I've been posting questions in various threads and thought I probably should start a projects thread.
My wagon:
1963 Mercury Colony Park Why am I not rebuilding the motor that's in there?
I love driving the car and also know my tendency to let projects linger.
What have I got so far?
I've got a '68 390 from a GT. Seems to be an X code block, although with all the various casting numbers for FE series engines I really don't know if that means too much. It's been bored 0.040 and is ready to build.
I also picked up an old supposed early 60s FE aluminum 4V intake, I need to get a picture of it and maybe get it ID'd. There are no casting numbers on it. The reason I got it was it was setup with the oil filler tube in the intake. I'm not married to it, I just thought it might be a cool OEM piece to use and I love the Mercury valve covers I have now(no oil filler holes).
What am I trying to do?
Build another 390 to replace the current tired motor, but with a bit more power. Looking at the build sheet, the stock setup was 250Hp and 400lb/ft tq. I'd like to go a bit more than that, say around 350-400Hp and 450-500 lb/ft tq.
The car has a Merc O'matic that was just rebuild last year and I really want to keep that transmission. It really is nice on the highway(aside from having to stop about every hour to check oil from blowby loss). The read end is a 3.00 according to the door plate code.
Looks like the Survival Prison Break stroker package is pretty popular here and after talking with Barry that seems like a good choice for me. I read through the Hot Rod article on the budget 390 build linked on this site and while comprehensive, I am not looking to go street/strip, just a good cruiser that I'd love to try and do a Hot Rod power tour with.
I'd really appreciate any advice/feedback on heads, cam, rocker and intake setups I should consider. This is my first engine build, so I will most likely ask some dumb questions for sure.
Dan