Posted by dave horvath [173.245.54.28] on Sunday, June 05, 2016 at 20:14:14 :
In Reply to: Re: Flathead engine numbers posted by Greg [173.245.52.136] on Sunday, June 05, 2016 at 19:45:17 :
Hi Greg,
HP varied over the years for both the 218 and the 230 depending on model year, application, compression, manifold design, etc. As far as I know, the 218 and 230 are the same block. The difference in displacement comes from 1/4" longer stroke. You can swap the internals from a 230 into a 218 to make it a 230. You can put a later high-compression head like this one on the 218 if it has the earlier head. See how the chambers above the spark plug are asymmetrical. Or, you can shave the head. You can also use a later exhaust manifold with the dump between #4 and #5 cylinders to improve the breathing and increase HP. That's what Dodge did in 1950 to raise the HP in the Power Wagon.
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