1963 MERCURY METEOR

1963 MERCURY METEOR

Model Designations:

Mercury Meteor, 6 & 8 Cylinder

Mercury Meteor Custom, 6 & 8 Cylinder

Mercury Meteor S-33, 8 Cylinder

Mercury Meteor Series, 6 & 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 32

Factory Price: $2,340; Shipping Weight: 2,959 Pounds

Production Total: 9,183

2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 31

Factory Price: $2,278; Shipping Weight: 2,920 Pounds

Production Total: 3,935

4 Door Station Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body # 38

Factory Price: $2,631; Shipping Weight: 3,237 Pounds

Production Total: 2,359

Combined 6 & 8 Cylinder Production

Mercury Meteor Custom Series, 6 & 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 42

Factory Price: $2,428; Shipping Weight: 2,965 Pounds

Production Total: 14,498

2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 41

Factory Price: $2,366; Shipping Weight: 2,926 Pounds

Production Total: 2,704

2 Door Hardtop Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body # 43

Factory Price: $2,448; Shipping Weight: 2,944 Pounds

Production Total: 7,565

4 Door Country Cruiser Station Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body # 49

Factory Price: $2,886; Shipping Weight: 3,253 Pounds

Production Total: 1,485

4 Door Station Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body # 48

Factory Price: $2,719; Shipping Weight: 3,245 Pounds

Production Total: 3,636

Combined 6 & 8 Cylinder Production

Mercury Meteor S-33 Series, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:

2 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body # 47

Factory Price: $2,628; Shipping Weight: 2,964 Pounds

Production Total: 4,865

Chassis:

Wheelbase:

Passenger Cars: 116.5"

Station Wagons: 115.5"

Tire Sizes:

6.50 X 14"

Engine Availability by Model:

I-6 170 Cubic Inches 101 H.P. Standard Egine

V-8 221 Cubic Inches 145 H.P. Optional Engine

V-8 260 Cubic Inches 164 H.P. Optional on Meteor & Meteor Custom. Standard on S-33

General Engine Specifications:

6 Cylinder, 101 H.P. Engine:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, Inline 6

Bore & Stroke: 3.500" x 2.93"

Engine Displacement: 170 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 8.70:1

Taxable Horsepower: 29.44

Horsepower: 101 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 156 Ft. Lbs @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-55 PSI

Carburetor: 1 Barrel

8 Cylinder, 145 H.P. 221 Cubic Inch Engine:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-8

Bore & Stroke: 3.50" x 2.87"

Engine Displacement: 221 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 8.70:1

Taxable Horsepower: 39.20

Horsepower: 145 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 216 Ft. Lbs @ 2,200 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-55 PSI

Carburetor: 2 Barrel

8 Cylinder, 164 H.P. 260 Cubic Inch Engine:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-8

Bore & Stroke: 3.80" x 2.87"

Engine Displacement: 260 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 8.70:1

Taxable Horsepower: 46.21

Horsepower: 164 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 258Ft. Lbs @ 2,200 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-55 PSI

Carburetor: 2 Barrel

Tune Up Specifications - All Series:

6 Cylinder Engine, with Standard Transmission:

Spark Plug Type: Autolite BF-82

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .025"

Distributor Cam Angle: 37-42 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4

Ignition Timing: 6 Degrees BTDC

Engine Idle Speed: 500 RPM

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 170 PSI (Minimum)

Fuel Pump Pressure: 4 to 5 PSI

6 Cylinder Engine, with Automatic Transmission:

Spark Plug Type: Autolite BF-42

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .025"

Distributor Cam Angle: 37-42 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4

Ignition Timing: 12 Degrees BTDC

Engine Idle Speed: 500 RPM in Drive

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 170 PSI (Minimum)

Fuel Pump Pressure: 4 to 5 PSI

8 Cylinder 221 Cubic Inch Engine, with Standard Transmission:

Spark Plug Type: Autolite BF-42

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .017"

Distributor Cam Angle: 26-31 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

Ignition Timing: 4 Degrees BTDC

Engine Idle Speed: 500 RPM

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 150 PSI (Minimum)

Fuel Pump Pressure: 4-1/2 to 5-1/2 PSI

8 Cylinder 221 Cubic Inch Engine, with Automatic Transmission:

Spark Plug Type: Autolite BF-82

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .017"

Distributor Cam Angle: 26-31 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

Ignition Timing: 12 Degrees BTDC

Engine Idle Speed: 500 RPM in Drive

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 150 PSI (Minimum)

