Posted by Torvald [172.68.174.207] on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 23:10:27 :
In Reply to: Re: Torvald - Questions about your 265 setup posted by Matt Wilson [172.69.67.43] on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 14:46:34 :
Matt,
If you can’t find a radiator from a 251, take another look at your 230 radiator. I believe that the 251 radiator is essentially a flipped around 230 radiator. I’m thinking that a good radiator shop (one with experience in the old soldered brass radiators) could fairly easily flip around the one that you have to give you enough room for the 251 water pump and housing. When flipped around, the radiator core is moved ahead ~2 ¾” to give ~7 ½” between core and block. So check the dimensions on the fan, pump, and housing that you have. I’m thinking that a reconfigured 230 radiator will work with the 251 pump/housing.
You are correct, I did not use a harmonic balancer (didn’t have one available).
The Beast came with this engine (265) in it, and I’ve never driven another Power Wagon, so I don’t have anything for direct comparison. But I have owned other Dodge trucks from the early 50’s, and there is a fairly steep hill near the house which the Beast can climb with acceleration from 50 mph.
With the upgrades that you plan I expect plenty of power for highway speeds, and will be looking forward to updates in the forum on your progress.
By-the-way, it’s been my experience that tuned headers with glass cloth wrapping will actually decrease the exhaust noise somewhat compared to the stock manifold.
Follow Ups: