auto lists all the 215 rebuild parts for reasonable prices except the pistons which would have to be gotten from Egge. Probably a little pricey. A good used SBC may be a cheaper route but would still require all the modifications.
Meteors also had 221s. I do believe the 221 did continue into early 1963. To run a C4 behind an early 5 bolt engine (‘62-‘64 221-289) will require the one year only 1964 Fairlane 289 Cruisomatic (Green Dot C4) Bell housing. If you like the 215 rebuild it. It’s just an engine. Another option is to find a running 223. Or....... Find a running 223 and run it while rebuilding the 215
Question, how much trouble is it to put an FE in one of these? A buddy of mine has a '53 he's looking to sell and I know where a good running 390 and C6 are.
^^^^ Not to hijack this thread, but the FE swap is harder depending on which chassis it is. I have only seen it done once, and I seem to recall firewall surgery was required as well as steering box issues.
Thanks for all the feedback gentlemen, I recently replaced the head gasket, timing chain, adjusted valve lash, advanced the timing, tuned on the carb and she runs a lot better. So the 6 lives on! There is a fuel problem that I need to address now.
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