53 merc head questions

bwood53

bwood53

Member
I have a 53 merc motor. I'm buying a set of 8cm heads for it. I can also get a set of eab heads for it. Should I buy extra set? 100 a pair. Do they have diff compression? Should I use fresh head bolts? Best gasket? Any other advice is appreciated. Thank you.
 
HIGHTOWER611 said:
In my opinion buy the EAB heads instead of the 8CM heads. Higher compression ratio.
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Same as what I have been told. The EAB head is the one to use. Has the higher compression ratio. Were found on the '52-'53 Fords. I think the 8CM are mercury heads, nothing special. Probably not worth $100.

Neal
 
bwood53 said:
I have a 53 merc motor. I'm buying a set of 8cm heads for it. I can also get a set of eab heads for it. Should I buy extra set? 100 a pair. Do they have diff compression? Should I use fresh head bolts? Best gasket? Any other advice is appreciated. Thank you.
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To answer the other questions that you have. I use new bolts. I have used both types of gaskets. Probably would go with the composite over the copper.

Neal
 
The EAB heads, as stated, are higher compression which yields more fuel economy and performance. The Merc engines - 8CM - used a larger combustion chamber because they had greater displacement. It depends on what you want. I have a 276" 8ba with EAB heads and am very pleased with it. There is a significant difference in the combustion chamber size of the EAB and 8CM heads.
 
Use a new gasket and clean the bolts with a wire brush, you can oil the treads and torque them to 45 ft/lbd for 3 heat cycles. DO NOT over torque!!!
 
I had both when I rebuilt my engine. I chose the EAB and they have been great. I had them "cleaned up" when I had the block done, just to make sure they were flat.
 
bwood53 said:
Is 7% worth it? Better w ba or rt? How much clearance do I need for eab heads?
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Put the head on without the gasket. (don't tighten it down) Crank the motor over and see if the valves hit. If not, should be o.k. with the clearance from the head gasket.

Neal
 
Damn look at that. Asked a dumb question. Paid attention to good folks and learned something. Thanks for everything guys.
 
For what it is worth: Not sure what you are going to do with the 53' Merc engine, but if you are looking for a paint color for the heads and block: Dupli-Color Engine Enamel DE1618 Detroit Diesel Alpine Green. You can get it at most auto parts stores in a rattle can. The picture of the thermostat housing is with the original paint on one half and the Dupli-Color on the other half. The other picture was when I got a set of the EAC heads and decided to clean up the block in the car. This was before I bought a new block and built a new engine....big crack in the block.
 

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