Is it possible to build a Plymouth 201 cu in engine into a 230 cu in engine?

[Bruce W]

My 1940 Plymouth engine is in need of a rebuild. If I bore the 201 block to 3.25", use the crank, rods and camshaft from a later Dodge 230 engine, would I now have a 230 cu in engine? Has anyone tried this. What problems might I have? 

[Plymouthy Adams]

look carefully at the crank journal sizes

[TodFitch]

15 minutes ago, Plymouthy Adams said:

look carefully at the crank journal sizes

No expert here, but the part numbers for the crank bearings, both main and rod, changed between the 201 and the later Plymouth 218. So I agree with @Plymouthy Adams, check the crank journal sizes carefully.

 

But back in the 201 era for Plymouth the equivalent Dodge engine was a 217/218. It may be easier to upgrade the 201 Plymouth engine to the era equivalent 217 Dodge.

[Bruce W]

I have confirmed the journal size is different, 201 vs the 230. I think you are right Todfitch. If I want to up my displacement, 218 is probably the max using the internal components of a Dodge 218. Thank you guys for the input. If anyone else has useful information. Please reply.

[Sniper]

Journal sizing isn't really a show stopper.  Journals can be turned down to fit, to a point.  However, is there room for the crank throws and the rods, that wold be a show stopper there.  Might be easier to just buy a core 230, build it and swap it in, saving your original engine

[Bruce W]

I am doing an original restoration and the markings on the block match the number on the build card so I would like to stay with the original block.  I may look further into installing a Dodge 217 crank and rods. I am hoping to hear from someone that has tried it. I know it's not much of a gain but if it's just a matter of using one crank and rods over the other, what the heck? I want to go through the engine anyway.

[dpollo]

If you are doing a restoration, then a competent rebuild on your 201 is what is called for.  The later crankshafts will not fit.

 

Valves are slightly smaller too.    Power is modest but adequate.  Mill the head about '060 for more compression and if possible,

 

use a  218 manifold and carb.