Fuel Pump Pressure: 4-1/2 to 5-1/2 PSI

8 Cylinder 260 Cubic Inch Engine, with Standard Transmission:

Spark Plug Type: Autolite BF-42

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .017"

Distributor Cam Angle: 26-31 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

Ignition Timing: 6 Degrees BTDC

Engine Idle Speed: 525 RPM

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 150 PSI (Minimum)

Fuel Pump Pressure: 4-1/2 to 5-1/2 PSI

8 Cylinder 260 Cubic Inch Engine, with Automatic Transmission:

Spark Plug Type: Autolite BF-42

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .017"

Distributor Cam Angle: 26-31 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

Ignition Timing: 10 Degrees BTDC

Engine Idle Speed: 525 RPM in Drive

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 150 PSI (Minimum)

Fuel Pump Pressure: 4-1/2 to 5-1/2 PSI

Valve Specifications:

6 Cylinder, 170 Cubic Inch Engine:

Valve Lash, Hot:

Intake .016"

Exhaust .016"

Valve Angles:

Seat: 45 Degrees

Face: 44 Degrees

Valve Spring Height, Installed: 1-19/32"

Valve Spring Pressure: 117 Lbs @ 1-7/32"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .0008"-.0025"

Exhaust .0028"-.0042"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3100"-.3107"

Exhaust: .3090"-.3097"

8 Cylinder, 221 & 260 Cubic Inch Engines:

Valve Lash, Hot:

Intake: 3/4 Turns

Exhaust: 3/4 Turns

Valve Angles:

Seat: 45 Degrees

Face: 45 Degrees

Valve Spring Height, Installed: 1-3/4"

Valve Spring Pressure: 170 Lbs @ 1-3/8"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .0008"-.0025"

Exhaust .0018"-.0035"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3100"-.3107"

Exhaust: .3090"-.3097"

Piston, Rings, Pins, Crankshaft & Bearing Data:

6 Cylinder Engine:

Piston Clearance: .0007"-.0023"

Ring End Gap:

Compression: .010"

Oil: .015"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .912"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.1232"-2.1240"

Bearing Clearance: .0008"-.0023"

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.2482"-2.2490"

Bearing Clearance: .0007"-.0025"

Thrust on Bearing #3

Crankshaft End Play: .004"-.008"

8 Cylinder Engines:

Piston Clearance: .0007"-.0023"

Ring End Gap:

Compression: .010"

Oil: .015"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .912"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.1228"-2.1236"

Bearing Clearance: .0009"-.0025"

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.2482"-2.2490"

Bearing Clearance: .0006"-.0027"

Thrust on Bearing #3

Crankshaft End Play: .004"-.008"

Engine Tightening Specifications:

6 Cylinder Engine:

Spark Plugs: 15-20 Ft. Lbs.

Cylinder Head Bolts: 65-75 Ft. Lbs.

Exhaust Manifold: 13-18 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Shaft Bracket: 30-35 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Cover: 3-5 Ft. Lbs.

Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 19-24 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 60-70 Ft. Lbs.

Flywheel to Crankshaft: 75-85 Ft. Lbs.

Vibration Damper or Pulley: 45-55 Ft. Lbs.

8 Cylinder Engines:

Spark Plugs: 15-20 Ft. Lbs.

Cylinder Head Bolts: 65-75 Ft. Lbs.

Intake Manifold: 12-15 Ft. Lbs.

Exhaust Manifold: 13-18 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Cover: 3-5 Ft. Lbs.

Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 19-24 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 60-70 Ft. Lbs.

Flywheel to Crankshaft: 75-85 Ft. Lbs.

Vibration Damper or Pulley: 70-90 Ft. Lbs.

Capacities-All Series:

With 6 Cylinder Engine:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 8-1/2 Quarts

With Heater: 9-1/2 Quarts

With Air Conditioning: 9-1/2 Quarts

Radiator Cap Pressure:

With Air Conditioning: 12-15 PSI

Without Air Conditioning: 12-15 PSI

Thermostat Opening: 180 Degrees

Fuel Tank: 16 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 4-1/2 Quarts*

Manual Transmission:

Three Speed: 2-1/2 Pints

Automatic Transmission: 7-1/2 Quarts

Rear Axle: 4-1/2Pints

* With New Oil Filter

With 8 Cylinder Engine:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 13-1/2 Quarts

With Heater: 14-1/2 Quarts

With Air Conditioning: 14-1/2 Quarts

Radiator Cap Pressure:

With Air Conditioning: 12-15 PSI

Without Air Conditioning: 12-15 PSI

Thermostat Opening: 180 Degrees

Fuel Tank: 16 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Manual Transmission:

Three Speed: 3 Pints

Four Speed: 3 Pints

Automatic Transmission: 8-1/2 Quarts

Rear Axle: 4-1/2Pints

* With New Oil Filter

Starting Motor Specifications:

6 Cylinder:

Part #C30F-11001A

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 48 to 56 Ounces

No Load Test: 80-110 Amperes, 12 Volts, @ 5,200 RPM

Torque Test: 580 Amperes, 5.0 Volts, @ 14.8 Ft. Lbs.

