1954 Plymout 264.5 engine

[mrbobs48]

I just bought a Plymouth 264.5 engine to replace my 218 engine. What do I have to change to fit in my 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe? 

[RobertKB]

I don't think Plymouth ever used the 265 engine. If that is its displacement, it is probably from something else. With a bit of luck it will likely bolt right in. You will need to check the number of teeth on the flywheel to make sure it is the same as the 218. I'm sure others will chime in with what else to look for.

[greg g]

Plymouth never had a 265. It was Chrysler only.  Hat transmission in in the car and what was the engine attached too in the donor vehicle?

[mrbobs48]

Ok its a Chrysler P26 * stamped on the block. It runs good don't know what it came out of. Transmission comes with it. I see the 218 is 23 long and the P26 is 25 long. Is that right I have been looking online for answers

[Plymouthy Adams]

not necessarily true....there should not be a P code 265.....the P26 should be factory at 230  and the only 6 offered for 1955 and unless it has a Canadian origin, should be 23 inch variety...if not...then previous owner interventions may apply

[keithb7]

Is your removed 218 the 3 ⅜" bore, 25" long Canadian 218.06 ci engine? Or 3 ¼" bore 23" long 217.8 ci American engine? Big difference in the installation!

 

Your new 264.5 ci engine is 25" long.  Engine bay modifications may be required to move the radiator forward depending on what you have now. A 265  engine in a 23" 218 engine bay, sets the 265 fan blades right into the rad fins.

 

Is your smaller 218 matched radiator able to effectively cool a 265 engine?  The rad in my 265 Chrysler is lots bigger than the rad used in my smaller engine equipped Mopar.

 

I wouldn't plan to install the smaller 218 carb on a 265 engine. Is your 218  9 ¼" clutch going to be able to handle the increased torque and HP from the 265 engine? For how long?

 

Comparing Rated Torque & Brake HP:

23" 218: Torque 175 ft/lbs at 1200 RPM , HP 97 at 3600 RPM

25" 265 : Torque 218 ft/lbs at 1600 RPM, HP  119 HP at 3600 RPM

 

If you can make it work, the 265 will have that Plymouth launching at fun cruising and travel speeds. Lugging up a hill with all that torque the engine will make lots of heat for the radiator to disperse. Bolting on an extra front electric push fan, will likely disappoint. Sure would be a fun car though with a 265 engine.

[mrbobs48]

Ok Mr Adams you are right just found info on Chrysler forum motor Id's  Its a P26  23 inch 230 motor. Thanks everyone for the input. Owner sent pic of motor. He was told it was a 264.5.  Wow I have a 230 Plymouth motor now and I can take my time building my original motor the way I want. Headers and dual carbs. I will be driving soon again. Hello NSRA here in Oklahoma City in July

Edited March 16, 2021 by mrbobs48

[greg g]

I have a p28 in my 46 coupe big improvement over the 218.  Check the trans if the seller knows as much about transmissions as he knows about engines, there is a possibility it's might be an overdrive if it not a power flight 2 speed auto. Get some pics and put them up.

[Dartgame]

Rebuild the 230, it will cost the same as the 218 to do, and you get the advantage of a bigger motor with higher compression ratio, more hp/torque etc etc. You can reuse the 230 flywheel as long as it is the same diameter as the 218.