ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Oil leaks from the sump, timing cover, cylinder head/block join and timing cover gasket, cracked exhaust manifolds and clogged radiators are typical of the problems you will encounter when buying a Slant Six. V8s are more prone than the smaller engines to overheating and buyers are wise to budget for a radiator recore and thermofan. Rebuild kits for the Slant Six and V8 remain available – parts for the 225 at under $1500 and similar V8 kits priced at $16001800. Reconditioned exchange Torqueflite automatic transmissions cost between $1300 and $3500 depending on intended purpose. These are a really hard tranny to break but be wary of slurred changes and delays of more than two seconds when selecting reverse.