Introduction

Late Mercury heads are a poor choice for performance purposes, as they have larger chambers to allow them to have the same compression ratio as contemporary Fords that had a shorter stroke. I think someone has already mentioned EAB heads.
 
I was Pikes Peak, as the Ranger anyway. There and Yellow River Forest. Retired in ‘03. Live just a couple miles south of the park now.
 
tubman said:
Late Mercury heads are a poor choice for performance purposes, as they have larger chambers to allow them to have the same compression ratio as contemporary Fords that had a shorter stroke. I think someone has already mentioned EAB heads.
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Thanks for the info. I was told by the po that it was a ‘53 Merc so I assume it’s 255cid, but haven’t confirmed the 4” stroke. If it is 255 cid would the EAB heads still be preferred?
 
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Welcome, Jim - nice car!

What kind of rear swaybar & shock setup did you use? Could you post some pictures if you have any, I have a 1941 basket case pickup under construction & I want to address that issue.
 
prsvf1 said:
Welcome, Jim - nice car!

What kind of rear swaybar & shock setup did you use? Could you post some pictures if you have any, I have a 1941 basket case pickup under construction & I want to address that issue.
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it was HR-18000-K from Bob Drake. It required a little trimming of the cross member for the shocks and doesn’t leave much room for exhaust. I haven’t got that part figured out, I cut the pipes off just before the axle and that’s were it stands now.
 
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prsvf1 said:
Welcome, Jim - nice car!

What kind of rear swaybar & shock setup did you use? Could you post some pictures if you have any, I have a 1941 basket case pickup under construction & I want to address that issue.
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https//www.fordbarn.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=5387&pictureid
 
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miniceptor86 said:
it was HR-18000-K from Bob Drake. It required a little trimming of the cross member for the shocks and doesn’t leave much room for exhaust. I haven’t got that part figured out, I cut the pipes off just before the axle and that’s were it stands now.
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I have added a few more photos to my album. I’m not having much luck posting them.
 
miniceptor86 said:
Thanks for the info. I was told by the po that it was a ‘53 Merc so I assume it’s 255cid, but haven’t confirmed the 4” stroke. If it is 255 cid would the EAB heads still be preferred?
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These engines can always use a little more compression. If it was a '53 Merc, it originally had 7.2:1 compression and the EAB's would probably push that close to 8:1. Increasing compression adds to both performance and economy, so it is a "win-win" situation. As you become more acquainted with this site, you can find out there are modifications that can be made to the cylinder heads (both stock and aftermarket) to increase the efficiency of these engines with little cost.

If the engine has not been repainted (and even if it has), traces of bluish-green paint is a good indication of a Mercury engine. Also, see if it has a 3 bolt or 4 bolt carburetor (the Mercury's had 4 bolt carbs).
 
Welcome Jim just to let you know there are some people here that will try and get you interested in all kinds of things again Welcome and be careful
 
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