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I started a thread on this topic over in the truck section, but haven't come up with all the info I need yet. I hope it's ok if I cross post over here:

Hi folks. I’m happy to join one of the best-respected forums on the web. I’ve never had a flathead-era MoPar, so I haven’t had any reason to do more than lurk up to now. I still don’t have one, technically, but once I get a bunch of early Ford stuff sold, I want to build a ‘40s-style Dodge Brothers hop up with all pre-1949 Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler, and Imperial parts. On paper, this calls for a ‘15-‘22 Dodge Brothers roadster with a ‘23-‘26 cowl; the brakes, floor-shift trans, and rear axle from a ‘38 Chrysler; 19x4 wire wheels ala ‘29 DeSoto; and a postwar flathead six (I’m undecided as to whether the 23-inch or 25-inch engine) with a couple carburetors and an alloy head. I’m looking forward to picking the brains here and hopefully harvesting some of your castoffs. Thanks for having me! -Dave

Hello all, I am new to this forum and new to flathead engines. I have just purchased a 1939 Plymouth P8 Deluxe and getting started on what will no doubt be a learning project. The car is all original and in good shape for its age. I have done some research and found the engine is a 201, 'P8 369589'. I have not heard the engine run but the seller told me it did however he heard what sounded like a rod bearing tapping. I thought I would swap it out for a 230 but am having a very difficult time finding one, so I tried a 218, those are hard to find as well. Just the engine anyway, I have even started looking at other project cars to buy just to get the engine. So - I have been thinking about rebuilding the 201 that is in there. I understand that it can be made a 218 by using a 218 crank and rods. Plus I would bore the cyl out 40 over. I have come across a few websites that I can get these parts from so it seems to get a little more power and since it needs rebuilt this would be about the best way to go. I am not looking at smoking the tires or high speeds, just cruising at about 60-70mph on the weekends down to Galveston. Putt around town here. However this is Texas and it would be great if I could get some AC going on inside. I have researched a place in Houston that advertises they do that sort of stuff. So I am concerned about running a compressor on it as well. Anyway I'm kinda stuck wondering which direction to go, I would like to get a 218 or 230 but if I can get by just doing an overhaul on this engine then it seems the best route. If anyone could offer some advice, will the 201 work for what I need? Is there any 218 or 230 out there? Thank you. Lloyd