Mummert heads are really not that expensive.  We need to make the comparison more apples to apples.  When compared to untouched factory large valve heads, there is no comparrison, that's apples to peanuts, and therefore the price difference is significant.  However, once you have ported the factory heads, which puts them in about the same playing field, then the price is pretty close, close enough that if you're thinking about porting iron heads, it's probably a better idea to just get the Mummert heads because you also get other improvements, in addition to airflow.

Are they worth the cost?  If you want much over 300hp, most likely, yes.  If not, then probably not.

A built 351 or big block will be too much without any traction modifications, but so will that 292.  It will not be hard at all to get the 292 to a point where traction can be a problem.  The 292 you propose will probably be there.  The frame can handle any reasonable amount of street power.  Since you're not looking for a "full blown strip truck," you're not likely to exceed the capabilities of the frame and I'm positive you will not with the 292 you propose.



Lawrenceville, GA

Read Charlie's posts on the rear suspension Mods to his own truck. Seems to work pretty well.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Thanks everyone for the good information.

I need to start pulling a list together for the y.

It's hard to gauge what 'enough power' means from person to person but speaking from my own personal experience, the 292 can be very satisfying. I've got a 292 bored .060 over with G heads, 1.54 rockers, -B intake with 465 Holley 4v, '57 dual exh manifolds and the '57 245hp cam profile. The engine cruises my '54 Merc effortlessly and loves it when I push the loud pedal. The low end torque is instantly available and never fails to impress passengers. It easily runs at highway speeds for hours with plenty of reserve on tap for passing (always makes me smile).

Build that Y and you'll never look back.


Marc

'54 Merc ragtop

Pt Townsend, WA   

                                                                                                                                   

YBLOCKMERC, your engine is almost exactly like what I want to build. Is there a source for a new 57 (245 HP) stock camshaft? Thanks



Tom from the chiggerfarm located in the beautiful Heart of Central Texas

When you cannot dazzle others with your brilliance, baffle them with bullcorn!

Mine was rebuilt 10 years ago and my memory is a little fuzzy, but I recall my machine shop had the cam reground from the '62 truck 292 cam. The specs they list on the work order/receipt are: 256-400-420. This shop is extremely experienced with Y-Blocks as they build all the engines for a noted T-Bird restorer in the Seattle area. My instructions to them was that I wanted the same profile as the 245hp 312 and they said they could have my existing cam reground.

Good luck with your build.


Marc

'54 Merc ragtop

Pt Townsend, WA   

                                                                                                                                   

I would be tempted to go with the '57 Blower cam. Just a little more radical than the 255 HP cam. Good torque and a little more power.

Thanks guys, I have plenty of used cams to work with so I will look for a local place to regrind as a first choice and go from there. 



Tom from the chiggerfarm located in the beautiful Heart of Central Texas

When you cannot dazzle others with your brilliance, baffle them with bullcorn!

shad bolt cams in vancouver has the profile,57merc is what i use.he will also reface the lifters. used them for years never a problem. 130 cadian for the cam with core that is useable. can dollar is 89cents us.