Nash 184 L-Head Six enginePhoto: dave_7 · CC BY 2.0

Nash · Rambler Flathead Six

Nash 184 L-Head Six

The longer-stroke flathead six used in Statesman and Rambler models during the early 1950s.

184.1

Cubic inches

Nash retained the 3.125-inch bore and increased stroke to four inches, creating the 184 for heavier Statesman and Rambler duty.

Key variants

All variants184 Statesman six184 Rambler six

Displacement

184.1 ci

Bore

3.125"

Stroke

Years

1950–1954

Key Takeaway

The 184 kept the 3.125-inch bore of the 172.6 and lengthened stroke to 4.00 inches. The added stroke improved low-speed torque while preserving the same simple L-head construction and compact Nash six-cylinder layout.

Technical Specifications

Compression: 7.25:1 in documented 1954 specification
Horsepower: 85 hp @ 3800 rpm in documented 1954 Rambler specification
Torque: 150 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm in documented 1954 specification
Architecture: L-head inline six
Block: Cast iron
Cylinder heads: Cast iron
Valvetrain: Side-valve L-head
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Fuel delivery: Carbureted
Firing order: 1-5-3-6-2-4

Internal Specifications

Variant-specific values are labeled. Engine families that span multiple years or RPOs can have different heads, cams, induction and rotating parts, so the exact code/year always takes priority.

Identification & Output

Engine codes / RPO: Nash/Rambler 184.1 L-head six — identify by engine serial/stamp, 4.00-inch stroke and exact vehicle/year application
Casting numbers: No single universal 184 casting is established across the reviewed source set; use casting/date information together with the 4.00-inch stroke and serial/application data.
Power rating: Period brake horsepower / SAE gross-era rating
Horsepower RPM: 85 hp @ 3800 rpm in documented 1953–1954 Rambler specification
Torque RPM: 150 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm in documented 1954 specification

Operating Specs

Production notes: Nash introduced the 184 for 1950 by lengthening the 172.6 stroke to 4.00 inches while keeping the 3.125-inch bore. By 1953 it was the standard Rambler six, while heavier Hydra-Matic-equipped Ramblers could receive the 195.6.

Compatibility Notes

The 184 shares much of the L-head family architecture with the 172.6 and 195.6, but crank/stroke, chamber volume and external equipment must be matched to the specific engine.
1953–1954 Rambler installations differ by transmission and equipment; verify flywheel/flexplate, mounts, cooling and carburetion before swapping a family-related engine.

Notable Applications

Nash StatesmanNash Rambler

Strengths

Strong low-speed torque
Simple durable design
Direct lineage to 195.6 six

Weaknesses / Watch-outs

Flathead breathing limits output
Long stroke restricts rpm
Limited performance support

Common Upgrades

Carburetor refresh
Electronic ignition
Exhaust improvements

Racing History & Legacy

The 184 was a production economy/torque engine, not a purpose-built racing powerplant. Nash’s headline competition program used the larger OHV Ambassador six in Nash-Healey sports cars rather than the Rambler flathead 184.

The 184 was the middle step in Nash’s flathead-six evolution, increasing stroke from 3.75 to 4.00 inches before the family reached 195.6 cubic inches.

References & Image Credit

Engine image: dave_7 · CC BY 2.0 · source

Nash/Rambler 1950s general specifications

technical reference

AMC Magazine — Rambler 195.6 engine history

technical history

Automotive ignition reference — standard inline-six firing order

technical reference

AMC Magazine — Nash/Rambler 172.6, 184 and 195.6 engine-family history

technical history

1953 Nash Rambler brochure — 184 and 195.6 specifications

manufacturer brochure

Key Factory / Build Variants

184 Statesman six

1950–1954

Application/year dependent

Longer-stroke version developed for heavier Nash models

184 Rambler six

1953–1954

85 hp @ 3800 rpm representative

Standard Rambler engine while Hydra-Matic cars could receive the 195.6

Engineering Notes Worth Knowing

184.1 cu in / 3.0 L with 3.125 x 4.00-inch bore and stroke.

Cast-iron L-head inline-six.

Carbureted and naturally aspirated.

Documented 1954 output: 85 hp and 150 lb-ft.

History · context · related reading

The Story Behind Nash 184 L-Head Six

The 184 was a straightforward evolution of Nash's small flathead six: same bore, more stroke, and more useful torque for heavier Statesman and Rambler duty.

TorqueList Garage Reference Series

See this engine inside the full Nash reference catalog.

The same Engine Library data now powers a more detailed mobile-friendly catalog with technical specs, variants, engineering notes, history and related stories.