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Thread: best motor for perf., reliability, economy???
          
   
   

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  1. #1
    merc53man is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Car Year, Make, Model: 1953 mercury hardtop + '56 chev p/u
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    best motor for perf., reliability, economy???

     



    hello, im looking for a small block to put in my 53 merc hardtop. i want something w/ enough power, (but its not gonna be a racecar) easy to work on --probably late 50's-early 70's and a motor i car trust--maybe a 283 or 327 ?? i welcome your recomm endations and opinions
    merc53man

  2. #2
    lt1s10's Avatar
    lt1s10 is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Car Year, Make, Model: 1997 CHEVY.S10 LT1-350
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    Re: best motor for perf., reliability, economy???

     



    Originally posted by merc53man
    hello, im looking for a small block to put in my 53 merc hardtop. i want something w/ enough power, (but its not gonna be a racecar) easy to work on --probably late 50's-early 70's and a motor i car trust--maybe a 283 or 327 ?? i welcome your recomm endations and opinions
    merc53man
    a 302 or 351 would work just fine.
    Mike
    check my home page out!!!
    http://hometown.aol.com/kanhandco2/index.html




  3. #3
    R Pope is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Yep, a 302/351 with a AOD would work great.

  4. #4
    53 Chevy5's Avatar
    53 Chevy5 is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Car Year, Make, Model: 53 Chevy 3100
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    yup, i agree, keep it a Ford with a 302 or 351.
    Seth

    God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. C.S.Lewis

  5. #5
    Old Gold is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Car Year, Make, Model: '58 Chevy1/2 ton shortbed fleetside
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    I dunno...if it's like the older ford/mercs (pre-48), it's a lot easier to fit a SBC in there. It has more of the dimensions of the old flathead as well as the rear sump oil pan just like the old flatties.
    Mike

  6. #6
    lt1s10's Avatar
    lt1s10 is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Car Year, Make, Model: 1997 CHEVY.S10 LT1-350
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    a 53 is to new for a chevy. motor. need to be at least a 1940, before the chevy. looks good in there.
    Mike
    check my home page out!!!
    http://hometown.aol.com/kanhandco2/index.html




  7. #7
    Dave Severson is offline CHR Member/Contributor Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Car Year, Make, Model: '67 Ranchero, '57 Chevy, '82 Camaro,
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    The 4.6 mod motor would be another consideration.....especially the DOHC engine with the supercharger!!!!!!
    Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, Live for Today!
    Carroll Shelby

    Learning must be difficult for those who already know it all!!!!

  8. #8
    HOTRODPAINT's Avatar
    HOTRODPAINT is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    If you put a Chevy in it, which is the most popular engine swap for rods & customs, BY FAR, you will have the added pleasure of watching the Ford fans whine! :-)~

  9. #9
    Swifster's Avatar
    Swifster is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Car Year, Make, Model: 1964 Studebaker Commander
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    I'm using a GM engine in my Studebaker. That being said, I'd use a 302 or 351W.
    ---Tom

    1964 Studebaker Commander
    1964 Studebaker Daytona

  10. #10
    Ives Bradley's Avatar
    Ives Bradley is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Car Year, Make, Model: 49 Ford tudor
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    The 302 351 is a bolt in with the rear sump pan and pickup engine mounts. My best friend has 54 Ford with 302, works perfect.
    Choose your battles well===If it dont go chrome it

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