I'm going to look at a possible donor for my '55 this weekend: http://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/2751533407.html the LSCs had the 5.0 HO and AOD, which I'm tentatively considering replacing the y-block and dead Fordomatic with. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with Lincolns, and what other possible parts I should consider in making my decision to purchase?
My brother had one of those Lincolns when it was only two years old. It was one hot car. Had no trouble eating 350 GM cars for breakfast, and got 26 MPG doing it. Buy the engine, trans, and wiring to make it run.
Put the '55 on the Lincoln ch***is and use the Lincoln interior and all the goodies,the 90's Lincolns and T-birds ride and handle like a dream.
In some ways I'd feel kinda bad parting out the Lincoln if it's in decent shape, but suitable donors in this part of the world are scarce. For every car there's a dozen F150s, but most of those are 4x4s so the trans won't work. Either way, it's an 800 mile round trip to Anchorage from here. I'm headed there to spend Christmas with friends either way - just trying to talk myself into hauling back a car on the return trip.
I can understand totally about donor cars up there . The problem that concerns me is the really high mileage the engine and trans has on it already . The HO has the forged pistons and is a really good roller cam engine but that is still allot of mileage to be doing an engine swap with and no rebuild . If anything , invest the money and do a re-ring and new rod & crank bearings . Then maybe install a mild roller cam and roller timing set. Get a Edelbrock dual plain intake or any other copies of that intake that are around $140 and a small 4 bbl carb in the 570 to 600 cfm size . I would also change the trans fluids , new trans filter and flush out the converter too . That way you will have all new fluid in the trans and converter BEFORE you start it . Just make sure you fill the converter before you install it back on the trans !!! The ONLY reason I am saying this about the engine & trans is I rebuild Ford engines and with that many miles on it , it really should be gone through while the engine is out and easy to work on now instead of having to do it down the road . That's still a lot to spend for just a few things you are going to use with that many miles on already . I understand they don't have donor cars around the corner up there BUT I would really consider another option for that $1700 ! Even up there ...that's still a lot of money for donor car with high mileage ! If it was a Granada or Lincoln Versailles that would be a totally different story since you can use that entire drive train and front end for your car ! I hope I didn't get you upset or mad with me for what I said but I always look at all options before I go through all the trouble of doing an engine & trans swap ! Save you're money and just wait for a better deal . Jim
This may be hard to believe, but my concern with the price was that it was so low. It's a different world. Figure 2.5k minimum for a thrashed out Mustang 5.0 w/ a T5.
Last year I bought an 85 Mustang (302/5 speed) from CL for under $1100. I drove it before I bought it and it ran great. On the drive home (10 miles) I lost a few parts and when I pulled the engine & trans, some of the bolts were only finger tight but it's in my 56 and runs fine. From the stories I've read, I'm glad I got the engine & trans from the same car to avoid flywheel and shim problems.
I decided towing a trailer over 400 miles of ice wasn't in my best interest, so I p***ed it by. I guess I'm getting smarter with old age? That's what I like to tell myself, anyways.
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