Hello all,

I recently acquired a merc crank for my 8BA flathead and I'm looking for the truth to piston requirements. In reading posts to this and other forums it seems more of an opinion than fact that you must run merc pistons with a merc crank. Does anyone out there know the truth? Just being an average Joe resurrecting a flathead for my '53 F100 I'm looking for the most bang out of my buck.

Thanks in advance for your advice and knowledge - Bill

 

Since the Mercury crank has a longer stroke the piston has to have the wrist pins set
closer to the pistons top or guess what they hit the head.

 

ill back that up.

 

The Ford and Merc Rods are the same the difference in the lenght of the stroke is made up by the rist pin placement as stated above.
If you try to use the ford piston with the merc crank its gonna get ugly quick. If you try to use merc piston with a for crank you get abot 2:1 compression

 

Many thanks for all your advice. Looks like I'llhave to keep my eyes open for a decent set of Merc slugs.

Bill

 

I think I have a set of pistons for you 30 thou over sized
they are just about new

 

Thanks soso one!! Members like you make this site a restorer's dream. Now if I can just figure out how to contact you. Should be able to repond to you via email shortly.

Thanks - Bill

 

True2blue, I had a merc crank and pistons put into my '51 8BA. The whole bottem end and flywheel should be balanced as well.[IMG]flatheadpics0010[/IMG]