Does anyone know if you can powder coat a set of flatheads, and is it a good idea? Have a Merc and was told the 53 heads make good power and are very reliable.

 

I would presume that you can powder Coat anything that can conduct a magnetic charge. I don't know why it wouldn't work, but would avoid coating the gasket surfaces. I don't believe it would cause any problems. Not my experience, but what i know about PC'ing. Check with others before using this as gospel.... Good luck.

 

this is an interesting idea. how much heat can powder coating take?

 

One of the Exhaust Header coatings might be a better choice. I can see where it could get expensive as prep time would, I think, be very critical so a not to coat unwanted area's

 

Just remember this: Powder coating may reduce the ability of the heads to dissipate heat, and exhaust coatings may do the same thing. Just something to think about.

 

The other half of your question was about the heads. The 52-53 Merc heads (EAC) on a merc motor produce about the same CR as the 8BA heads on Ford motors 49-51.
The smallest combustion area was produced in the 52-53 Ford heads (EAB) and therefore produce the highest compression ratio available with stock heads when used on either motor.