Ok guy's I've come to you for some expert answers! I've got a Flathead intake here that nobody can seem to identify. My dad feels that it may have come from a Mercury due to the C8CM-6520 that is cast into it. Of coarse the 8CM refers to Mercury but we were thinking that maybe the first "C" means Canada? Also it has the 4 bolt carb mount rather than three. Any ideas yet? I'll try to see if I can get a picture up to help out a little. What it boils down to though is if there is anyone out there that know's of an original aluminum intake for a flathead other than for a 32. Ok well this should get things going hopefully. Thanks for your help guys!

 

Yes, the first C means Canada. Sounds like you've got it figured out.

 

Is it rare or desirable? Possibly worth selling?

 

At one time there were dozens of aftermarket aluminum intakes manifolds for Flatheads. Makers were Edelbrock, Offenhauser, Isky, Fenton, etc. You might check out SoCal Speed Shops website. This shop has been into flatheads since the 1940's. They are (now) located in Pomona, CA.

 

True there are some pretty nice aftermarket aluminum intakes out there, some of which I have. But my dad and I being flathead lovers have never heard of an original, from the factory, Mercury aluminum intake. I'm just thinking that there probably wasn't too many of those around even when they were new. I could be wrong but I think it's a pretty unique piece of flathead history. What do you guys think?

 

If I am correct I think I read somewhere that you can also find aluminum Merc timing covers and they seem to sell for a little more money.

 

Huh my 4 has both, go firgure? guess it was for a little dressier of a motor, however I still only got the 3 nolt carb.

 

Ok, see if I can make up some more stuff here. I think that what I read was that the later model Mercs had the 4 bolt carbs -- so maybe it was just the '52-'53. I think I also read that it was the Canadian motors that sported the aluminum and I think I even read that they were still putting flatties in Canadian cars in '54. As I recall some people were using this 4 bolt intake to put a Rochester carb on their flatty. Of course this is all speculation as I cannot seem to find where I read any of this. I'll keep looking when I remember to, but someone else might be able to verify this also.

I don't think I have read that there is a great demand for them, as most people prefer the performance intakes, but then again for someone just looking to add a little polish to their motor, its definately worth more than the cast iron.

 

I read somewhere as well that all Canadian trucks (don't know about cars) had aluminum intakes. My 52 Mercury truck has an original aluminum intake with three bolts to mount a holley 94.

 

Thanks for all the replies. At least I've got an idea now of what I have.

 

could be along the line of some heads my uncle has, 1932 vintage, aluminum, stamped with Made in Canada and Ford, not Mercury