my1946trk Posted February 3, 2012 Report Posted February 3, 2012 Hi I have a problem , I have a S20 1252C engine I am building for my 1946 dodge truck , Now I know it is a DeSoto 1954 / 251 Taxi engine , But I went to get a gasket set for it and found out there are Canadian and US kits and Big difference in price depending on whether it is Us or Can. car . would any one know the answer just with the engine number . Now I do live in Can. So it could be Can. but would like to know for sure , Thanks for now ,, Leo ,,myoldtrk,, Quote
Rusty O'Toole Posted February 4, 2012 Report Posted February 4, 2012 (edited) Definitely Canadian. Here is the difference. In the US they made 2 flathead 6 engines. A short one (23 1/4" long at the head) for Plymouth and Dodge. A bigger one (25") for DeSoto and Chrysler. In Canada they only made the one, the big DeSoto/Chrysler block and juggled the bore and stroke to make smaller versions for Canadian Plymouth and Dodge. The 251 is always the larger block no matter where it was made. The 251 was used in Chryslers in the late 40s, DeSotos in the early 50s, and in big Dodge trucks till 1962 and military spec Power Wagons until 1968. Usually when they talk of "canadian" vs "US" spec motors they are referring to Dodge and Plymouth. PS there is another difference that might crop up. Some motors had a square hole at the front of the head gasket, others did not. It is not always easy to know which motors had this feature. You have to look at the old gasket or head to be sure. The difference is the water passage at the front of the head. Edited February 4, 2012 by Rusty O'Toole Quote
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