M Farmall motor refresh

[Levi - M Farmall Puller]

My M's motor doesnt have the as much compression as it did when i bought it 4 years ago, and im wanting to rebuild the motor, and since i pull with it too, i am also debating on adding a little more horsepower to it. I dont know much about the engine as is, only that it is the 248ci. What i would like to know is how hard would it be to rebuild it as the SM 264ci? And what all would it intise to do to complete this? Also is it out of the question to possibly to build the 450 281ci out of my straight M engine?
 

[High Octane]

yes you can make a 248 block into a 281. 2 methods, both work nice. sleeveless, or sleeved using stock 450 sleeve set in the M block. Have your rods totally overhauled, new bolts n keepers. then start with a new lp head n go!
 

[LarryM]

Regrind the cam or your missing some inexpensive horsepower.
 

[north puller]

Can I assume that the main use of this tractor is farming? You probably don't want anything too wild? Want to keep it rebuildable?

You can buy an off the shelf piston rebuild kit with liners sized to fit right in your block that will give you a Super M bore (264 cubes). Most kits will come with dome pistons for a little more compression.

People out there that have switched to a 450 gas or Lp head should be just about giving away the old 8060 Super M gas heads. Add one of these and you will have a high compression Super M motor that is completely rebuildable.

Should give you an honest 50 hp.