Chrysler Spitfire Inline 8 ?s

Hey guys,

Any good sources of info on these engines? I've always thought straight eights were cool... I've long wanted to build a hot rod around one.

I can't bring myself to use a Buick engine, and the Packard 8s are way too rare and expensive.

Being a Mopar guy, the Spitfire 8 seems like a natural choice, but I can't find much info on them.

I know off the shelf speed parts will be non-existent, but what about replacement parts?

What transmissions will bolt up? I seem to remember reading years ago the trans situation with the engine was difficult for some reason... but I cannot remember now or find that info.

Any specific trouble areas with the engine? I'm not the guy who gets lucky and trips over cool stuff locally... so I'd likely be stuck buying and engine and having it shipped.

What is the going rate for a complete engine in rebuildable condition? I've seen the same one on Ebay for what seems like years for $1250... seems high for a unknown core.

Thanks

I suspect finding a good example to rebuild might be a challenge. They saw a limited production.

The inline 8 first showed up in 1931 Dodge and Chrysler high line cars, but the Dodge ended inline 8 production in Jan 1933.

Chrysler Imperial inline 8 started production in May 1931 and continued production through the high line Chrysler models until the end of the 1950 model year production. Beginning in 1948, all inline 8 were equipped with the fluid drive semi auto trans. The inline 8 was replaced with the Hemi V8 with the beginning of the 1951 model year production. According to the Standard Catalog of Chrysler, 1924-1990. There were no inline 8 specific production numbers.
Gene

Major cool factor, but yes, some parts availability issues.
The single biggest issue with the L8 is the exhaust manifold which are often found cracked and are difficult to repair. Around here a good manifold will fetch $800.
The L8 also has a one-only bellhousing pattern. Although, at first glance, it looks sorta like the L6 it is not.
Several years back I made a one-off adapter for a gent in Connecticut but demand is 'light' to say the least.
Some of the early models had a manual trans so that may be helpful if you lean that direction.

not mine--

new link--hope this works link

Check early Chris Craft and maybe Grey Marine when google searching for engines.

They were fairly popular for marine applications on big twin engine cruisers before OHV took over.

Kevin