I stole this from another list from some one who sttole it from another list so I don't have contact info for the original message.

I know the /6 was built LIKE a tank, but never that it was bulit for a tank.

I too would like to know the real history on this engine.

> I stole this off "A" message board, anyone who can top this one is welcome
> to, heck we should think about a prize:
> "I am interested in learning about the history of the slant six
> engine--I have heard that it was designed for use by the military
> in tanks. I have also heard that it was designed for sale to
> Mercedes Benz but was declined, etc"

ejones@seanet.com

The Slant Six was designed for the "new" 1960 Valiant compact as a replacement for a very outdated flat head ("L" head) six Chrysler had been using for many years. (does anyone out there know when the Mopar flathead six (245 cid?)was first introduced??)

I think the "Tank rumor" is really linked to the Mopar flathead six because they were used in WWII M4 tanks, 5 per tank! That's right, five of the pass-car Mopar "flatheads" were bolted together in a 5-pronged "W" shape as a quick way to get needed tanks built fast and into action. The result was a 20.5 liter, 450 H.P. 30 cylinder, 5000 pound "lump" called the "multibank". This engine pushed around the 71,000 pound M4 via a full synchro 5 speed. It was said that this engine could take a "hit" hard enough to knock-out 2 "banks" (12 cylinders) and keep rolling!

Chrysler continued as a major supplier of military tanks and heavy guns untill 1981 when that division was sold-off to General Dynamics.
You can read more about this topic and see some great photos in the August 2001 issue of Mopar Action.

As for the History of the Slant Six, it has been written by the Cheif Engineer, Bill Weertman. This is a 500+ page history and resides at Chrysler Historical. There was a condensed version published in 3 consecutive issues of the Slant Six News.
DD

Mercedes had their own slanted six. Look at the mid-50's 300SL's, for one.

According to my book a 224.3 L-head was introduced in late '27 by Dodge, Chrysler had a 201 since the begining in 1924. I don't see a 6 listed for Plymouth until 33 and it was a 189.8
Didn't look hard enough to find a 245.

E.



ejones@seanet.com

The 217/230 Dodge Plymouth (218) 3 1/4" bore 23" overall length dates from '34, I think it was originally available in a smaller size. The small flathead motor was available until '60 in cars but produced for industrial uses until the early 70s. A larger Mopar six (25" long) was available in Desoto, Chrylsers, some truck models through the 60s', this motor was as large as 265 inches.
The Dodge Power Wagon came with these until '68.

The MoPar flatheads were good motors for low speed torque and economy, the smaller version had 185 foot pounds of torque at 1,200 RPM. Some versions of the "big block" had a stroke as long as 4 3/4" -- real stump pullers. The main and rod bearings are only marginally smaller than a slant six. The MoPar flatties had pressure lubrication from day one, Chevy didn't get that until the early 50s. Because they have built-in water distribution tubes they don't run hot like a flathead Ford 8.

Because of the simple and lightweight valvetrain a MoPar flathead can be very quiet, with a good balance job they're smooth too. They're still good for a daily driver.


Tim.Keith@billserv.com