Possible swaps?

[Anonymous]

Hi there,
I'm a new member here. I've got a 1963 Mercury 400 (Canadian only model, basically a stripped Monterey) that's got a 223 I6 with what I've been told is a Mercomatic transmission. Unfortunately as this was a salvage yard car, it's missing a lot of the engine components.

I'd like to rebuild the original engine at some point, but right now I just want to get her up and running. I've got four possible engines, and I'm looking for opinions on the way to go as well as any insight as to how easy/difficult each might be.

The first choice is a 300, currently installed in a '76 F 100, with a C4 transmission. The second choice is a 240 in a '69 Econoline, not sure of the tranny but it's an automatic. Third choice is a 250 in a '70 Maverick, with a C4 transmission. Fourth choice is a 200 in a '78 Fairmont with a C4. They all run well, and I can buy the complete vehicles for cheap ($400-$600).

I'd like to go the simplest way possible as eventually I want to return it to stock. Any advice or insight would be very appreciated.

 

[Luckyman]

None of the engines mentioned will bolt right in. The mounts and mounting places will be different. The 240-300 will be closer in size and have the power you want/need. The 250 will have enough power, but the 200 (IMO) is not big enough to haul that big a car around. I would also be leery of using a C4 in a car that heavy. The intake and exhaust will also be on the opposite side from the 223 on all the engines you mentioned. Nothing easy about any of them. Best bet is another 223 unless you want to do some fabrication & adapting then go with the 240 or even better the 300.

 

[FiddyFour]

i agree with luckyman... stick with a 223. its the option with zero messing around with fabrication.

223's are plentiful and cheap ( most guys building a car or truck that came with one stock pull them in favor of a 302 or SBC and will give them to you free for the hauling but they know not what they do :roll: ), and you can still get speed parts for them

 

[Lazy JW]

Yup, I vote for the 223 also. But if you are dead set against keeping it, the easiest swap would be a (gasp) 292 V-8. The motor mounts 'should' be compatible.
Joe

 

[Anonymous]

Having owned a 292 and a 223, I'd say go with the 223.
If you want a bigger engine, swap a 262 I-6 in.(direct boltup and spare parts from your 223)
The 300 is a fairly complicated swap vis-a-vis the motor mounts and tranny mounts.
I'd avoid a 292 like the plague, as parts are expensive and hard to find. Coupled with the general unreliability of the Y-block - give it a pass.
If you swap in an 8, a 302, or a 351 is your best bet.

 

[Anonymous]

Alright, sounds like I've got a plan then. I'm going to an old time wrecking yard on Friday that I know has got lots of old Ford trucks. Can someone tell me the years these engines were available, so I can narrow down my search?

 

[Luckyman]

Full size ford & Mercury cars and pickups from 1954 to 1964. If you get really lucky you could turn up a 262 (in the pickups only) it is identical to the 223, but has a longer stroke & of course consequently more power. Rare like chicken teeth and frog hair though.

 

[FiddyFour]

Yup.. 262 is rare indeed... look in the HD trucks, F-350 and up for the 262 block... you find one have the rotating assembly put into a 223 block,,, 223 stroker