1959 Mercury Colony Park Dyno

1959 Mercury Colony Park Dyno run

Doesn't everybody dyno them?

And the attachment with the three runs.
http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13322&stc=1&d=1360366567

 

WHy not? its always good to know what your baby is capable of!

 

That's weak, considering that 430 MELS were the first factory engine which could produce 400 hp (1958). Unfortunately, Ford was too hasty and tuned down this engine by lowering compression to adjust to the fuel quality irregularities between refiners. In fact, Ford made changes often enough to succeed in discouraging potential aftermarket performance parts suppliers.
Here, a big heavy Merc takes a comparatively lightweight 396 Chevelle:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJtxpvSR1iw

Here a mint 58 Mercury Marauder with tri-power induction. What's puzzling is the reason as to why this engine had to weigh as much as the Titanic's anchor.
When raced in a NASCAR Thunderbird, the mojor complaint was directed at the poor handling which was blamed on the engine's weight:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVlwPUW9ZiA

 

My Eagle's been on the dyno twice. It was a couple years ago and I can't recall teh numbers off hand, but they weren't anything to brag about.

 

430 '59

HP @ the rear wheels of a 54yr old wagon seems respectable

 

Yes but the 400 hp option was exclusive on the Super Marauder tri-power carb set up with the higher compression and special aluminum air cleaner.

 

Here, a big heavy Merc takes a comparatively lightweight 396 Chevelle:




.....thats got to hurt!

 

I thought you had an LS engine in that beastie, EagleFreek?

 

Here's what the radio looked like in the 59 CP. Cool design.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1959-1960-M...Model:Colony+Park&hash=item4ac10fb41a&vxp=mtr

 

Amazing detail restoration of this CP found here:

http://ford-mel-engine.com/viewtopic.php?f=84&t=1331

 

:confused: In that case, one should shut of the AC and avoid using the cigarette lighter during dyno tests

Indeed. All manufacturers were guilty of cheating on the specs, using this criteria. In fact, if you were to dyno two identicle engines, one with a Cruise-O-Matic and the other with a 4-speed manual gearbox, you'd end up with some 50 horsepower difference. The Cruise-O-Matic was a notorious slushbox and there are adapter kits available for connecting the MEL to a GM THD 400 and the alteration cannot be seen:http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2004/12/01/hmn_feature13.html

54 years old and sloppy. The numerical age of the engine plays a deciding role only where ring-varnishing and carbon build-up are concerned. If the owner didn't conduct simple compression- and vacuum tests before or after having adjusted the ignition, he has wasted time and money getting a dyno measurement. In fact, a timing light will even betray timing chian wear.
Here's a related vehicle and possible organ donor for a shabby Merc wagon to get restored. Especially, bolting in an Edsel dash and trannie shift button console into that Merc:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdGKhnRyJjs

A modified MEL in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP86hB4XNoE

An overgrown DOHC MEL:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2ghTjFtNPo

Boyd Coddington butchered a 1960 Mercury Wagon, by dropping in a 429. I can find the pic. But, not the episode on how not to modify: http://trakt.tv/show/american-hot-rod/season/5/episode/4​

 

"54 years old and sloppy."

Actually, this is a fresh rebuild of the engine. If you look at the restoration thread you'll see to what extent we went to get the correct pistons, etc.. The link below is the dyno of the motor itself before being put in the car. The Colony Park has AC, 5 blade clutch fan, long driveshaft, big tires, big generator, all of which sucked the life out of her. As you'll see in the results of the motor by itself almost 400 lbs. of torque and nearly 300 hp..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MvstA-ZJ0DA
http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13384&stc=1&d=1360617105
And even though the rear wheel results are not great the car does move pretty darn good.

Our next restoration is a 1959 Parklane convertible with the 430 Tri Power set up. We'll see how much that helps.

 

Well, regardless of what some others said or might have implied, I was thoroughly impressed with the old Merc! Many of those higher line cars from the '50's are absolutely automotive jewelry! Thanks for sharing it with us!

 

Your Colony Is gorgeous, It is very rare to see the level of craftsmanship performed to the level it was viewing your restoration thread. My hats off to you for your unwaivering determination to get it right from drivetrain,chassis to body.
From my experience, These Big M's of 55-56, 57-58 and 59 are not easy or cheap to rotisserie ground up, especially wagons. I also build big Merc's, but of the 312 and 368 Linc/Merc variety. Actually a bit tougher to get parts for than the FE and hardly common engines today either. I can appretiate what you went through. Luckily you had a very nice speciman to start with. Again, so nice to see quality work.
You have some beautiful cars. I would be very proud to have them in my stable as I'm sure you are. kudo's......