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Swapping a 218 for a 250 flat head any advice?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Dixie Drifter, Jul 17, 2013.

  1. Dixie Drifter
    Joined: Feb 25, 2008
    Posts: 3

    Dixie Drifter
    Member
    from Florida

    Got a 48 Dodge truck would a Desoto 250 and automatic trans slip in I know the trans would need adaption . Is the motor a even swap' thanks
     
  2. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 34,072

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

  3. 73RR
    Joined: Jan 29, 2007
    Posts: 7,342

    73RR
    Member

    Easy swap.
    If you are keeping the existing trans then just use the existing bellhousing, but NOT the existing flywheel. You will need a 230 L6 wheel.
    This swap will require that you move the radiator forward 2" but not much else gets in the way.
    If you are adapting a newer trans then you can juggle the location and may not have to move the radiator.

    .
     
  4. RAK
    Joined: Jul 15, 2011
    Posts: 186

    RAK
    Member

    Did this swap in the 60s using the same engine into a 41 plymouth coupe and as I remember it, used the existing plymouth bellhousing etc. and it bolted right up but at the front the radiator needed to be moved forward a few inches and the front crossmember needed notching to clear the crank pulley. The DeSoto engine is slightly longer than the 218 but can't remember exactly how much. Should be easy to determine if you can get to the 250 and take measurement. I think the stock motor mounts worked too (been a long time) and it looked stock once it was done and ran really good so it was worth the (not so much) work to get it in there. Hope that helps,

    Rich
     
  5. proartguy
    Joined: Apr 13, 2009
    Posts: 812

    proartguy
    Member
    from Sparks, NV

    I did that swap in my '53 panel and had to notch the front crossmember as well as move the radiator. New mount pads had to be made for the front mount as well. Good motor but, hard to find any hop up parts for the long block version.
     
  6. 35desoto
    Joined: Oct 6, 2009
    Posts: 775

    35desoto
    Member

    218/230 engines were known as being 23.5 inches long as measured on the head
    250/264 Chrysler/Desoto engines were known as a 25.5 inch long as measured at the head
    Its those two extra inches that produced the extra work LOL. If you use the original gearbox mounts the engine moves forward two inches - sometimes the cross member is drilled for the new engine mounts and sometimes you have to drill them - hence why the radiator needs to move forward and the cross member needs to be notched for the crank pulley
     
  7. mustang6147
    Joined: Feb 26, 2010
    Posts: 1,847

    mustang6147
    Member
    from Kent, Ohio

    I really liked my 230. It was a great engine....

    I realize its not an answer, but it was swapped into my 41 Plymouth with no issue.... Jasper still sell them to

    Might be info on your quest on Langdons stove bolt site. Or P15 D24 forums. Just get ready for a at***ude.
     
  8. 73RR
    Joined: Jan 29, 2007
    Posts: 7,342

    73RR
    Member


    ...would you believe that most of 'them' have mellowed out a bit in last couple of years?
    The guys that frequent the PilotHouse side are bettered natured in general.
    http://p15-d24.com/

    .
     

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