Got a 58 430 with 64K miles and a lead on a nice F3. Just wondering about the transplant fit. It would be mated to a FE C6.
Just want to do something different!

Plan is to build a wrecker, I just brought a complete and running Manley 3T electric setup home.

 

I've never done it or seen it but it should fit just fine. there tons of room in the engine compartments of those old trucks. I put a 500ci Caddy engine in my F1, and I know that there are numerous big block swaps out there (both GM and Ford) so the big Merc engine ought to fit without too many hassles.
Could you get a rear sump oil pan for the 430's? Is the 430 just a Ford 429? or were the Mercury engines still (or were they ever) seperate from Ford engines?

Bobby

 

As I said this is a Lincoln engine altho Merc and TBirds used them for a short time. The Lincoln was the highest rated except for the 3 carb 58 Mercury Marauder. The Linc is rated 375 HP and 490 ft/lbs torque; all from an engine you can barely hear idle.
Mine is front sump so that will probably present a problem. Im still gathering info on this family of engines called the MEL; especially for what FE parts will swap.

The 385 family 429/460 was the replacement for the MEL. I already have a truck 460/C6 but that would be too easy! I like doing the difficult things. I even have a 374 Packard in storage waiting for a 42-8 Hudson pickup.

 

I like the way you think!! There are so many cool engine choices out there. I chose the big inch Caddy because I've always wanted to drop one of those big torque engines into and old Ford since I owned a 59 Ranchero years ago. Back in high school we dropped a 371 Olds with 6-pack and a 4spd auto into a 68 F-100.

My mistake on refering to the Lincoln as a Mercury. The front sump might not be a problem in an F3 that is going to be used as a wrecker as there might be more clearance between the pan and the axle. Worst case scenario is to fabricate a rear sump pan and pick up tube for the 430.

Either way it will make a danged neat truck!

Bobby

 

Merc,

I am also a wrecker man. Eventually, my '56 F-350/Stringfellow Mustang crane/body will be finished...

Johnny

 

I'm running a stock front axle 54 F250 with a front sump 460. There was enough clearance for that to fit, so the 430 might work if you can set the engine back far enough. Did the 430 use a front and rear mounting system like the early truck y blocks or are the engine mounts on the side? Just curious. Good luck with the swap. I also like the uniqueness of it.

 

Well so far I got the Manley winch all working nice and smooth. Also got a Dana 60 with a 4.10 LSD; so what if it was originally under a Dodge!

The 430 mounts similar to the FE and 460, big fat side mounts. It is probably the heaviest of all the big FOMOCO V8's.

Im also looking at the 62 F250 I have out back, once I pull off the unibody and haul to the junkyard I'll have a better idea if it is a better choice. Been spending a bit of time killing off hornet and wasp nests which set up housekeeping down in the doors, behind seats, down air defroster vents, etc. If I go that route either a 51 F5 or 56 F600 sheetmetal will be used. Its a use what you got world out here.

 

Well, I've got something simular to what you are thinking. I've got a 430 MEL mounted in a 56 F350 and can't wait to pull it out.

Not so much that I don't like the engine, as a matter of fact its very reliable, starts in the coldest of weather, runs smooth as silk, has great power and is quiet, quiet quiet. My problem is that whoever put it in did a very lousy job of joining it to the original tranny. It is pushed back further then the firewall would allow, so the gent took a sludge hammer to the firewall to make room for it.

Because he left the original tranny and rear end (and this MEL is way too much power for the stock equipment), the engine sits at an angle that is just not right - resulting in the rear seal blowing out time and time again. And, with the original radiator, the shroud would not go back on so it overheats quickly. Furthermore, he had to remove a crossmember in the frame and did not put another one in - anywhere.

Generally speaking, I have the ideal example of how not to tuck a 430 MEL under the hood - I plan on pulling it and placing a 272 back in her. Mine is a flatbed and I use it only to run to the dump and to the lumber yard - I put about 100 miles on it per year and plan on keeping it around for a while.

Yes, I'm a stocker, so the 272 is a must for me!! I'm willing to give the 430 to anyone that wants to pull it - I'm deployed with the military now and won't get back home for a few years, but I'll send ya road map!