I was on here last year and asking about what engines would fit in my 55 t bird.
well I am just getting back to this car and found a 54 Merc y block that is rebuilt for cheap $.
How likely is this to bolt right up?
do you have a tbird parts engine
Now that is a good question as you will need some BIRD specific parts to install.
The 256 block will bolt to an oem T-Bird transmission
but...
there are several important
T-Bird specific parts that are required let the Merc block fit into
a longer narrower '55/'57 T-Bird engine compartment:
Oil pan & pick-up tube
.... $500
Timing cover
.... $65+
Front motor support bracket & mount
.... $75+
Block side steady-rest brackets & rods
... $75+
Crankshaft pulley
.... $150+, not including rebuild for $180
T-Bird generator pulley
.... $125
Water pump spacer ring (and water pump pulley?)
.. $75+
Drivers side exhaust manifold
.... $250
Flywheel or flexplate
...?
'54 or '55 distributor
...?
I included some prices you might see when looking for these parts,
IF you can find them.
There are a few other parts too (tach drive distributor, etc.) just not as critical as the above.
If you can find a mostly complete '55/'56 T-Bird engine for parts or rebuild it will save a bunch of headaches. A '57 Bird engine would work if you solve the incorrect size Temp Sensor problem.
FYI: the carb, intake manif & distributor were originally Each-Year-Only specific. Those pieces do not mix & match between years, unless used as a year-matching set.
'55 was the last year of the 6 volt positive ground electrical system. '56 was 12 volt negative ground, like '57, but the dash gauges & senders are Not the same or interchangeable.
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