Manufacturer Chrysler Corporation Configuration Side-valve Cylinder head alloy Cast iron | Production 1932–1970s Cylinder block alloy Cast iron | |
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Also called Chrysler Sidevalve engine | ||
The Chrysler flathead engine is a flathead automotive engine manufactured by the Chrysler Corporation from 1932 through the 1970s.
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Straight-4
Chrysler introduced a straight-4 derivative of their new Flathead straight-6 in 1926. Initially used by all Chrysler divisions, the straight-4 became Plymouth-only in 1929, lasting in production through 1932.
The original version displaced 185.8 cu in (3,044.7 cc) and produced 38 hp (28 kW). This was only produced in 1926, with displacement reduced to 170.3 cu in (2,790.7 cc) for 1927 through 1929. Power was initially rated the same but was upped to 45 hp (34 kW) during the 1928 model year.
After the introduction of the Plymouth brand in 1929, the base engine was enlarged to 175.4 cu in (2,874.3 cc) for 1930 with the power rating remaining the same. A larger 196 cu in (3,211.9 cc) version was also offered that year with 48 hp (36 kW). The engine was slightly revised for 1932 with a claimed displacement of 196.1 cu in (3,213.5 cc) and either 56 hp (42 kW) or 65 hp (48 kW).
Straight-6
Beginning in 1938, the 201 cu in (3,293.8 cc) inline 6 was used in Massey Harris's Model 101 (later known as the 101 Super). It continued to be used by Massey until 1940, when it was supplanted by the 217 cu in (3,556.0 cc). In 1940, Chrysler's 242 cu in (3,965.7 cc) straight six went into Massey's 201 Super, which lasted until 1942.
The last automotive use of the Chrysler flathead inline six was in 1960. It was replaced by the much more efficient OHV slant-6 the following year, which appeared in most Dodge trucks starting in 1961. The flathead remained in production until the early 1970s for industrial and agricultural use.