1962 Mercury Meteor question

[46yblock]

I am due to pickup a '62 Meteor S33 this weekend. It has a 221 SBF in it now. Does anyone know of the installation of a 292/312 in one of these, or in a '62 Fairlane? The Meteor shares a lot with the Fairlanes. I'm wondering how difficult the swap would be.

[ford1]

i would be looking at a 289 or better yet a 302 ford engine, they are the ones that replaced the 221

[46yblock]

Yes I am aware of the SBF family of sizes. Might even consider a 260. Wondering about the Y because I have a couple close to ready.

[streetdreams]

I wouldn't do it. Sounds like something you may want to do because it's feasible, but I'd stay with a SBF. I would agree with a 289, (later 6 bolt block), or a 302. A 260 is still pretty anemic in that size car. I wouldn't use one. JMHO.

['lilredcoupe]

I've never heard of it being done with a Y block, but lots of big blocks have made their way in to these cars. I'd say with a shock tower kit, your on your way... My little 260 sounds great cruising down country roads, but nothing sounds like a Y block...

[46yblock]

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Originally Posted by 'lilredcoupe

I've never heard of it being done with a Y block, but lots of big blocks have made their way in to these cars. I'd say with a shock tower kit, your on your way... My little 260 sounds great cruising down country roads, but nothing sounds like a Y block...

Since I have a rumbling Y powered '46, it is time to get into a different power plant. So the SBF will stay in place. I do want to increase it to a 260 though, and would rather have that than a 289. Looking at the engine specs for 221/260/289, it seems like all that needs to be done is find a set of 260 pistons and have it bored out during a rebuild. Does anyone have experience with the relative cost of boring a block 300 thousanths, compared to a run of the mill bore which costs about $150? My machine shop guy is out of town.

And 'lilRedcoupe", isnt that picture a meteor? Nice!

[rick55]

You would need to get your block sonic tested with an overbore of that size. I would doubt that a block would allow that size over. Machine shops don't like boring out that far due to the time and risk involved. Budget on at least double the normal cost, but realistically it will probably end up being triple what they would normally charge if it is feasible. You would be much better off to buy a block of the size you want and have that rebuilt while you are still using the 221. Bite the bullet and put a 289/302 in it and it will be more adequately powered.
Regards

['lilredcoupe]

I don't think you can go that far with a 221, not enough meat. Same with trying to get to a 289 piston with a 260 block. I would bore only enough to true the cylinders and go with it. A fresh 221 will be perfectly adequate. Also think gas mileage. Meteors don't need to be fast, they're already kewl. Mine is a '63 hardtop. Never thought I'd find a forum where I could talk Model A and Meteor together!!

[Y-Blockhead]

Mike, they don't call them "thin wall castings" for nothing...

[streetdreams]

Y Blockhead speaks volumes. I'm sonic checking SBF's when looking at .040 over.

[46yblock]

OK, simplistic bad idea. I'll be looking for a 289/302.

[craig]

I have a standard bore 260 block, but no 5 bolt 289's

[46yblock]

Where is the 260? As I understand it (?), I should be looking for a 6 bolt 289/302, I assume to be able to use later transmissions and their bells. There is a rebuilt C4 on hand, so it may be a less power robbing option than the Fordo (or Merco matic).

[JeffB2]

Here is a cheap base to build from http://medford.craigslist.org/pts/2867439032.html Since you have a C4 a pre-1980 302 would have the 28 OZ balance factor,you won't be able to use the 221 timing cover but you can use it's front sump oil pan as well as the balancer and existing pulleys,in 1970 the balancers went from a 3 bolt to four bolt so the early pulleys won't work use a 65-69 Mustang 289 water pump to work with your existing pulleys and radiator.

[46yblock]

Thanks Jeff. I saw that add several days ago, but didnt know if it would be a good option or not. Called the guy this AM. Should be able to look at it Sat. Unfortunately the 302 has been outside on a trailer, covered with a tarp for the past years, and wont turn over. On that basis alone it shouldnt be over $100. Is there a site where the different heads which were available can be looked over? I would like to get the CR up to around 9 on a rebuilt motor, for a little better MPG.

[46yblock]

How about a 1982 302 out of a full size Bronco with 4 speed? Found one local that does turn over for $100.

[streetdreams]

Sounds like a good deal. Now, if you can find a nice, early AOD.........

[JeffB2]

Originally Posted by 46yblock

How about a 1982 302 out of a full size Bronco with 4 speed? Found one local that does turn over for $100.

That is a good price to work with,here is some head info http://www.mre-books.com/interchange/interchange5.html read the section on 289 Hi-Po heads (I scored a set for $50 from a guy that didn't want a Ford motor in his Jeep) and have them on my '84 302.The standard 65-early '67 heads also have adjustable rockers and will work on your 302 just fine do some mild port matching, as far as AOD's go you will want a 1988-93 these have the improved valve body and lubrication modifications the earlier ones lacked and they are non-computer so work well with Carbs.Good info on AOD's here www.clickclickracing.com mre books also has books for building SBF's sometimes you can get smokin' deals on used ones from www.half.com

[JeffB2]

Since you brought up wanting more MPG I would grab this:http://www.ebay.com/itm/ford-edelbro...#ht_500wt_1200 these were produced during the Jimmy Carter "gas crisis" and are not in production now and work very well with an Edelbrock 500 CFM and coupled with this cam http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HRS-212001-14/ and the AOD 25-27 MPG highway should be no problem.This cam also has a higher lift and more duration on the exhaust to help increase exhaust flow and breathing which is the downside of stock Ford heads.

[46yblock]

The seller of the '82 302 is difficult to pin down with respect to his address, like he is hiding a stash. It may not work out. But something will with a little time, and all of the parts recommendations are great references.

In the meantime the car is tuned up, and turn signals and brake lights are now working (locating 3 fuses on the light switch wasnt a great idea). We have a flood watch for the next two days, so there wont be any driving. There is a new front windshield on the way to replace the cracked windshield. Sure hope they send the right one! And a NEW rear trim panel is in the mail too. Next is a new carpet. And the power steering unit has a pretty good, or bad, leak.

I am also doing some minor work to the '46, getting it ready for the good season.