So I have the opportunity to obtain a 57 Lincoln with a 368. Car is pretty much gone but it is a complete engine. I'm looking at a model a roadster project and debating if the 368 would be even practical to use? I know parts are scarce and not much interchanges with Ford-Y. Any advice in regards to this would be much appreciated!
They are a heavy engine, not often used in hot rods. Unless you really want it bad, it might be best to pass on it and get something easier to work with.
The 368 is the best of the breed. In addition to Lincolns it was the optional Mercury Turnpike Cruiser engine in 57.There is a small but enthusiastic group who like and work on these engines. As for weight they are about the same as the other early V-8s certainly lighter than a Hemi.. Yeah parts are scare but available through antique engine suppliers. Not cheap to build compared to an sbc or sbf, but again no worse that building a Caddy or an Olds.. Even if you decide not to use it, please save it from the crusher. You should be able to make a buck by parting it out
In my opinion a very much underdeveloped engine. I think they have more potential than many engines of the period. If I had a shot at a 368 I would grab it. RichFox here on the board is prepping an injected one for a Bonneville roadster, follow his work, he will make it fast. The smaller brother of that engine (317) won the stock car division at the Carrera Pan Americana in '52, '53 and '54.
I have 3 368s, 2 in my cars and one out of a parts car. They are good, but different. The parts aren't much more than any big car parts from what I've found.If that one has the cast valve covers those bring pretty good money.The car has a lot of chrome and much of it is pot metal,if that's clean sells good too.And lots of stainless,if that's straight or can be fixed also worth something. Jack
What the other said. They have huge potential and have been overlooked by some. they run very well in stock form and respond well to hopping.And they are cool looking. Please don't let it get crushed.
Model A ! 368 is 3" longer than ford y-block , hard to make fit. That might be why to don't see many of them in hot rods
Here's a pic of a friend's Lincoln-Y in his 54/55/56 (I forget the correct year) Ford truck. I'll be putting a different carb on it soon, as it has sat for many years and the accelerator pump is shot. He has a spare carp that never had fuel in it in his shop. He said when he built the truck he "flipped" the manifolds left to right and had a "Y" pipe made. One of these days I can get a pic from underneath as it is on a lift it has sat on for several years.
Not seeing many of them in a hot rod is part of the appeal! Does anyone know if there is frame modifications that need to be made in order to make one fit?
They are physically about the same size as an FE Ford.. Smaller than a 460. Most likely need to recess the firewall. They were installed in trucks with a front motor mount so you have some options in that aspect.. If people can get Hemis and BBC to fit, the Lincoln should not be a problem/// Oh and trucks used a rear sump pan which helps
That's cool about reversing the exhaust manifolds. Never thought of that. I know the left bank won't clear the steering box on a truck in the regular position. Rams horns from a truck motor is the only other option
When I pick up my 368 Turnpike cruiser I will have more info but I have heard that they are super smoothe motors with a lot of torque..
lots of goodies you can use.I am running the F800 forged steel crank out of a 332 truck engine,B.B. chev SCAT conn rods(have to modify the rods and turn the rod throws to std. b b. chev ),Venoilia pistons,Cadillac 500 S/S race valves,isky cam,M335 dual four intake,vertex magneto,very rare CRAGAR 4 speed bell housing,made my own topside headers,belt driven PETERSON oil pump ,56 MK2 valve covers etc... runs strong,running an .004 deck height for more compression.Distributor out of the ford y-block will work if you change the gear ( 1 more tooth ) and the ford oil pump wil also work...knowledgable porting goes a long way...dont change the combustion chambers except a little unshrouding around the valves.use the truck 332/302 exhaust manifolds if you have room...they are the nicest ram horn manifolds out there...have fun
To the OP I like odd ball engines so hands down I say go for it. My question is, what years did they make the valve covers pictured below. I am looking for one to hang on my son's wall, since his name is Lincoln.I thought it was 56/57 but I'm not sure. Thanks J
...for sure the '56/'57 had the script valve covers (painted, not chromed like mine). Not sure if the earlier '50's Lincolns had the script....
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