Technical 64 Galaxie 302 update

I have been considering all options you guys have thrown out there for me. I did run across 2 engines I am interested in. One is a MEL 430 from a 62 Lincoln. This is running, sounding good motor with a c6 hooked up. It's presently in a truck and I can maybe go see it tomorrow. He is asking 600. The other is a 429 4v from a 68 Tbird. I think it was a running when pulled engine for $500.
Whatcha guys think ?

 

MEL, no question.

 

I'd grab a compression tester with leak down gauge. Do a full compression and leak down on both before you pull the trigger. I know they aren't the most expensive motors you can buy, but, 500 bucks is 500 bucks and if is toast, that's money you could have used on a strong motor. The 430 has about 15 more hp stock, and if you can see it run and make sure there's no smoke or bad noises, I'd go that route.

 

The 429 is probably going to fit bett in the Galaxie, is undoubtedly lighter, has more readily available transmissions, and has more aftermarket support.

You can probably which one I would pick.

 

The 430 is a good running motor right now. No overheat issues nor leaks I'm told. It's still in the truck which we may go drive tomorrow and see what it sounds like.

 

!962 430 Lincoln 315 hp 1968 429 T bird 360 hp parts for the 429 are going to be way easer to find my vote the 429 Rock auto doesn't offer 430 piston .or a camshaft.

 

I'm kind of having a hard time getting the guy to respond to me who has the 429. I'm not completely sure it's even legitimate. I have almost begged the guy to reach out and talk to me about it and I'm just waiting that out to see if he will. The guy with the 430 is very open and answers all my questions.

 

Nostalgia notwithstanding, you'll have less headaches with the 429.

 

If you could swing it I would get the 430 and the 429 both. Get the MEL because he is forthcoming and you can see hear and drive it. If there’s nothing wrong with it then get it while the getting is good. The guy with the 429 since he is jacking you around lowball the crap out of it. Tell him you already have a good motor and transmission but if he still wants to sell it you’ll give him $200 since you can’t hear it run. Then build the 429 taking you time and nickel and diming it to death until you have what you want.

 

I had a little video of the 430 running but I can't figure out how to upload it

 

The 429. Main reason is you can get any part for one in a day. They are also pretty well supported in the aftermarket also, which means plenty of used performance parts out there to. Keep in mind with a 10.50 c/r it’s going to be a premium fuel engine.

There my go to engine these days.

 

The 1961-63 LINC MEL was a 2V Low Compression Engine.

The 1968 429 is going to have the good early heads on it. Much easier and cheaper to pump up (IMO).

 

429 and never look back , is my vote . Leave the MEL for an Edsel

 

Trust your gut. If it seems sketchy, it probably is.

 

yes, I'm corrected. I was looking at the '58 specs on the 430

 

I’m in the 429 camp as well. The 430 could be hard to get parts for if anything happened to it.

 

Still waiting on the 429 guy to get back. I hope it ain't a scam. He shows me very little sign it's not tho

 

I worked in a Lincoln/Mercury dealership in the late 60's to mid 70's. A 62 Lincoln would have had a cast iron MX style transmission. However, since it isn't in the Lincoln, it could very well have a C6 behind it. The old 430's were workhorses, but not very high performance or fuel efficient. I had a 64 Lincoln for about 10 years.

On the other hand, the 429 had a lot more zip than the 430's and were lighter. They were also pretty tough. My dad gave my daughter a 73 Mercury with a 429 that I had given him. She ran it out of oil at least twice. The first time it sheared the roll pin in the distributor drive gear when the oil pump locked up. I managed to free up the oil pump, installed a new roll pin and she drove it for at least another year before she did the same thing again. Somehow it lived a second time.

I'd vote for the 429 if the engine is any good.

 

What if I have no way of knowing if it is a running engine other than taking the guys word (if he even gets back with me at all)? I'd hate to lose the good deal on the 430 cause this guy don't get back to me. Just a risk I take I guess

 

Oh, a 430 would run -

1958 MERCURY 430 6V @ 400HP

 

I wish you lived closer to Me . My Buddy has 3 dressed engines and trans sitting . These were bolt into a Fox bodies . Instant racers .

 

How cool is that !!

 

One of those would be very nice to have !

 

Nobody has mentioned this yet, but a 429 and a 460 are externally the same - same family. If the 429 deal falls thru a lot of 460s could be had for a similar price.
I have one in my '46.

 

I am a early dodge and Desoto hemi guy I'm guessing they are easer to find parts for than a 430. Did you see this 351 in Florence Face book

 

It looks like the 429 deal may not work out as the guy doesn't respond back to numerous messages. Oh well.
Thank you to all y'all who have reached out to me on this. I'm still not ruling out the 430 but we'll just have to wait and see..

 

I understand. You have a known quantity against an unknown. I do personally like to buy running engines.

 

I have a 430 in my 60 mercury.
Its not a muscle machine.
If you really, really like low rpm grunt, then its your choise.
For me, i like it.i like 368 in my turnpike cruiser and 390 in my monterey and marauder.
I dont like small blocks...in big cars.
200 Cid in 65 comet was just fine.

 

I'm really liking the idea of the 430. I may go look at it tomorrow and I'll know more. Thanks for your input

 

Here are 2 pictures of the 430 MEL. It is from a 62 Lincoln, now in a 60's truck.