54 Merc , 256 ci

T

teejay99

Member
I'm interested in a '54 merc monterey that has a 256 ci motor . I know nothing about this particular motor and can't imagine that it was around very long . Was this an early Y block ? What can you say about it good/bad/indifferent ?

Thanks , Terry
 
In 1954 it was used in Fords as the Police Interceptor it was also used in 1954 Mercurys it was one year only it used a Holley four barrel that earned the nickname "the flaming toilet" if you are restoring it all stock some of the internals were used in the 1954-55 Ford 239's.If it turns out the motor is junk and you still want the looks and sounds of a Y-block the 292 swap is common.Installing a later 302/5.0 is also EZ and less expensive as far as parts and availability goes.
 
The 256 Merc y-Block was only offered in 1954. It responded differently than the previous year 255 Flathead and certainly sounded different. It was the beginning of the horsepower wars (especially after the small block Chevy came out in 1955). If you rebuilt it (just did one) you have to be careful that you get all the right components: some are shared with the 1954 Ford 239 Y-block and later Y-blocks and sometimes get mixed up in a rebuild kit. It is a solid engine and can be bored easily. However it is overshadowed by the 292 and 312. Unless you know what to look for it is very difficult to spot the differences between a 256 and a 1954 Merc with a transplanted 312. The Holley carburetors can be a bit touchy but provide good response. Going to a dual exhaust on a 256 can be a bit of a pain but it improves performance greatly (and if you do it right, a nice exhaust sound).
 
Thanks for the mini tutorial guys . Until I bought a new 302 Mustang in 1968 ( wish I'd kept it ) I was into sbc's . I'm clueless on the pre- 289-302 Ford motors .
I think if I do get the Merc , and it isn't "restored classic quality" , I'll swap the 256 for a newer Ford since I'd like around 400 hp . Maybe 351 , 390 , 428 .
I do like the modular 5.4 but ....so many choices .

Thanks again , T
 
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While I would keep the Yblock, I have seen the 4.6-5.4 engine swap in that year Ford porducts. Fits good. One in particular was a 54 Ford Ranch Wagon w/a 4.6 in it. Beautiful car.
 
Good to know , Dan , thanks . A friend has a '32 3-window with the Lightning 5.4 and I think it's the most awesome setup I've seen ...expensive though with the truck automatic .

Just thinking out loud , would the rebuilt and detailed Y block 256 bring much ?

T
 
I'm a little partial to the Y-Block and I would keep a Y-Block in it, but probably go with a 272/292 only because parts are easier to find for them than the 239/256, especially performance parts. And I'll add the Y-Block is one off the best SOUNDING engines and when dressed one of the BEST looking.

Check here for parts and goodie;
EGGE
Red's Headers
[URL="http://www.ford-y-block.com]John Mummert[/URL]

Newer transmissions are adaptable also, C-4, AOD, T-5. GM/Chevy PowerGlide, TH350, 700RH. Just giving some options.

Myself I have a 312" with C-4 and a Gear Vendor OD/UD.

Just my opinions. Your car, your choice.
 
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Much appreciated , guys ...I'll give it all some serious thought .

T

...almost forgot , where does the 406 stand ...was it a transition from the Y block ? I only remember it in '62 when it seemed to be strong in S/S class drag racing .
 
teejay99 said:
Thanks for the mini tutorial guys . Until I bought a new 302 Mustang in 1968 ( wish I'd kept it ) I was into sbc's . I'm clueless on the pre- 289-302 Ford motors .
I think if I do get the Merc , and it isn't "restored classic quality" , I'll swap the 256 for a newer Ford since I'd like around 400 hp . Maybe 351 , 390 , 428 .
I do like the modular 5.4 but ....so many choices .

Thanks again , T
Click to expand...
400 HP,are youbuilding a drag car or a street machine.?? ken ct
 
I'm listening to the pro-Y block arguments and find them intriguing . It appears that if I went to a 292 or even a 312 , I could end up with some decent horsepower ....apparently after various modifications .

My main concern is that I remember the bone head move I made with a 265 Chevy engine for my first car - '55 Chevy . I spent a lot of money on improving that motor when , it turns out ,I could have got the same power with a stock 327 out of the junk yard for a fraction of the money . I was "young and foolish " but did learn a lesson . I don't want to make the same mistake again .

T
 
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