This is my first post, and I hope some will be able to help me with some information.  I just bought a 55 Victoria, but it has a Merc motor (not sure why that was done, and a 256 no less)  The motor is nice condition and complete, actually was semi rebuilt.  When I spoke with the guy I bought it from, he said it had a 292...well it isn't.  It is the 54 Merc motor.  I didn't know the codes and all at the time as this is my first Y block.

So I am wondering is there anything I can do with it for a bit more H.P.?  Should I sell it to a person wanting a Merc motor and just get a 292? I had been looking forward to souping up a 292, mostly after reading the posts here.  Kinda stumbled onto the forum and have been having Y-ild ideas about these motors. 

The Victoria also has an auto air cooled transmission ( I see no external cooler), not sure what it is FOM or COM. (the guy said he thought it was a C4, it isn't.  He got the car from his granddad and instantly lost interest, but not before striping paint and leaving it out in the weather. I've got a bit of work to do).  Oh, and the rear end looks very much like a 9" but not sure, bottom drain and fill on pass side housing.

I want quick but not drag fast...as a Grad student I couldn't afford it, but I am expecting to put a fair amount of money, time, sweat into it.  Any help would be great all.

R.J. Whitley