Inline 6 more rare than V8 in a Shoebox?

[RatrodShoebox]

I have been (slowly) resurrecting a 49 shoebox that I dragged home off marketplace last year. It’s got the 226 Inline Six. I’m noticing in my research online that it seems the V8s were much more popular in the passenger cars. Thus, sourcing parts for the 6 is a little more troublesome as well. What do you guys think the reason was for the v8 to be a more popular option back then? To my understanding the HP ratings are pretty similar between the two. Just wanted to get everyones 2 cents.

[leon bee]

8 vs 6?

[cas3]

V8's look cool, sound cool, and had proven reliability. The 6 was fairly new on the scene, perhaps buyers wanted the "old reliable

[ford38v8]

Bragging rights. Ford had long dissed the competition's inline 6, and boasted a neat v8 logo.
In truth, the 6 had higher torque and without overheating problems. Ford's test results were "alternative facts".

[cas3]

I had one, a 50 tudor. found a new motor in the street. I believe I've told the story here before, but I can repeat If y'all arn't tired of my rants

[tubman]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Yeah, but did Ford (or anyone) publish the relative production numbers? I have no idea, but I'd bet 3 to 1 V8's to 6's over the "shoebox years" ('49-'51). Probably even more out of balance for the "G" series.

[cas3]

I agree

[RatrodShoebox]

Let’s hear it

[flatford8]

Originally Posted by cas3

I had one, a 50 tudor. found a new motor in the street. I believe I've told the story here before, but I can repeat If y'all arn't tired of my rants

Nothing like a good story…….Mark

[GB SISSON]

So Skip, was this six found in the middle of the road like it fell through the frame rails, or tumbled to the side like it fell off the bed of some scrapper's truck? Maybe neatly placed at the end of someone's driveway with a 'free' sign like an 80's crushed velour couch? But seriously folks, I recently installed an H six in one of my tonner pickups and it climbs our long steep grades better than the (stock) V8s.

[cas3]

About 75 or so, I got the old ford 6 with a stuck motor. Like any dumb kid, we pulled the head off and beat it to death with a wood block until it finally gave in and turned over.

Well, it ran, but my goodness I've never seen another car smoke so much to this day.
After you pulled out of the driveway, within a few hundred feet the smoke coming thru the rusty floor was so bad you had to have your head out the window to see and breath.

No extra money in those days, so the Ford got parked.

A few years later, a guy I worked with lived on a fairly busy road, and he looks out one day to see a new short block strapped to a pallet laying in the road. He hooks on to it with his riding lawn mower and drags it home.

Next, knowing I was sorta a gear head, he invites me over to try and identify it.

By golly thats the motor for my old Ford!!! I think I gave him 50, or 100 bucks I forget, but the old Ford lived happily ever after.

[Newc]

ww2 Military contracts preferred the six [G model]. I searched hard for a M series six [254"] speed equip was made, but scarce. G, H, and M series engs. Newc

[RalphG]

As far as I know Ford of Canada never offered a six cylinder option in cars or trucks until 1955. First time I saw a picture or video of a 52 Ford with the six I assumed it was a Chevy transplant or else from a later series Ford. As good as the six was there is just no replacement for that V8 rumble in my mind.

[nickthebandit]

When I got out of the Army in 1961 I bought a 1951 Ford business coupe with the flathead 6 cylinder for $ 65.00. I was never beat racing from stop light to stop light. In the winter I always had to get a jump start in the morning as I could not afford a new battery. Overall it was a good car that I wish that I still owned.

[signsup]

Many years ago, while driving through Kansas, my brand new short block engine, strapped onto a pallet fell off the truck. Anyone seen it? If so, I'd like it back.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by signsup

Many years ago, while driving through Kansas, my brand new short block engine, strapped onto a pallet fell off the truck. Anyone seen it? If so, I'd like it back.

If you’re offering a finders fee, I can help you find it.

[FortyNiner]

I would caution against assuming that current repop support for the V8 is a reflection of original popularity. The Ford flathead was the go to engine back in the day and made it a legend. The I6 was simply a bullet proof workhorse without any sizzle.

[fortyonerag]

Turn the centre bullet in the grill upside down and tell everyone you have one better than merely an 8!

[mercman from oz]

"The Ford Six for 1950"
Ford produced a dedicated Sales Brochure for the 1950 Ford Six.
I can't find a similar one for the 1949 Ford Six?
Did Ford offer one?

[mercman from oz]

"The Ford V8 for 1950"
Ford produced a similar Sales Brochure for the 1950 Ford V8.