07-31-2012, 09:41 AM
(07-30-2012, 09:48 PM)Bonecracker Wrote: I had a 1953 Mercury in my teens, had a 255 flathead V8 in it. Never ever had a single hitch! The powerplant was a bloody brilliant design, but the car was severely underpowered and I let it go for next to nothing when I was about 17.
SWEET! Yeah, when these engines are right, you never have any problems with them. This one has given me nearly 10 years without a single issue.
The 4" crank in the Mercury engines makes a big difference! The 255 block is identical in all respects to the 239 I have in my truck except it has 1/4" more stroke. Those 4" cranks are coveted by hot-roders because of the added stroke.
Horsepower to weight ratio of the flathead is not good. 705lbs of engine and transmission and it generates 100hp on a good day (Mercury engines 135hp).
Just to put it in perspective, the Ford 460 police interceptor weighs in at 735lbs and generates 385hp stock!
TugboatCap!
[b][i]"It's always funny until someone loses an eye!"[/i][/b]
