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!
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AJ , On:
AJ
Posted In: Mercules, Other, Project Cars
