We're back at Wheeler's Speed Shop for the second month running to follow their buildup of a Merc woodie with a new, all-aluminum Ardun motor and modern 700-R4 trans. I'll reiterate what I said last issue in that this isn't so much a "how-to" but more of an overview of how the crew at Wheeler's overcame the packaging problems of squeezing the Ardun into the Merc's engine compartment. While the block is the same as the Flathead that the car was originally equipped with, those Ardun heads are extremely large, making this a very wide motor, despite its identical length to the stocker.
Add in the associated complications of fitting a new front chassis clip, independent suspension, steering, and new ABS electric brake system, and making all the components fit in the same small space required some intricate planning and fabrication. The end result is an extremely neat build, beautifully finished, and we're sure, not a little inexpensive, both in parts and labor, but then some things are just worth having, whatever the outlay!
I enjoyed watching the project come together, and picked up a number of tips for future use on my personal projects, as I'm sure you will too. Here's how the guys at Wheeler's Speed Shop wrapped up the install with brakes, oil pan, headers, and exhaust.