8 Cylinder:

Part #C2OF-11001D

Brush Spring Tension: 45 Ounces

No Load Test: 70 Amperes, 12 Volts, @ 9,500 RPM

Torque Test: 670 Amperes, 6.0 Volts, @ 15.5 Ft. Lbs.

Ford Generator Specifications:

Generator: C20F-10000J

Rated Capacity: 30 Amperes

Field Ground Location: Internal

Brush Spring Tension: 20-26 Ounces

Field Current Draw @ 12 Volts: 1.2-1.8 Ampres

Regulator: #C1TZ-10505A

Cut Out Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 12.4 Volts

Voltage Regulator Setting: 15.0 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes

Generator: C20F-10000J

Rated Capacity: 30 Amperes

Field Ground Location: Internal

Brush Spring Tension: 20-26 Ounces

Field Current Draw @ 12 Volts: 1.2-1.8 Ampres

Regulator: #C1TZ-10505A

Cut Out Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 12.4 Volts

Voltage Regulator Setting: 15.0 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes

Generator: C20F-10000H

Rated Capacity: 30 Amperes

Field Ground Location: Internal

Brush Spring Tension: 20-26 Ounces

Field Current Draw @ 12 Volts: 1.2-1.8 Ampres

Regulator: #C1TZ-10505A

Cut Out Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 12.4 Volts

Voltage Regulator Setting: 15.0 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes

Generator: C2DF-10000B

Rated Capacity: 25 Amperes

Field Ground Location: Internal

Brush Spring Tension: 32-40 Ounces

Field Current Draw @ 12 Volts: 1.2-1.8 Ampres

Regulator: #C3DZ-10505A

Cut Out Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 12.8 Volts

Voltage Regulator Setting: 15.0 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 25 Amperes

Generator: C2DF-10000C

Rated Capacity: 30 Amperes

Field Ground Location: Internal

Brush Spring Tension: 32-40 Ounces

Field Current Draw @ 12 Volts: 1.2-1.8 Ampres

Regulator: #C3DZ-10505B

Cut Out Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 12.8 Volts

Voltage Regulator Setting: 15.0 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes

Distributor Specifications:

6 Cylinder Engine:

Part #C30F-12127E

Rotation: Clockwise

Breaker Point Gap: .025"

Cam Angle: 37-42 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17 to 20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance: None

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ .44" Vacuum

Full Advance: 12-1/2 Degrees @ 8" Vacuum

8 Cylinder, 221 Cubic Inch Engine with Standard Transmission:

Part #C20F-12127J

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Breaker Point Gap: .017"

Cam Angle: 26-31 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17 to 20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 525 RPM

Full Advance: 13 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 5" Vacuum

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 20" Vacuum

8 Cylinder, 221 Cubic Inch Engine with Automatic Transmission:

Part #C30F-12127A

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Breaker Point Gap: .017"

Cam Angle: 26-31 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17 to 20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 500 RPM

Full Advance: 8 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 8" Vacuum

Full Advance: 9 Degrees @ 20" Vacuum

8 Cylinder, 260 Cubic Inch Engine with Standard Transmission:

Part #C30F-12127G

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Breaker Point Gap: .017"

Cam Angle: 26-31 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17 to 20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 550 RPM

Full Advance: 11 Degrees @ 1,950 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 9" Vacuum

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 17" Vacuum

8 Cylinder, 260 Cubic Inch Engine with Automatic Transmission:

Part #C3AZ-12127U

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Breaker Point Gap: .017"

Cam Angle: 26-31 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17 to 20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 500 RPM

Full Advance: 9 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 10" Vacuum

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 20" Vacuum

Rear Axle & Brake Specifications:

6 Cylinder:

Carrier Type: Removable

Differential Bearing Preload:

Method: Threaded adjusters .

Adjustment: 2-1/2 to 3 notches tight

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash:

Method: Threaded adjusters

Adjustment: .008"-.012"

Pinion Bearing Preload:

Method: Spacer

Adjustment:

New Bearings: 22-32 Inch Lbs.

Used Bearings: 10-14 Inch Lbs.

