1937 201 Engine Flathead Six

[Manoel Campos]

Hi.

I'm working on a 1937 Plymouth project which will be mostly original, but with some customizations and updates. I would like to know where I could find parts to improve engine performance, specially pistons, intake manifolds, camshafts, among others?

Thanks.

Manoel Campos

Brazil

[greg g]

The best thing you can do for your engines performance is to boost the compression ratio.  This assumes the rest of the engine is in good working order.   .030 to .050 milled from the cylinder head will put your compression  ratio up a point and a half or so.  With this change you can also advance the timing a few degrees for better throttle  response.  You can also open up the intake and exhaust ports to match the gasket hole sizes.  The 201 is never going to be a neck snapper, but it can be made more lively through these inexpensive modifications.

 

Contact forum member Mark Duggan, he runs a small export business and seems to be able to find vintage intakes and exhaust pieces for our overseas friends.  To reach him send an email to the company's e mail, or check their website for more information.   Meanwhile be on the lookout for a 230 engine to replace your 201. It's a bolt for bolt swap. There is a 15 to 20 hp increase with stock, and more potential for benefit of after market stuff mounted on a 230.  The later 230 had 130 to 135 hp from the factory .

 

 

Mark@rdusaclassics.com 

 

 

 

[Dodgeb4ya]

Swap up to the 230 as mentioned.

The 201 is lethargic imo.?

[Manoel Campos]

On 11/5/2021 at 4:40 PM, greg g said:

The best thing you can do for your engines performance is to boost the compression ratio.  This assumes the rest of the engine is in good working order.   .030 to .050 milled from the cylinder head will put your compression  ratio up a point and a half or so.  With this change you can also advance the timing a few degrees for better throttle  response.  You can also open up the intake and exhaust ports to match the gasket hole sizes.  The 201 is never going to be a neck snapper, but it can be made more lively through these inexpensive modifications.

 

Contact forum member Mark Duggan, he runs a small export business and seems to be able to find vintage intakes and exhaust pieces for our overseas friends.  To reach him send an email to the company's e mail, or check their website for more information.   Meanwhile be on the lookout for a 230 engine to replace your 201. It's a bolt for bolt swap. There is a 15 to 20 hp increase with stock, and more potential for benefit of after market stuff mounted on a 230.  The later 230 had 130 to 135 hp from the factory .

 

 

Mark@rdusaclassics.com 

 

 

 

Thanks, Greg. It was very helpful. I am already in touch with Mark. 

[Manoel Campos]

On 11/5/2021 at 8:14 PM, Dodgeb4ya said:

Swap up to the 230 as mentioned.

The 201 is lethargic imo.?

Thanks, Dodgeb4ya. I will consider this option.