1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT

[Paul Ceasrine]

Car Life Magazine,,,,,,,,,,April 1966

Performance test of the 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT,

390/335 HP, C-6 Automatic, with 3.25 Gears

Test was performed at Carlsbad Raceway Dragstrip, January 1966.
Editors Analysis;
* Plenty of usable torque on the low-end.
* Not much of a top-end performer.
* Restrictive valve passages in the cylinder head, hinder engine breathing.
* Valve size adequate (2.03" intake / 1.56" exhaust)
* Hydraulic-lifters limit attainable RPM.

* Performance results; 15.20 @ 90 MPH

Test was performed with 7.75 x 14" tires, and 3-speed console shifted automatic.
Shift points were 4800 RPM (1st to 2nd) and 4600 RPM (2nd to 3rd).

Note: The car came from the dealership, equipped with fabricated tubed headers,
with 3" dumps.

[Paul Ceasrine]

1966 Indianapolis 500,,,,,,,,

[jims5600]

Paul I remember when I was in high school and seen those Comet's at
the local Merc dealership. I always liked those and had a soft spot in my
heart for them and the Fairlane GT's

[Paul Ceasrine]

The 1966 390/335 HP Comet Cyclone GT's hung around for awhile
1966 in C/S
1967 in B/S
With the National Records in 12.70 range.

But in 1968 (classed in D/S or D/SA) things got a little tough.
National Records;
D/S,,,,,,,12.39 @ 113.10 MPH
D/SA,,,,12.49 @ 112.50 MPH

pc

[Geerhead55]

Its a shame they came with such a small carb. Even if they had the 735cfm Holley it would've helped, although I'm sure a 750 or 780 would've been better.
Danny Durham

[Paul Ceasrine]

danny,

Correct on the 600 Holley, a bit undersized.

The #3778 700 CFM Holley, better suited for that engine,
With 1 11/16" primary and secondary throttle bore size openings,,,,,more GULP!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the April 1966 Super Stock Magazine,
the editors gave the 1966 Comet Cyclone GT the 'Performance Award'.

They tested the car at Daytona International Speedway.
A 4-Speed car with a wide-ratio transmission and 3.50 gears.

Performance Results: 14.40 @ 96 MPH

[Paul Ceasrine]

1966 NHRA Winternationals;

http://66.154.44.164/forum/attachmen...6&d=1250462473

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Paul Ceasrine

danny,

Correct on the 600 Holley, a bit undersized.

The #3778 700 CFM Holley, better suited for that engine,
With 1 11/16" primary and secondary throttle bore size openings,,,,,more GULP!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the April 1966 Super Stock Magazine,
the editors gave the 1966 Comet Cyclone GT the 'Performance Award'.

They tested the car at Daytona International Speedway.
A 4-Speed car with a wide-ratio transmission and 3.50 gears.

Performance Results: 14.40 @ 96 MPH

Ahhh yes but they can use the 428 CJ carb and the larger 428 cam that was never avaliable stock when new in todays stock racing.