Brake Drum Diameter: 10"

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1-1/8"

Rear: 29/32"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1"

8 Cylinder:

Carrier Type: Removable

Differential Bearing Preload:

Method: Threaded adjusters .

Adjustment: 2-1/2 to 3 notches tight

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash:

Method: Threaded adjusters

Adjustment: .008"-.012"

Pinion Bearing Preload:

Method: Spacer

Adjustment:

New Bearings: 22-32 Inch Lbs.

Used Bearings: 10-14 Inch Lbs.

Brake Drum Diameter: 10"

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1-1/8"

Rear: 29/32"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1"

Wheel Alignment Specifications:

All Models:

Caster: Zero Degrees

Camber:

Left: + 1/2 Degrees

Right: + 1/2 Degrees

Toe-In: 1/16" to 3/16"

Toe-Out on Turns:

Outer Wheel: 20 Degrees

Inner Wheel: 23-1/2 Degrees

Ford Carburetor Adjustments, 8 Cylinder:

Ford Carburetor Adjustments, 6 Cylinder:

Model #C3YF-H

1 Barrel

Mixture Screw: 4 to 5 Turns to Open

Throttle Return Dashpot: .135"

Dry Float Level: 1"

Dashpot Setting: Turn adjusting screw inward 2 to 4 turns past point where it initially contacts plunger.

Fast Idle Speed: 1,800 RPM

Pump Stroke:

LO - Above 50 Degrees and/or 5000 Feet in Altitude

HI - 50 Degrees and below.

Choke Plate: 5/16"

Choke Setting: 5/16"

Ford Carburetor Adjustments, 8 Cylinder:

8 Cylinder, 221 Cubic Inch Engine with Standard Transmission:

2 Barrel

Part #C3OF-C

Mixture Screws Turns Open: 1 to 1-1/2 Turns

Dry Float Levels: 21/32"

Wet Fuel Level: 29/32"

Fast Idle: 1,300 RPM

Pump Setting: Install pump rod in inside hole in pump link.

Choke Plate Clearance: 7/64"

Automatic Choke Setting: 4 Lean

8 Cylinder, 221 Cubic Inch Engine with Automatic Transmission:

2 Barrel

Part #C3OF-D

Mixture Screws Turns Open: 1 to 1-1/2 Turns

Dry Float Levels: 21/32"

Wet Fuel Level: 29/32"

Dashpot Setting: 5/64"

Fast Idle: 1,300 RPM

Pump Setting: Install pump rod in inside hole in pump link.

Choke Plate Clearance: 7/64"

Automatic Choke Setting: 4 Lean

8 Cylinder, 260 Cubic Inch Engine with Standard Transmission:

2 Barrel

Part #C30F-E

Mixture Screws Turns Open: 1 to 1-1/2 Turns

Dry Float Levels: 1/2"

Wet Fuel Level: 3/4"

Fast Idle: 1,300 RPM

Pump Setting: Install pump rod in inside hole in pump link

Choke Plate Clearance: 1/8"

Automatic Choke Setting: 4 Lean

8 Cylinder, 260 Cubic Inch Engine with Automatic Transmission:

2 Barrel

Part #C30F-F

Mixture Screws Turns Open: 1 to 1-1/2 Turns

Dry Float Levels: 1/2"

Wet Fuel Level: 3/4"

Dashpot Setting: 5/64"

Fast Idle: 1,600 RPM

Pump Setting: Install pump rod in inside hole in pump link

Choke Plate Clearance: 1/8"

Automatic Choke Setting: 4 Lean

Popular Options:

Push Button Radio & Antenna; Fresh Air Heater & Defroster; Automatic Transmission; Overdrive; Windshield Washer; Electric Wipers; Padded Instrument PanelWhite Wall Tires; Wheel Covers; Padded Dash & Visors; Two Tone Paint; Crankcase Ventillation System; Engine & Transmission Options, & Much More.

1963 Mercury Historical Data:

Introduction date of the 1963 Mercury line is not available.

Total Mercury Production for the1963 model year was 300,034 including 45,365 Meteors.

1963 Mercury Colors &Codes:

A Presidential Black

B Peacock Turquoise

D Ocean Turquoise

E Pacific Blue

F Pink Lustre

H Blue Satin

I Castilian Gold

J Carnival Red

M Sultana White

P Scotch Green

R Jamacia Yellow

T Champagne

W Pink Frost

X Black Cherry

Y Cascade Blue

Z Desert Frost

Promotional Models Available:

Plastic: Comet 2 Door Sedan; Meteor Custom 2 Door Sedan; Monterey 2 Door Hardtop; Monterey Convertible.