1950 straight 8 interchangeability

[cp_1247]

Hello, new member here. Proud owner of a 1950 Standard Eight 4 door, 120in WB. (Thanks to JD in KC for identifying it) my newbie question is are the straight 8 engines interchangeable, or will you need the whole drivetrain? I have 288 ci, and was wondering if I could go to the 327 or 356? Any info would quell my curiosity.

[Dave Czirr]

The details are all in the 1948-1954 Master Parts List, available as a reprint, where you can check for common part numbers between models. But in a nutshell the Eight (288) and Super Eight (327) share many engine and chassis components. But the 356 which was the senior engine used in the Custom 8 had its own unique engine block casting and many internal parts. Also unique to the 356-engined models were brakes, some transmission and suspension parts, driveshaft, differential housing and internal parts, and more.

[cp_1247]

So I would have to get the whole drivetrain if I wanted to go with the 356? Is.it even possible without major fabrication to swap it out? Only curious, because I am building a driver, not a numbers matching original. And fabrication is no worry of mine either, but just wanted to know compatibility so I can get proper adapters and such, or figure out what needs to be built to make it work.

[Dave Czirr]

Well, if one really wanted to I guess you could transplant a 6-cylinder Cummins diesel into a VW Rabbit. So, if you wanted a mongrel, surely you could, with appropriate modifications, get a senior driveline transplanted into your shorter wheelbase junior.

My suggestion is that if you want the more refined 356 and its driveline, sell your Eight and shop for a Custom 8 and enjoy all the other finer features of that model.

[cp_1247]

Roger that. Thanks for the info! I may do just that, or work with what I have.