Sandbarfarm31.  My fellow Forum members have given you accurate info about what you'll need to tuck the '55 Merc engine into the 'Bird.  I've always been amazed how many '55-'56 'Bird components were 'Bird - only.

The '55 Merc used a 6 volt starter and a 6 volt ignition coil. -These will be easily changed-out, too in putting the engine in your '56..

Going at what you're doing in a different way. Be aware of what is GooD about the particular year of engine assembly you have happened upon.
The '55 Merc likely has an ECK block (this is the casting number above the oil filter).  Features this engine has that were fazed out in subsequent years of FoMoCo y-block production included:
- steel oil deflector trays under the rocker arm assemblies,
- a counter weight attached to the front of the camshaft, and
- a sheet metal oil drip trough mounted to the front of the engine block just above the crankshaft timing chain gear to aid in getting the oil spread over the timing gear and onto the timing chain.  One pan head machine screw holds the oil drip trough to the engine block.
Just because FoMoCo only used these items for two years of production doesn't mean they didn't have purpose and merit in y-block engine reliability and satisfactory running longevity!

Besides changing the starter motor and the ignition coil, you may wish to change the oil filter mount located below the engine block casting number on the driver's side.  Commencing in model year '57, FoMoCo introduced a spin on oil filter which makes changing the engine oil filter MUCH easier AND less messy for most of us.  The spin-on unit requires three different mounting components (one of the three is a gasket) to permit affixing it to the engine block.  Two of these items can come from another donor engine from '57 - '64.

Some of the particular components you require, may be obtainable from our Forum members.  There are a number of 'Bird owners on here.

P.S.  My experience is that a '55 or '56 Merc auto transmission will fit the '56 'Bird AND the trans. mount will line-up, too.  The one I took out of a '56 'Bird was a '55 or early '56 unit based upon it having been air cooled like the '55 and early '56 'Bird FordoMatics.

Hope this helps!  


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

When Darrell said that you need a 'Bird 'base', I believe that he was referring to a '55 - '57 Thunderbird oil pan and the oil pump pick-up that goes with the 'Bird rear positioned sump.  As was mentioned by others, there are various Ford truck y-block rear sump pans, but the 'Bird unit is needed to accomplish good clearance with various things.  


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

if i remember right the ford and merc transmission mount is different.if your not discouraged by now you must be dam close.

John (Hoosier Hurricane).  The folks that race against you would like to hear that you're getting slow.  I hope they don't bet on it.  It'd be costly for them! 

Consider playing more computer games to limber up, John.  I'm amazed to watch kids when they're texting . . .  What they do!  GooD GrieF!  

Glad to see you back on here!

Regards,
Charlie Brown 


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

You guys are great and have quickly identified all the parts I need to make this happen. Originally I purchased a 302 and C4 automatic put in his car but just could not find the desire to do so , when this Merc 292 and automatic showed up I was much more inspired to try to make this happen . I believe the change of the water pump housing and finding a front motor mount is fairly simple but finding the rear sump oil pan and pick up might be a challenge and I may have to ask folks here if anyone has one that I could purchase. Yes it does have the Merc script valve covers and I would be willing to make a swap and trade with someone for the parts that I need. My goal is to have this as a driver not a show car so I’m assuming I will need at a minimum the following parts :
-water pump housing and pump extension
- Tbird rear sump oil pan and pickup
- 12v starter and coil
-mid stabilizers
- thermostat housing
- drivers side exhaust manifold (it has rear dump manifolds on Merc engine)
- gaskets and motor/trans mounts

If I have forgotten anything let me know. PLEASE, if anyone has the oil pan etc I would gladly cut a deal! Again THANKS MUCH GUYS, you have saved me a lot of headaches with your corporate knowledge!!! MUCH APPRECIATE!! Jim

The oil pan is a tough one.  Again, it's a '55 - '57 'Bird-only application.  Prices are often three to four hundred when you find them.  There are two oneBay right now, but I would not buy either of them if I needed one!  Be sure to get one that is 'solid'.  Look at outside condition.  I had one friend braze his up because of rust through!  The metal thickness is significant, but look for pitting!

Click the links below for pan comparison info from Ted Eaton and two current eBay listings.  Be sure to look carefully at ALL of the eBay sellers' pictures.

http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/Topic74338.aspx#bm74375

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1957-57-Ford-Thunderbird-Y-Block-312-OIL-PAN-OIL-PUMP-TUBE-SCREEN-PAN-BOLTS/372473672796?hash=item56b929345c:g:Q7IAAOSw-HRb0QRb:rk:7:pf:0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1956-1957-s-Ford-Y-Block-THUNDERBIRD-oil-pan-292-312-motors/332851383981?hash=item4d7f7d0ead:g:MGcAAOSwVZ5bz6RW:rk:10:pf:0

I've got a friend that has been into 'Birds forever.  I'll give him a call and see what he's got.  I'll send you his contact info IF your email info is on file here.  In addition to the oil pan, be sure to get an oil pump pick-up assembly (tube and screen) that is in GooD shape.  Sometimes the tubes have been abused which can cause problems with leaks, suction (oil pick-up),OR flow problems.

Below is another comment from Ted Eaton.  Click the link below
http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/FindPost140342.aspx

Hope this helps!  


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Jim.  I've added to the list you came away with after reading all our 'stuff'.



This is all doable, Jim!  


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Thanks Charlie Brown! I figure EBay prices are high and am going to be patient that a fellow Y-Block friend will have parts. I am kinda excited to think I MAY be driving my crusty little Bird in the not so distant future!! Again,! Thanks for the advice and help!! Jim
PS. I’ll take some pics of my engine/trans later today

Charlie, regarding the left manifold, I once bought a junkyard '59 Merc 312, and when I took it apart I found an EDB exhaust manifold on the left side.  I know it could have been changed over the years, but that manifold is now on my '57 Bird.  Maybe Kultulz can look it up in his Merc parts manual and see if it has a B7S part number.  Hopefully this would be another potential source for the manifold.  The T-Bird vendors do have repro manifolds now.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

"Maybe Kultulz can look it up in his Merc parts manual and see if it has a B7S part number"

Sorry. I no longer have an early MERC MPC. I keep meaning to buy one on CD but never seem to get around to it..

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