Question regarding late power flite to earlier engine.

[greg g]

I got an email today asking about the use of a 59 Plymouth Powerflite behind a 51 DeS 251 engine. Has anyone had any experience with this type of cross over. Or those with Hollander's, what do they have to say about it?

I would guess that with the itroduction othe automatics that the crankshafts ad flywheels would have interchanged among the product lines, but will going backwards to an earlier fluid drive set up present a lot of problems?

[54Illinois]

I would wonder about the crankshaft length and actual fit.

[Plymouthy Adams]

I think it was Lou that told me that in looking up data on the 60 DeSoto..the powerflite was stock with the smaller V8 in the standard sedan and also those engines were the LB design from all that I have read..

[Rusty O'Toole]

They used the DeSoto block up to 59 in Canadian made Dodge and Plymouth cars so they must have made a Powerflite to fit it. The same setup should fit the smaller US block, I think transmissions usually do interchange but cannot say for sure.

Whether the six used a different transmission housing, flywheel, torque converter etc from the V8 I don't know.

For sure, a Canadian made six cylinder 54-59 trans will fit if you have the appropriate flywheel, starter, transmission etc.

I realize this is small comfort if you are in Louisiana or Texas lol.

Hopefully one of the smart guys will chime in with more complete information.