52Suburban Posted May 4, 2015 Report Share Posted May 4, 2015 May have a line on a 251 out of a power wagon. Will this fit in my 52 suburban? Tried to read a bit in Allpar.com & I know there are different size - length I think flathead motors -think 218/230 are my choices - thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reg Evans Posted May 4, 2015 Report Share Posted May 4, 2015 You probably know that the 251 is approx. 2" longer than the 218 and 230. You will have the move the radiator forward and probably take a chunk out of the cross member to clear the damper pully. I installed a 251 in my 52 Dodge 1/2 ton and that's what I had to do. Don Coatney here on the forum has a 251 installed in his P-15. Visit his photo bucket for some detailed photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertKB Posted May 4, 2015 Report Share Posted May 4, 2015 (edited) That engine is too long to fit in your US Suburban without modifications. That is one of the joys of working on old Mopars in Canada. From 1938 onward all Canadian cars have the longer engine. I am running 251's (25" long blocks) in both my '38 Chrysler and my '48 Dodge D25 which is the same as a Plymouth but with Dodge trim. Radiator supports and the front cross members are different than on US cars so the longer engine drops straight in. Sure makes looking for an engine easy if you need one. Good luck with your search and your project. Nice to see the car is going to have a flathead! Edited May 4, 2015 by RobertKB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted May 4, 2015 Report Share Posted May 4, 2015 Ah come on Robert...my V8's all have flat heads..else I would be blowing head gaskets every time I start it up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pflaming Posted May 4, 2015 Report Share Posted May 4, 2015 Tim,I was aware your V8's were flatheads, but I'm not so certain about their owner!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted May 4, 2015 Report Share Posted May 4, 2015 subject to blowing a gasket...throwing a conniption..jumping time and a myriad of other similar acts of 'coping' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertKB Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 Ah come on Robert...my V8's all have flat heads..else I would be blowing head gaskets every time I start it up... Tim, you know what I mean! No valves in the head. Only spark plugs in the head. No moving parts in the head. Like a crew cut.....a real flathead! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 man...you folks take the fun out of everything... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
52Suburban Posted May 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 Thank you all this may be for the future - not sure if I have to modify if I would go in this direction or a 318. We will see- is the 251 in mat run may need a rebuild worth $350?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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