COMET CENTRAL

Ok...this may be a several year effort...Due to cost and available time, But to tell the truth, I was happier during the build than when I got her all finished! The anticipation of completing the project way more fun than seeing the completed project...

...and if I'm going to compensate, I've decided to do it with an FE motor. I picked up a 390 on Craig's list. Cast # is 4DTE. I measured the stroke and it was 3.8 in so I have the 390 crank in it and I measured the crank snout and it isn't an FT.

I also found a 428 crank on Craig's list so I plan to build a 410. I thought it would be very cool to put a Merc motor in a Comet!

I'm tearing the motor down right now letting my son Zach remove all the parts...this will take a while and I'll provide updates here as I go. Looks like the head gaskets are new so I don't know if this has been rebuilt in the recent past.

I won't be racing at all....I'm a cruiser but I'd like to break the tires loose now and then....and that's my only performance criteria. . Also considering a 4 speed ...the adapter from an AOD to an FE costs a lot!!!! But then again....I'm not in this hobby to save money!!!!

I'm sure my buddy Roy will be there along with the rest of you guiding me down the right path!!!

G

G
Quick Time makes a scattershield that addapts T'5 to FE I have a Mistake I mean Mustang T-5 in my 65 and it clears with bucket seats.

GEORGE;about time you let the Comet folks on here know about your plans!!!!! I think you really NEED a four speed stick,but I am biased!!!!Let me know if I can help and remember I have the COOLEST FE valve covers for you! ROY.

Roy....I do plan buying those valve covers from you! That will be the coolest part of the engine!!!

Looking foward to hearing / seeing this buildup. i found your build site and enjoyed it before i found this fourm.. i mite have even linked from there.. your work is outstanding and well doucumented. good luck with the build. also i agree building is way more fun than the finished product, guess thats why i never finish anything. been eyeing a daily driver project or sevral options but keep saying focus on the one in the garage...

GEORGE;I sent you a PM.That FE is going to be WAY KOOL!!!!! ROY.

Thank all...this build will be slow. Daughter in school and all avilable funds going to tuition. But I gotta do a liitle here and there. This is still cheap counseling to keep my head straight.

I did pick up the crank tonight. Cast number is 1U so that should be my 428 crank.

Happy new year to all!!!!

We pulled one head off! I measured the bore and got 4.09 - 4.10. Looks like this block has been bored out .040" already. When I get the pistons out, I'll be able to get a better measurement. I don't feel a groove in the wall....just a slight rise from the bare metal to the carbon coated ring at the top of the cylinder!

Not having to bore it out should save me a little in the machining costs.

I found my 410 pistons at RockAuto for a very reasonable price. Any issues with using the stock style pistons? I'm not planning on building a super high horsepower type motor.

Just an update....g

GEORGE;stock pistons are OK for a mild performance/street engine.They go over 100,000 miles in every original engine!! ROY.

Any updates George?? Are you going to cut the shock towers for that beast to fit?

Joe

Joe;George already has a M11 front end under his 65!!! ROY.

Oh yeah! Thats right...and I even have pictures to prove it!
That should make the big block install a breeze...maybe by the next All Merc show?

Joe