Thread: 54 Mercury - 256cid - 4 Barrel

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Okay,
Can anyone tell me if the 256 4bbl V8 was factory bore and stroke? And how is it on gas??? What can be done to it???

Here is a 256 in a T-Bird 55 T-Bird . It has some of the factory specs along with it. I just did a small internet search and found this. I imagine you could find lots more with a little more effort.

Thank you for the info...I have the specs. But I was actually looking for info as to how it handles...and can anything be done to make it better. Customizing perhaps?
Any thoughts and ideas?

diana, my best advice would be not to spend one red cent on trying to get more performance out of the 256 Y-Block motor. It will, however, make a great anchor if you own a boat. It's a little heavy to haul aboard, but with a little thinking, you could mount a battery powered winch.

Just kidding, but seriously, 1954 was the first year of the "new" Y-Block. It wasn't a very efficient motor and was discontinued in passenger cars after 1957, with the final displacement of 312 cubic inches. Ford continued to put them in pickup trucks for a few years after that, I guess to just use up the inventory on hand.

As far as custom modifications to the body, that's entirely up to the builder, that's why they're called Customs.

Techie, actually not,they (Y-block) were carried in the Ford and Merc line up through 1962 and in the trucks t il 1964. But You are right. They are hard to turn into high HP motors. But,,,,,,,, her 256 with 312 heads, an after market cam ( they only used solid lifters, no Y-block was ever drilled for Hydraulic lifters), an after market intake (yeah you can still find them) and electronic ignition using a 57 and later distributor and Petronix, is a decent street driving motor. So, you go, Diana, more power to you.

Originally posted by Oldf100fordman
Techie, actually not,they (Y-block) were carried in the Ford and Merc line up through 1962 and in the trucks t il 1964. But You are right. They are hard to turn into high HP motors. But,,,,,,,, her 256 with 312 heads, an after market cam ( they only used solid lifters, no Y-block was ever drilled for Hydraulic lifters), an after market intake (yeah you can still find them) and electronic ignition using a 57 and later distributor and Petronix, is a decent street driving motor. So, you go, Diana, more power to you.

Thanks, I stand corrected

No biggy, Richard. Ford only used the 292 from 58 on and Merc used the 312 in 60 only. After that merc used the 292. But,,,,, In Canada only, (we found this out from a Canadian and me arguing) Hehehehehe, Merc in Canada used the 312 in 59. Go figure. All the 59 U.S. Merc's used MEL 383's in three different versions.

Thank you guys for the schooling on the 256. It is exactly what I was looking for. I still need to do some more study and research on engines and motors and then make a desicion. So , thanks again....Diana