The Ford Barn

Dobie Gillis · 04-29-2013, 01:48 PM

This is probably not the proper venue for this question; if not I'm sure I'll get suggestions on where to go...

. I have a '55 Merc with a pretty tired 292, appears to be original judging by casting numbers. I'm in the consideration stage of deciding whether to have the Y freshened up or swap in a Windsor small block. The 292 is the low compression 188 HP version, so I'm comparing cost estimates between building it for more power vs swapping in a mild crate engine. It looks like I can buy maybe 1 1/2 crate engines for the same cost as building the Y. But here's the caviat: the trans is a column shift T-85 with OD and I want to keep it. I have searched the web high and low and have not found an adapter for such a swap. So my question to this august college of Fomoco knowledge is this: Has anyone here done this swap? If so what was involved? Any insights appreciated...

04-29-2013, 01:48 PM	#1
Dobie Gillis Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Middle TN Posts: 1,060	The Unthinkable This is probably not the proper venue for this question; if not I'm sure I'll get suggestions on where to go.... I have a '55 Merc with a pretty tired 292, appears to be original judging by casting numbers. I'm in the consideration stage of deciding whether to have the Y freshened up or swap in a Windsor small block. The 292 is the low compression 188 HP version, so I'm comparing cost estimates between building it for more power vs swapping in a mild crate engine. It looks like I can buy maybe 1 1/2 crate engines for the same cost as building the Y. But here's the caviat: the trans is a column shift T-85 with OD and I want to keep it. I have searched the web high and low and have not found an adapter for such a swap. So my question to this august college of Fomoco knowledge is this: Has anyone here done this swap? If so what was involved? Any insights appreciated...