I recently bought a 55 mercury 2 door post and the guy that sold it to me swore up and down it was a 312. I've talked to a few people and they've told me different things and I was wondering if there is any way to tell by just looking at the engine. Its too tight to get a mirror in between the firewall to see the numbers so that's a no go. However I did buy a new fuel pump for a 292 and it was exactly the same as the one I pulled off. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

These engines are Ford's "Y" block, and the engines are identical. The 312 was a longer stroke & slightly larger bore. 292 Bore & Stroke is 3.75 x 3.30 & the 312 is 3.80 x 3.44.

The 312 heads had slightly larger valves but either heads would fit either block. I believe the 312 came out in 1956. Of coarse with all the years that have gone by, who's to say some one didn't install a 312.

I don't remember what the identifying numbers were, so the only way I know you can tell is to pull a head and measure the bore & stroke. If you try to goggle it, just remember that it is a Ford 'Y' Block that was made from 1954 to about 1962. Ford pick ups had it until 1964.

 

i couldn't seem to find this info anywhere else. another question i'm having trouble answering is tire size. i beleive the stock rims are 5.5 and they have some old rotten 215/75's on them. i was wondering if 235/75's would work. i have new tires but no extra rim to try it out on. i've read that 225/75's will fit but it's also something i have not tried yet.

 

Back then tires were measure in inches and the width and height were usually the same. A 55 Merc would had a size called 650 x 15 to 750 x 15 which would come out to 6.5 inches to 7.5 inches.

Also back then the wheels were much more narrower than the tire than they are today. They got away with it because the bias-ply tire sidewalls were much stiffer than today's radials are. The 235's are abut 3/4" wider than the 215's that are on it and about inch bigger in diameter. If your rims are only 5.5 inches wide, than may be to narrow even for the 215's which would be about 8.4" wide. The 235's would be about 9.25" wide.

On the engine, if you go to Google and type in "ford Y block, you should be able to find more info on your engine. I grew up with those engines, so I know them pretty well, although it has been years since I sold my 59 ford that had the 292 with 312 heads.

 

If your vanilla flavoring is "imitation vanilla" it can be substituted for vanilla extract. In actuality, vanilla extract tastes better in candies and frostings, but in a cake is not that different. You can actually substitute other extracts as well, for example almond, for a subtly different taste. However, if your vanilla flavoring is a syrup like for coffee drinks, than it is not a good substitute--if that is all you have it is better to leave the extract out, it will only make a very subtle taste difference that few will notice. (Trust me, I have done this by accident when I was in a hurry--have baked for over 35 years, so very confident you will be ok if you need to skip it.)

 

http://www.precisionenginetech.com/t...-parts-part-2/

http://www.ford-y-block.com/techincal.htm

These 2 sites might help you some.

 

The 272 was in the 55 originally, most likely, but all the same engine on the outer dimensions and accessories. Thee was even an oddball 332 Yblock in trucks. Most '55's are 6 volts originally as well.
AS STATED ABOVE: there's a chance the engine has been replaced one or more times.