1953 218ci Hy Drive Trans Question

[Janine]

I have a 1948 Dodge Businessman's Coupe that I just purchased. It did not come with a motor or trans. I was wanting to put it back to original with the 230ci Flathead and the Fluid Drive trans, but I am really having a hard time finding a 230ci engine. I got a deal on a running 1953 Plymouth 218ci with a Hy Drive trans. I don't really want to swap the cross member or cut up my floor pan to get the Hy Drive to fit, not to mention swapping the column. My question is about the 218 engine...upon doing more research I found that the carb is different, the oil pump is different, and I'd have to plug the input to trans oil passage. (I am not sure if the anti-foam tube that goes into the oil pan needs to be eliminated) I was wondering if there was anything else I needed to do to make this 218 work with either a top loader 3 speed, or Fluid Drive transmission or should I just sell this 218/Hy Drive combo and start all over? 

[Plymouthy Adams]

tough answer, only you know your limitations and to what extent you wish to make something work.  IT would be quite the involvement and if I was going to go the route of anything other than stock and as you do not have the stock drivetrain....I would be looking at a Mopar V8-V6 to drop in place.   I am most pleased with my latest drop in V6 and 5 speed.  

[Janine]

Plymouthy Adams, Thanks for your response. I was looking into a V6 just last week! I was hoping to make my Coupe an 'old school' build, ei: hopped up with twin carbs, intake, headers, etc., that way I wouldn't have to fab a lot of stuff. But if I can't find what I want then the V6 would probably be my next go to.

 I have plenty of shopping time. This will be my 3rd build, and most likely my last. I have a 1964 (slightly modified) C10 short-bed, step-side I did a frame off resto on, and I am currently working on restoring a '65 Mustang Coupe. I'll have a trifecta once I get my Dodge done! Happy motorin', JD

[Sniper]

Finding a 230 isn't difficult.  I bought one from French Lake Auto to swap into my 51 Plymouth.  They probably have the transmission you want too.  Might even make you a package deal.

 

https://www.frenchlakeautoparts.com/

[Janine]

Sniper, I do have some saved that they have listed on EBAY. I was hoping to get something I could pick up to avoid the shipping costs, which is more than the engine! Thx for the info though. I will see about a package deal. JD

[Sniper]

I went back and dug up my receipt, $475 delivered to my place in west Texas.   $250 for the engine, $225 for delivery, granted that was in Jan 2020.

 

Wow, I just surfed Ebay looking for a 230.  Some people are trying to retire off one sale, lol.  Not sure on where you are in Michigan, but I;d make a drive to French Lake if shipping was more than I cared to spend.

[Young Ed]

26 minutes ago, Sniper said:

I went back and dug up my receipt, $475 delivered to my place in west Texas.   $250 for the engine, $225 for delivery, granted that was in Jan 2020.

 

Wow, I just surfed Ebay looking for a 230.  Some people are trying to retire off one sale, lol.  Not sure on where you are in Michigan, but I;d make a drive to French Lake if shipping was more than I cared to spend.

You can bring me some parts and offset the cost ... I'll meet you at French lake:)

[Sniper]

Well, I meant if I was in Michigan, I am not driving to Wisconsin from west Texas unless I got a screaming deal on something I desperately wanted.  I did drive 12 hours round trip to pick up my 51, but I never left Texas, lol.

 

For giggles, I google mapped the drive from my house to French Lake Auto parts, 19.5 hours each way.

[Young Ed]

10 minutes ago, Sniper said:

Well, I meant if I was in Michigan, I am not driving to Wisconsin from west Texas unless I got a screaming deal on something I desperately wanted.  I did drive 12 hours round trip to pick up my 51, but I never left Texas, lol.

 

For giggles, I google mapped the drive from my house to French Lake Auto parts, 19.5 hours each way.

Only about an hour from me. I've got just to wander the vintage iron

[Janine]

I am 10 hours from French Lake, so shipping would be my cheapest option. I have them on my radar. Funny, but I have noticed that a lot of Crysler flathead stuff comes from either Wisconsin or Minnesota! I wonder why?  BTW...I have decided not to put the '53 218 w/ the Hy Drive in my '48, since this is rarer combo and I'd hate to just use the 218 by modifying it. So, I am going to try and sell it to someone that needs this combo or needs them for parts. Thx Guys! 

[Plymouthy Adams]

2 hours ago, Janine said:

I have noticed that a lot of Chrysler flathead stuff comes from either Wisconsin or Minnesota! I wonder why?  

 

due to global warming these unit are just now being discovered as the snow and ice melts....?  maybe not that bad but if you own a snow shovel, way too north for me....

[Janine]

Now that's funny!