Mercules MCF Project Part 9 - Engine & Paint

[aj510]

We have alot to update on mercules this update - from engine to panels!The paint and panel has been finished (our side of it anyways) and we have had a chance to have a play with the motor finally! The block was stripped bare and everything dropped off at the local machine shop. One of the heads ended up being cracked, so brand new cast heads with all the problems of the original castings gone were ordered. The new heads have larger valves, intake and exhaust ports are visibly larger, redesigned combustion chamber, posilock studs and guide plates - have a look at the comparison of the old and new below.


Just a quick tip, if you’re looking for second hand heads make sure they do not have a tap in the front of them as this indicates it was from a boat and boat heads = corroded heaps of crap!

Old heads are on the left

Comparison of ports old versus new heads..

The above video demonstrates our speedy engine build ~2minutes, not bad hey? We did run across one problem and that was the very last head bolt to be torqued down threaded itself. Upon closer inspection we realised that the head bolts were missing the last two or three threads due to corrosion (this engine use to be in a boat). So the lesson learned here is if you replace the heads on a boat motor make sure you check the bolts for corrosion or just pay the $50 for a full set of new head bolts or don’t buy a motor that was in a boat.
Aside from new heads, the 30 thou over pistons that were in the block have been reused (they were in great condition) with oversized rings, bores needed only a hone, new mild cam (lift 420, duration 208), new lifters, welsch plugs, crow cams adjustable timing chain, full gasket set, new head bolts, high pressure oil pump and a full set of clevite bearings. Nothing too wild but it should make for a healthy combo and the merc definitely won’t know what has hit it once it’s up and running.

Next on the list was the final rubdown and pulling down our makeshift spray booth.

Oh and did I mention we have had ALL the panels painted and they look fantastic. White maybe boring but it’s new paint and there is nothing like new paint, makes all the sanding feel like it wasn’t for nothing. The shell still needs to be painted which should be done in the next week with any luck.

The dash is going to be vacuum moulded so we have begun the process of getting rid of all the cracks, filling them up and blanking out holes that we don’t need (original speaker hole has been blanked out). The interior has also been sent off to be retrimmed in black vinyl.
That’s the lot for this update - alot has changed and once the shell is finished we’ll be able to drop the motor straight back in and finish off the rack, sump and headers!

Mercules Build Up Part 9 Gallery
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[FAT-245]

Looks like it is coming along Happily AJ,

What rings were used? Black Cast or Chrome Moly?

You didnt get the Block Skimmed? or was the Honing Done before the Skim?

The Heads should give you a Nice Bump in Comp as the Chambers look smaller

[simpson]

Originally Posted by FAT-245

Looks like it is coming along Happily AJ,

What rings were used? Black Cast or Chrome Moly?

You didnt get the Block Skimmed? or was the Honing Done before the Skim?

The Heads should give you a Nice Bump in Comp as the Chambers look smaller

WE are getting there mate, we used Chrome Moly rings.

We didn't need to get the block decked as the surface was perfect.

The new heads are really really nice and yeah the will up the comp a little due too the chamber being smaller

[FAT-245]

cool, what Cam are you guys planning on running?

The Paint Does Indeed look the Goods...and there aint nothing wrong with WHITE...

[simpson]

in the txt it says "new mild cam (lift 420, duration 208)"

[FAT-245]

Whoops, Missed it...

Thanks Paul :)

You guys sorted out the pan and pickup Dilemma's?

[simpson]

we are going to use one of those flexi mount one's like you found, we havn't started to create the sump yet one of the next things on the still long list

[cycov8]

looking good guys cant wait to see it all assembled

[hypo 75]

lookng good guys prodress is comeing along nicely do you think it will be ready for reds car show

[aj510]

mate, we'll try to get it there by then but honestly can't promise anything. There is still quite a bit to do and reds really isn't that far off.