Hey there all! Haven't had a car for about a year and a half, but I have picked up a project that will tide me over until I do find the next one. We were at mu buddy's Dad's shop helping him figure out the rear end on the drag car he is building (65 Coronet super stock). He mentioned that he was finally going to clean house and take all of the things that he had collected to the Jefferson Swap Meet here in WI. I asked about things he was going to send down the line- top loaders, 57 HEMI and trans, and all other kinds of goodies. A**** the trove was a Flathead- a Merc Flatty, to be specific. We struck a deal, which was very generous; the 60k flatty and 3 spd overdrive ****** for $400. He also said that he may have a multiple carb intake and carbs that he would consider throwing into the pot as well. I love the Flattys, and figured that since my next ride will either be a 46-48 Ford, or 52-54 Ford/Merc, I could beef this one up a bit and get her pretty for the next car. Since funds are less than ideal at present, I can peck away over the next year until I am ready for a ride. I tried to do a little research, but didn't find much of what I was looking for. I asked his pop what year the engine was out of, but he wasn't sure. I do not have the engine in my possession yet, but have given him some dough- should have it in the next couple of weeks. He said it was a 256, but I can only find a 255 designation. It does have the Merc heads, which he says he has only seen one other time in his life. So...does anyone have any sites that may help me out as far as finding out what in the heck this is exactly? Any idea about the stock color? Can anyone tell me what folks would have done back in the day to warm it up? I heard that a stroker kit for a Flatty is $1700, so I won't be heading that route. Thanks much, and pics when I bring it home.
You might want to get some of these: http://www.mre-books.com/ford/engines/flatheads.html Also check this for some of those ***les sometimes there are good bargains for used copies: http://search.half.ebay.com/Ford-cars_W0QQ_trksidZp2682Q2em1447Q2el2686QQmZbooks The first Mercury overhead V8 in 1954 was a 256 (one year only),1949-53 Flathead Mercs were called 255's,if you run the formula for cubic inches you could call them what you like I guess, kinda like the 301 and 302 Chevys Any way glad you are on the way back to Fordsville.
You might try the Early V8 Group over on the Ford Barn too, lots of flathead experts there. Link: http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=4
Thanks fellas, Ill be looking into this a bit further and hopefully remember to post the iden***y of said engine.
Congrats on your score, Scott! Unless you're going to rip it apart the only thing you really need to know is if it's an "early" flathead (up to 1948 or a "late" flathead (1949 - 1953). The water outlets on the heads are usually a good indicator. Then build a test stand so you can get it running. You can make one out of wood. Then tinker with it until it runs smoothly. Flattys are not rocket science, especially the late ones. For a mild street motor you'll want to raise the compression by milling the heads, replace the distributor with a more adjustable design, exhaust manifolds without the crossover, and add a second carburetor. Done. (You can find most of this stuff used) Then go looking for a car to put it in. Remember, the less the car weighs the better it'll perform with a mild motor. I prefer businessman's coupes with short doors, short tops and no back seats. Good luck!
The Mercury engine is just a Ford block with a four inch stroke crank in it. So you already have a stroker. After this many years, who knows what has been done to the block. The only way to know how big it is is to remove a head and measure, then do the math. There are longer stroke craks out there, but you already quoted to cost for that. The stroke you have can be made into a reliable 276, 286 if you push your luck.
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