The Ford Barn

dgkipp · 08-12-2014, 07:15 AM

I am putting a 51 merc flathead engine in my 35 ford and I want to use my old transmission. What do I need for a bell housing? What are you suggestions for clutch and flywheel? Thanks for the help.

Chris Nelson · 08-12-2014, 09:54 AM

I had an 8BA in an old Ford and I used the 1950 bell housing adapter. Some are cast and some are stamped steel. It makes an easy adaption by changing the rear of the 49-50-51 Merc to the same as a 59AB early Ford.

V8COOPMAN · 08-12-2014, 10:00 AM

This '49-'50 Merc adapter will get you there. DD

19Fordy · 08-12-2014, 10:01 AM

I used the 49-51 Merc stamped steel bell housing with matching starter plate shown above. You must also use the 49-51 Merc rear sump oil pan. When I put a 50 Merc in my avatar car I used the 10 in Merc clutch and pressure plate and flywheel along with stock 1940 throw out bearing. The 50 merc engine has wide belt pumps while the 51 Merc has narrow belt pumps. Not sure if this will be a space problem when putting the 51 Merc in a 1935 Ford. The 51 Merc has a fan belt driving each water pump - not one belt driving both. You can also use 1949-50 Ford 8RT pick up wide belt water pumps but they are both driven by one belt. I believe you can also use the cast aluminum early Ford pick-up bellhousing and starter plate but don't be tempted to install an 11 in. clutch and pressure plate as it's "overkill". I have read where some folks also use the 1951 Merc motor mount "U" support. Not sure why. Must be related to engine height. 8RT truck pumps are shown below. Here's more info. http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...8ba+early+ford

rotorwrench · 08-12-2014, 10:46 AM

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The Mercury 8CM engine with it's OEM half bell will work to bolt up. The Mercury Borg & Beck 10-inch clutch might be a bit big for the early transmission but you can easily get the 8CM flywheel redrilled for the 9-inch clutch which should have no issues fitting in the bell end of the old type transmission. You will have to use the 8BA/8CM type flywheel for the late 8BA type block in order to get the starter to work correctly.

08-12-2014, 07:15 AM	#1
dgkipp Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 64	51 merc I am putting a 51 merc flathead engine in my 35 ford and I want to use my old transmission. What do I need for a bell housing? What are you suggestions for clutch and flywheel? Thanks for the help.

08-12-2014, 09:54 AM	#2
Chris Nelson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Poulsbo, WA. Posts: 356	Re: 51 merc I had an 8BA in an old Ford and I used the 1950 bell housing adapter. Some are cast and some are stamped steel. It makes an easy adaption by changing the rear of the 49-50-51 Merc to the same as a 59AB early Ford.

08-12-2014, 10:46 AM	#5
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: 51 merc Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The Mercury 8CM engine with it's OEM half bell will work to bolt up. The Mercury Borg & Beck 10-inch clutch might be a bit big for the early transmission but you can easily get the 8CM flywheel redrilled for the 9-inch clutch which should have no issues fitting in the bell end of the old type transmission. You will have to use the 8BA/8CM type flywheel for the late 8BA type block in order to get the starter to work correctly.