I've read through a good bit of the posts on MEL's, but have yet to see how to identify the block -- year, ci, etc. So, can someone suggest where to look and what to look for to know what the engine is for the 58-60 MEL's?! Second, what would be needed to use a Ford manual transmission with a MEL from 58-60 time period? I suppose the crank would have to be machined to accept pilot bearing; can that be done without pulling the crank? Oops, that was three questions. . . but any help or leads would be appreciated. I've left a similar post on the MEL Forum, but it doesn't seem to be as active as HAMB! Thanks!
I'll post your question on another site that has a few salty old codgers who will be able to answer correctly... Meanwhile..... see if you can access this page: http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=32
The best way to identify an MEL block is by the bellhousing pattern. The ’58 –’62 MEL blocks have the same bell as the FE. The ’63 – ’65 blocks have a lower starter mount and a different dowel pin so they are not a direct bolt on to the FE bell but can be made to work. The ’66 – ’67 462 has a dual hybrid pattern of the earlier ’63 – ’65 and the 385 Lima (429 / 460). The block has an extra hole and a cast bracket that lets it mate to the 385 Lima bolt pattern or the earlier pattern. Beyond that, As with any Ford motor, the only tried and true way to determine displacement is to measure bore and stroke. You should be able to use any manual trans from an FE with the MEL. Just use the FE bellhousing. You will also have to get a flywheel that is balanced correctly for the engine. You should pull the crank to drill the pilot bearing hole. 383 ci. 1958-1960 Mercury, 4.3 in bore x 3.3 in stroke 410 ci. 1958 Edsel, 4.2 in bore x 3.7 in stroke 430 ci. 1958-1965 Lincoln, 1959-60 Thunderbird, 1958-60 Mercury, 4.3 in bore x 3.7 in stroke 462 ci. 1966-1968 Lincoln, 4.33 in bore x 3.83 in stroke Good Luck
Thanks for advice/information. Checked out the squarebird forum and got side-tracked on some interesting discussions! I missed a 430 J-code in a 1960 T-bird a few months back. Sorry I didn't get that engine! I guess I was a bit surprised that there isn't an engine ID stamped somewhere on the block. I'm used to working with mid-60's Olds 442's and you can easily identify their engines from numbers on the block! But I'm new to the MEL community. . . and learning.
Ford was never good at stamping identifying numbers. There will be casting numbers, but they will only tell you what mold was used, and when the mold was made. Not what the final machined block was. There always seems to be an example out there that doesn't fit the numbering code. So I always say the best way to know for sure is to measure it your self. Good Luck
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