Backup engine

[Mister B]

Been offered a chance to buy a 230 flat head 6 and 2 speed auto trans from a 1955 Plymouth Savoy for $300. Would this be a good combo to buy, if it's in good order? My idea is to get it as a possible replacement for the 230 currently in my 48 Dodge, should I happen to need it. Will the automatic trans make it a problem  to do the swap? My 48 is equipped with a fluid drive trans. Will the 55 model offer any advantages over my current 48 model, (horsepower, etc)?

Plan to go check it out this weekend. Engine and trans are both out of the car. Anything in particular I should look for to help determine it's condition? I owned a 55 Plymouth with this same combo years ago and it would cruise 65 all day long! I guess if I were to do a swap, a rear end change would also be needed as my 48 has 3:9:1 gears. Not dead set on doing it, just seeking opinions as the asking price seems reasonable and it's local to me. Figure I could use the exhaust manifold for parts to do a split set up and carb for duals if it matches my 48 carb.

[John Reddie]

How is the engine in your '48 Dodge, worn out, tired? I am sorry I can't tell you about the details of a swap but it would be good to have a spare engine I think. If you do end up purchasing the engine, I would build a test stand to run it before swapping it into your car. I owned a '48 Dodge Fluid Drive 4 door sedan way back and really liked it. Best of luck to you.

John R

[Sniper]

I bought a 52 230 out of a Dodge to build for my Cambridge, didn't want to blow up the original engine that runs well with hot rod parts, side note build will be delayed until The Freewheeling Tony Smith gets his new rod and piston kit available.

 

Anyway, lol, I bought it as a core engine for $250, plus shipping and taxes.  At the price you are talking about I would not expect more than a good core and if it's better than that gravy on the bisquits there.

 

Can't help on the transmission questions though, I am strictly a stick shift only guy.

[knuckleharley]

6 hours ago, Mister B said:

Been offered a chance to buy a 230 flat head 6 and 2 speed auto trans from a 1955 Plymouth Savoy for $300. Would this be a good combo to buy, if it's in good order? My idea is to get it as a possible replacement for the 230 currently in my 48 Dodge, should I happen to need it. Will the automatic trans make it a problem  to do the swap? My 48 is equipped with a fluid drive trans. Will the 55 model offer any advantages over my current 48 model, (horsepower, etc)?

Plan to go check it out this weekend. Engine and trans are both out of the car. Anything in particular I should look for to help determine it's condition? I owned a 55 Plymouth with this same combo years ago and it would cruise 65 all day long! I guess if I were to do a swap, a rear end change would also be needed as my 48 has 3:9:1 gears. Not dead set on doing it, just seeking opinions as the asking price seems reasonable and it's local to me. Figure I 0could use the exhaust manifold for parts to do a split set up and carb for duals if it matches my 48 carb.

It's worth more than $300 in parts,even if it has a rod  hanging out the block. Go on ebay and search for a cast iron exhaust manifold,head,starter,etc,etc,etc for a 230 and see what I mean.

 

I have no idea what the 2-speed auto will sell for,but I'd be shocked if you couldn't get 300 out of it even if it needed new clutches.

 

They ain't makin that stuff no mo,slim!

 

BTW,yes,the 55 230 makes more power than the 48 230. I bought a 55 Ply parts car to get the rebuildable (IF it needs rebuilding,I was told it ran good,but ain't we all be told that at one time or another?) 230 to rebuild and put in my 42 Dodge coupe. IIRC,it makes around 30 more hp stock than the earlier 230's. I think this is mostly due to increased compression and a better head. Don't quote me on that,though. My memory sucks.

Edited March 9, 2021 by knuckleharley