What parts do the tractor pullers want?

Most of the pullers that call want parts for the M through 450 tractors so I we will talk about them for now.
1. C-264 and C-281 engine blocks: These blocks are identical except for the fact that some of them have a dip-stick hole and some do not. Generally the later the block production, the more likely it is to have a dipstick. The four and one eigth pistons and sleeves will fit in either ones without any modifacation.
2. 450 gas and LP manifolds: The theory is that a colder manifold will have a more dense charge of air and these 2 manifolds seem to flow very well. The LP manifold is the coldest because the exhaust is completely seperated from the intake meaning that there is little or no transfer of heat from one to another. The 450 gas manifold is also popular because there is only 3 little ribs connecting the intake and exhaust sides together.
3. 450 gas camshafts: The pullers tell me that they have a higher lift and longer duration than the standard M cams. 450 camshaft has a different valve "overlap" and that is one reason for their increased performance and why the tractor pullers really want them
Tip: The 450 gas cam is easily identified by the left handed nut that holds the cam gear on.
4. 450 gas head and 450 LP head: The 450 gas head is the most popular seller because of the price difference. Rebuilt 362174 gas heads cost about $500 while the LP heads, if you can find one, are generally in the $1500+ range. Again the pullers tell me that these heads have big valves, flow well and have room to put in bigger valves when wanted.
Tip: The pullers tell me that higher compression such as with the LP head is not always the answer. Bore and stroke = cubic inches and that is where a lot of horsepower comes from.
5. 9 bolt dual hubs and pressed steel wheels: they save weight.
6. W-6 ring gear and pinion sets: They speed up your tractor in any given gear about 7% or so.
7. W-9 carbuerator: They have a much larger bore and will bolt right on. Bigger bore means more fuel and more air.

Tip: Before you modify or build a pulling engine it is a good idea to have a plan for what you want to do. If you need help building an engine I suggest calling a reputable builder like Lemmon's Tractor Service and get an estimate. Their number is 317-938-1808. If you choose them for your needs, please let them know we sent you their way. Steel Wheel Ranch can supply you with many of the parts mentioned here at a very reasonable cost. Please see our parts page for prices.