Massey 55 or 555 puller

6pack · May 17, 2012

I have a few Olivers I pull with, but really like my Dad's Masseys, He pulls a 33,44. I was thinking of putting together a 55 with maybe 500ci range and getting it stripped down to run 5500lb +class. If ya have 1 and are willing to share some info it is much appreciated

Goldsburg · May 18, 2012

6pack -

I could give you at least 5 reasons (but probably more like 10 if I really put some time into it) why this is just not a good idea.

If you really want to know, then start by telling me how you want to get to 500 cubes...

Regards,

Goldsburg

6pack · May 18, 2012

Well the tractor has a sentimental value, I was hoping to punch it out to 4.875-5.00" range, and stroke it to 6.5-6.75" using a 2.200 journal, 1.00 pins maybe a 11-11.5" rods and custom pistons, not sure if straight cap will work or will have to be offset, I know the head and manifold will require a lot of work...I thought i heard 5.5 bore and a 7.00 stroke was possible...I was hoping to be right around 140HP @ 17-1800RPM

mole · May 18, 2012

Mine dyno"s right around 90 horse at rated rpm"s and it"s still stock bore and stroke. I just upped the compression considerably. When it was stripped down to pull light it would hold it"s own most of the time. With everything back to original except the engine it will still do well in div 1 as high as I have pulled it which is 9000 lbs.

Goldsburg · May 19, 2012

6pack -

I built the 5.5" x 7" some years back. For any bore AND stroke change you are looking at longer custom (or other non-continental) rods. 5" or 5.125" bore would probably fit without offset. At the stroke that you mention, you could easily go with a 2.5" rod journal. I used CB818 bearings in my build. The 7" crank and 2.5" journal will get you a slight window in the crankcase in the starter clearance indent that would have to be dealt with. Again, at 6.75" stroke and anything smaller than 2.5" journal would be a walk in the park.

Now after spending all of that money, you are still going to have a cylinder head that flows worse than the H260 (MH44) head and will probably still struggle to get 140HP...

If it has sentimental value, have you considered just restoring it? If you are going to go ahead with making it a puller, let me know if you need help with a cam or components...

Regards,

Goldsburg

Goldsburg · May 19, 2012

6pack -

I also wanted to ask if you have a decent set of main bearing and gaskets for the J382 / J403?

These items are getting harder than hen's teeth to find and fetch big money if you need them...

Regards,

Goldsburg

MH55 · May 21, 2012

First the easy part... 5500 lbs can be done with some work. Have mine down to 5800 with the cast rear centers. Used a 44 standard front end to get the cast wheels off the front. Gutted the PTO, pulled fenders and floorboards. A custom front end with no cast bolster and hollow tubing could be much lighter than what I have. "docjoe" has some 9 bolt hubs that would replace your cast centers and get you much more flexibility with the wheels and tires. He's on here every so often. Search the archives. The pto drive box on the front of the rearend can be removed with an angle grinder. Make an aluminum plate to cover the hole. Have seen this done to a 55 and the battery moved under the fuel tank like a 44. looks factory if done right. Have seen a 55 with this mod done, tin wheels on the back mounted top lathed down stock centers, with 18.4 38 tires and a custom front in the 5500 lb class.

Goldsburg is right about bearings and head flow. Massey heads are fine for stock use but terrible when opened up. Any parts specific to the J382 are hard to find.

Massey 55 or 555 puller

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