In Reply to: 8N with 6 cylinder 288 cu. in. motor posted by Mike Suflita on March 19, 2013 at 16:02:02:
Most likely a Funk Aicraft tractor conversion, and not exactly "rare" if it is the flathead. First, if it has a flathead 6-cylinder, then it would be a 226 CI or maybe (but unlikely) a 254 CI, and came in either the early channel iron frame (under the engine) version or the later cast iron pan version. If it has the overhead valve 6-cylinder, then it would be either a 215 CI or 223 CI. As has been said, not factory installed, either dealer, job shop, or owner installed. Ford Motor Company never did approve the use of the higher horsepower 6-cylinder or V8 engines in their tractor due to the drastic increase in horsepower, 95 to 100 HP from 23 HP in the stock tractor. If used wrong, axles could shear, differentials could bust, and even transmissions could fail. Production numbers for the flathead engine kits are more likely in the 10,000+ range, with the overhead valve version being 200+.
That being said, when used right the extra power can be useful if you need it, both for pulling and for PTO use. The negative side is that the tractor is heavier, longer, a little harder to steer, and will use more gas. Engines are just as good as the stock 4-cylinder, and since the engines where used in cars and trucks, parts are still available. Guess it depends on what you are looking for. The 6-cylinder version is not as common so you would probably be the only one in your neighborhood with bragging rights. But for ordinary mowing and blading duty, the stock 8N might be handier. If you consider it, check to make sure it has a governor. Sometimes the governor gets removed on the conversions, and when using a tractor with varying loads, a governor is a must to keep the engine speed constant. Otherwise you will constantly be adjusting the throttle.
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