I've got a line on a '50 Merc engine that is complete, runs and has low miles. I'm going to build an AV8 and will be using a '39 top loader and banjo rear end( I think I need a 1939 or 40 and need to locate one). I plan on building along the lines of Tardel and want to stay away from catalog parts. I also would like to maintain a stock wheelbase and use a mechanical fan. Are there pros and cons to using a late Flathead? Dean
I don't know about an AV8, but the '52 Merc in my '34 roadster with an S10 T5 runs great - about 1800 RPM at 60 MPH on the interstate.
The 1950 Mercury would be a 255 CI where as a Ford of that year would be 239 CI,,,I would think the Mercury would be a great choice for a AV8. HRP
Heck yes, that's a great choice . The 'Merc has the 4" stroke. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I have a '50 Merc at the machine shop right now thats going in my '30 coupe. I have a '39 trans (by the serial #) that Im rebuilding. I have to finish cleaning up the gears, so i can figure out what year they are from. It has the newer syncro type. Im going to have to replace the br*** items. Found br*** flakes in the drain plug when I pulled it. Im going to stay with the stock bango for right now. Streetrods are drivin' by Chevy, Hotrods are powered by Ford!
I have one in my A pick up, they are a bit longer due to the longer water pump shafts that move the belts away from the distributor, so if you want to run a mecahnical fan you may have to set the engine back and put a relief in the firewall. or use an earlier distributor which requires the correct cam and timing cover to drive it and the shorter water pumps.
They are longer (about 1 1/2"), but you can do what HotRodder 31 suggested. Here is one with that treatment, along with early heads. The downside is, it will cost some dough.
Thanks for the replies. Sounds like i should grab it and shorten up the the front. What treatment would be required of the existing generator in converting the front of the engine to an earlier style?
Well, I ****ed up and lost the guys business card. Hopefully I can track him down. In the mean time, still looking for a complete running flathead. Need to find a rear end too!
I have the merc 8BA style in my AV8 and works fine as well as gets much attention. Runs strong and using a '39 transmission with a Mitchell overdrive and 4:11 has the best of in town driving with highway cruising. Like Shamus above, I am cruising at 60-65 below 2000 rpm. Tight fit in the model A ch***is front to back but as you can see, I run on only one pulley off the crankshaft to pick up some clearance. Pete
Keith, No cuts to the firewall. Fit in pretty good once I lopped off the front pulley off and decided to run the water pumps, generator and fan off the same belt. I did need to relieve the front cross member a bit. Radiator pretty much in the stock position as well. BTW--it's in a Model A ch***is. Pete
Pete, Thanks for the info. I'm going to have to purchase water pumps. I'm unsure on who to go with. I'm bored .100 over, so I need a set that pushes water.
Here's mine. 8BA with '35 gearbox. We did have to slightly trim the bottom of the firewall for the fuel pump stand to clear due to retaining the stock Model A rear end and torque tube. We kept the alternator that came with the engine and mounted the fan on it driven by a single wide belt off 8RT water pumps. This gave us plenty of room in front with a Bubba-modified dizzy in the stock location and actually had to space the fan forward a bit.
Get some water pumps from Skip Haney in Florida. Just google his name. His pumps move twice as much water as the stock flathead pumps. I run them on my full race flattie (286 CI.) and have no overheating problems even in +90 degree heat in traffic.
Nice looking engine placements! Firewall looks great too. I can't remember where I got the water pumps back when but they were the "new and improved kind". Could have been D. Carpenter but not sure. My Merc is only bored a bit to clean it up and she hasnt overheated yet. Thanks for sharing!
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