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Mercury L-code specs: 221 ci (3.6L) 8-cylinder, 3.50 x 2.87 in (88.9 x 72.9 mm) bore and stroke. Rated 145 hp, 1962–1963. Used in the Ford Fairlane. OHV.
The Mercury L-code is oversquare — the 3.5" bore exceeds the 2.8701" stroke by 21.9% — a layout that favors airflow and RPM over leverage at the crank. The 2.8701" stroke does not reach 4,000 ft/min of mean piston speed until about 8,350 RPM, so piston speed is not what limits this engine's revs — valvetrain and breathing are. Each of the 8 cylinders displaces 27.6 ci (453 cc).
It is one of 24 engines in the Windsor family, the smallest at 221 ci. 2 factory variants share these dimensions, rated at 145 hp across 1962–1963.
| Displacement | 221 ci / 3.6 L |
|---|---|
| Bore | 3.5" |
| Stroke | 2.8701" |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Configuration | V8 |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 1.219 |
| Block material | cast iron |
|---|---|
| Head material | cast iron |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Fuel type | gas |
| Advertised HP | 145 hp |
| Years | 1962–1963 |
| Bore/stroke character | 1.219 — oversquare — bore exceeds stroke, which favours higher RPM and larger valves |
|---|---|
| Mean piston speed at 6,000 RPM | 2,870 ft/min — conservative for a street engine |
| Displacement per cylinder | 27.6 ci |
Each link opens the calculator with this engine's specs already filled in.
These records share identical bore, stroke, displacement and compression. They differ by model year and factory power rating.
| Year | Advertised HP | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1962 | 145 hp | L-code |
| 1963 | 145 hp | L-code |