I need some info on the 223 six

J

junkyardjeff

Senior Member
I am thinking about repowering my 37 Chevy p/u with a 223 if I can find one that is good enough to drop in,I have heard the six kept that funky loadomatic distributor longer then the V8s so what year did it get a normal distributor with mechanical advance. My 37 has a S10 T-5 behind the 235 so I would like to use it on the 223 so what has to be done to mount it to the 223,I was at the junkyard looking at Ford sixes yesterday and it looks like the 54 to 56 truck 223 would be the easies to install in my 37 but forgot to look at the distributors.
 
For good advice, we need to know your intentions. Low cost? Longevity of the vehicle? Unusual combination that works good? Trying to piss of the Chevy guys? If you like the 223 design, the 262 is the same size but a gas hog. I still think the guy who told you to put in a 300 gave the best advice. It may be a bit more work to make motor mounts to fit your frame. The motor is bigger inside, but not outside. Not heavier, but has more torque, and horsepower can be had with easy changes.
 
I have a 223/Ford-O-Matic in my '55 Courier sedan delivery wagon. Factory distributors for the 223 all thru the '50's were Load-O-Matics.
There are some outfits that can modify the distributor with other advance options.

You might be able to get more info on a conversion if you go into the www.fordsix.com website. Pick the "vintage inline sixes" category and you will find a lot of people who have 215's and 223's in there.
 
I know the 300 would be the better motor but if I were to run into a low mile 223 that was removed for a V8 I would like to use it,the 54 to 56 truck mounts and bellhousing look like they would be easier to adapt to the Chevy frame then a 300 and have a vintage looking motor. I just want a six that will run good and be dependable and piss the Chevy people off.
 
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