Hello. I'm a new member to the H.A.M.B. and the owner of 1950 Mercury 4-door that I restored back when I was a senior in high school, some 25 years ago. My two young daughters are old enough now where I can get back to my hobby and so I'm currently planning to pull the flathead, rebuild it again, slap on one of Joe Abbin's blowers, and change out the transmission. My dilemma is what transmission to use, T-5 or 200-4R. Since the Merc is such a big car, the thought of going through 5 gears on the floor coming from three on the tree sort of bothers me. The idea of losing the clutch, though, and the sound of the flathead revving at the light would be a big sacrifice. If I were to go with the 200-4R automatic, driving the car would be simple and I could get a trans-brake for launches. But what about the floorpan and what would need to go into getting the transmission to fit? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thank you. Mark. My first build in 1987 when I was a senior in high school. Flatheads really are forever.
I am still starting my project so I'm no where close to being done. I'm totally new on mercs but I'm learning alot quick. But I wish I could help you on your question. But welcome
Welcome! Great you still have the car after all this time. Still have my first car, which unfortunately hasn't really seen the light of day for 15 years or so. My 51 Merc has a 700r4 behind a sbc and no modifications to the floor pan or trans hump. So you maybe able to put the 200 in without any sheet metal surgery.
WELCOME I am running a sbc with the Powerglide trans in my 50 Merc I only had to Bubble it up a little so I don't think you have to worry
Welcome. "Launching" a Merc with a flattie? Even blown that's a stretch. I have a 700R4 in mine. No mods to trans tunnel or floor.
If your going with a flat head and you have the clutch linkages, a T5 is a really good choice. A GM transmission can be installed behind a flat motor but the C4 ford is easier with a Flat-O addapter. The T5 will give it an overdrive that will help the flat motor keep the Rs down on the highway. A 2004R tranny behind a flat motor is more of a mystery since I can't recall any examples to push your way. Wilcap makes an adapter but it has to use a small chrysler starter and I don't know how well it works with a flatmotor. Welcome on the HAMB
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