Transmission, Bellhousings & flywheels

[D25_Owner]

I have been looking for an engine and trans for my newly aquired '48 D25 business coupe. Right now I have no engine or trans at all. I found an excellent running Chrysler Spitfire engine with fluid drive trans for $200 (it's installed in a '51 Desoto I drove today). I think this engine should bolt in to the D25 OK. My car originally had a 3 speed manual (no fluid drive) and that's what I would like to put back in it. I am now looking for a flywheel, clutch, bellhousing and trans that will bolt up. Is the flywheel/crankshaft bolt pattern different between the smaller Plymouth engines and the larger Chrysler? Which cars/applications should I be looking at for donor parts? Thanks for any advice.

Edited November 22, 2009 by D25_Owner

[greg g]

Assuming Canadian items have the same castings it should bolt up. Thefluid drive is the engine to out put connection not the transmission. The transmission is either a three speed or a semi automatic. The fluid drive bellhousing is deeper than the dry clutch assembly. The larger engines had a crakshaft flage that was drilled for 8 fasteners. I think all longblock engines used this crank. The US Plymouth's had only four bolts as the rotating mass of the dry clutch system is lighter. You may find again that Canadian items are slightly different, as I encountered a 6 bolt deal on my 56 230 American engine.

So if you locate al the items for the dry clutch set up, make sure you grab the driveshaft also. As the Fluid drive bellhousing was as mentioned deeper and there for the drive shaft may have been shorter.

The drive shaft flanges may be a bit thicker so keep that in mind, but don't get discouraged if at first try the flywheel looks like it is drilled wrong. the pattern is assemetrical, but there should be a place wher it aligns regardless of how many holes the flywheel is drilled for.

You will also need to make sure you have the shifter links for the trans. you want to install. Keep in mind that you can also put the three speed behind the fluid drive coupling with the correct input shaft for the bell housing depth.

So not knowing exactly the differences between the short block and the long (Canadian) block) I may be blowing smoke but hopefully this will get some discussion going fo you.

[D25_Owner]

Thanks Greg, The shift rods are still attached to the D25 column, and I do have the original longer driveshaft from the 3 spd/dry clutch. Sounds like I need a flywheel from a big block. I am not considering using the trans from the donor car because of the longer shaft, since I'd have to locate a short shaft/trans anyway. The Desoto donor car has electronics to the carb, so I guess it's a semi auto? Were most of the big block Desotos and Chryslers Fluid and or semi auto? Do you think I'll have a tough time locating a 3 spd. dry clutch for the big block?

Edited November 22, 2009 by D25_Owner

[Plymouthy Adams]

personally I think this approach is false economy seeing as you will have to get the other engine, pull, install, work out a trannys set up..etc etc given the time money and such here..I still think the best approach is the shop that is holding the eninge..odds of the tranny really needing an overhauls..who know, most last real weell..clutch kit..well always recommmended and it is not expensive in the long run..

while you make installement on the rebuilt setup you could be casually chipping away at comsemtics, wiring etc etc..

[D25_Owner]

Thanks Tim, I think there's wisdom in your advice, and I really do appreciate it and have considered it. However, economy is why I am going this route. The seller of the Spitfire engine would pull and deliver it. I don't have an engine to pull from my car. The Spitfire engine runs excellent, smooth and burns clean, it's $200. I am looking for the same trans set up that was already in the car to avoid the other hassles. The shop has not done any work on the old trans & clutch assembly, only the engine.

I have very little funds for this project.... just a reality. I bought the B25 because it was complete (-engine/trans) in very good condition, with a new interior and five boxes of newly chromed parts, all for $200. I couldn't pass it up. That being said, I'm unemployed with a wife, a mortgage and two youngsters. I would love nothing more than to get this car driving instead of sitting. The engine at the shop isn't going anywhere soon, and it's doubtful that the shop will get their $2000 from the estate, so I will most likely get it for less if I wait it out. When I can afford it, I'll pick it up. Thanks again.

Edited November 22, 2009 by D25_Owner

[55 Fargo]

Hi, you would have had a 218 -25 inch Canadian long block 6, this would have been mated to a regular clutch housing ,and 3 spd manual trans with a 3.9 or 4.1 rear end.

Are you located in Canada, if so, the engine and trans and bell housing are in my neighbourhood.

If you are in the USA, you could use, a 251 long block, with the correct bellhousing and 3 spd trans.

I am not sure 100 % if a clutch housing from a 23.5 inch 218 or 230 will bolt up to the 251, don't see why not, the only issue may be the 4 bolt flywheel bolted onot the 251s 8 bolt crank. This may work togther, the flywheel may be another issue, but if you can get these other items, they may very well work together, this set-up should bolt into your D25, and work with the engine mounts, clutch and trans rods too........Fred

[PatS....]

Will the shop consider selling you the trans and clutch seeing as you say they did no work on them???

[Rollie���]

I have a free bell housing, cover, and 3 speed transmission out of '55 Dodge (with the 230), shipping not included.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Sorry I was not aware of your job and family situation..as family/living expenses are first priority you may well have to settle for working only those things involve your labor, it will all have to be addressed..good luck with the project, no one eve has said these things must be finished overnight

[D25_Owner]

Well, after all that going around, I bought the engine, trans & parts from the machine shop for $1500. I'm selling a car to help pay for it. Since the D25 will get new paint (I'll do that myself), and it already has a new interior, it would be a better investment with a new engine.

I still need a starter and generator......

Engine, work completed by machine shop:

hot tanked

cyls. bored

crankshaft ground

block surfaced

head surfaced

new pistons & rings

new main & rod bearings

new cam bearings

new valves & guides

flywheel & press. plate surfaced

Hand writing on the crank says "4.250 stroke"

The cylinder bore is 3.438 which (I think) makes this engine a 237 (236.7 cid).

The only references I can find for a 237 are '42-'50 Desoto and Dodge truck gasket kits etc.

I'm guessing this is not the original engine to my car ('48 D25) It's stamped # P24 1 6149C

If it's not original, at least it makes more power.

112 HP@3600rpm

195 FT LBS@1600rpm

Comp ratio 7.0

10 more HP than the Dodge 230 with 6.7 comp ratio.

Rollie:

Thank you very much for your offer. I may have to sell this car after I complete the restoration. I would never feel comfortable

accepting parts for free and then possibly selling them. Thanks again for your generosity.

Edited November 23, 2009 by D25_Owner

[RobertKB]

Good luck with your project and I am glad you managed to get the rebuilt engine as in the long run that is the best. If you have a P24 that is from a '53 Plymouth and if it is the long block which it sounds like it will be a Canadian engine. It should be a 228 according to my parts book but with the rebore it could be the 237 CID you mentioned.

Good luck too with the rest and I hope you find work soon.