I just picked up a 1930 ford coupe with the original banger in it. I was looking to spruce up the banger to gang better highway speeds. While attending a car show today I crossed paths with a 1930 ford coupe with a Mercruizer in it. What are the pros/cons to both and which is better cost effective to spruce up?
An 84-87 F150 trans is a good fit behind a banger. It gives you all synchro and an overdrive top gear, great for highway speeds. Also the tailshaft can be modified to work with the torque tube rear. Highway cruising is probably gonna make you long for hydraulic brakes too. All you need to know right here... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=728951
I believe the Mercruiser engines are balanced and have a little different cam. I have a 250 Chevy Mercruiser in my 48 Chevy and really like it. Can't speak to the banger, but imagine it's the same kind of deal.
As I understand it the main drawback to the Mercruiser 3.0 is that you'll have to fab up your own intake and exhaust. On the other hand, it's 140 hp out of the box, with the efficiency of a modern engine and relatively traditional appearance.
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