What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

This just came up for sale locally, and I noticed the water outlets on the heads are at the rear. The P/Ns are listed as NB249-LEFT and 6289-RIGHT. Does anyone know more about these heads?

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

I don’t know if they can be just mounted backwards....I’ve never had a reason to try..... I’m sure somebody on here will know.... Mark

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

Probably an idea to flow more water to the rear of the block for better cooling.

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

Sometimes the swap from right to left is done to fit something on the front where the outlets & hoses are in the way. 8BA engines were set up to force more coolant to the rear but folks like to experiment. It would certainly take some very long hoses if the radiator is at the front.


I see 8CM in the middle of the visible head so it was a 49/E51 Mercury head for the right side but mounted on the left.

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

Notice the long hoses on the floor behind the engine.

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

and what looks like a Tremec trans and an MSD electronic distributor. Snap it up if the price is right.

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

It's a hodge-podge of parts, that's for sure. I can't see it clearly, but it looks like the manifold is for a 3 bolt carburetor (94). It's hard telling what it might all be. I wonder how the distributor hold-down works with the heads on backwards?

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

Yes, it is a T5 with the adapter. Their asking CAN$2,800.00.

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

8CM are 1951 Mercury heads, and they are installed backwards.

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

The head with no Mercury ID is probably a replacement head and it does not have the cast in oil filter mounting bosses. (most likely'48 '49 Ford car/truck or '49 Mercury)
This could be a Ford engine with one Mercury head. Also has truck type water pumps with wide belt.
But? the $2,800 asking price.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...8&d=1568465220
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...7&d=1568464770

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

Depending on the model and condition of the various components there could be a lot of value there. The T5, the adapter and clutch setup, distributor, etc. It is just going to depend on the condition of all these components.

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

Looks to me like for whatever reason the road draft tube hole is blocked off in the intake manifold. Perhaps with a freeze plug?

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

Looks like that to me as well. Notice it has an early type fuel pump stand with the oil fill and breather. Like I said before; a "hodge-podge" of parts. Anyone interested in buying it should inspect it closely. "Caveat Emptor".

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

Too much for a cat in the bag.

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

You must have a reason to modify something. When your missing something, you find anothe rway to do it. Not having a hold down clamp is a problem, so the buy used a grub screw. Problem solved. Some people dont like this, so they find another way. problem solved. Solving problems is a way of life, in this world.

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

Hey, but it is painted yellow!!

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

I wouldn't touch it for that price. Is the fuel pump mounting opening/surface blocked off? Seems like some kind of finned aftermarket aluminum piece.

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

It would be interesting to know if the water pump vanes had been reversed for reverse flow cooling. Smokey did a lot of research on this for the Hudsons.

Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

I was told by a circle track guy from the 40s they flipped heads on the early 21 bolts using a 37 front water pump block and early heads. Flow was better. Had to cut the firewall.

Seems someone flipped the heads on a 8ba. Wasn't sure you could? On the early blocks you can. How do the combustion chambers match up???

Maybe an advantage. Flow would be better for the block. Not sure I'd cut up a ford to see, less it fits.


2.8k seems like a lot for a unknown block, which is what it is. t5 conversion if with it would have some value. think someone thought they had a drag motor with the hei.



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Re: What kind of heads are these - 49 Merc flathead?
 

So why not just swap the head back? Problem solved.