I somehow missed this thread. I think the Y's are like the Barbra Mandrell song "I was country when country wasnt cool" Same goes for the Y's, they were at one time uncool and everyone was yanking them out. Now they are on their way to being way cool!

Kevin Bigwin

 

I just have to throw this out there when ever someone mentions the 430 MEL.

If you want to follow 286Merc's lead, I have a 430 MEL (1958 as well) on the West Coast for real cheep - free!! Runs well!!

 

If I could figure out a way to get it, I'd take it in a heartbeat....

 

Homespun, I'm willing to work with you... I have no ideal the cost of shipping - let me know if you come up with something!!

 

Well, shipping's not horrible, though pricey- usually about $150-300, depending. Problem is, you would have to palletize it or crate it, which is kind of above & beyond the call of duty, especially for a free-bie. Let me think about it a bit & see if I can come up with an equitable solution.

 

286merc, yes the 430 does use the FE bolt pattern, complete to the 3 bolt starter. I assume you have acquired an EDJ engine, if so, I can give you some insight to it's idiosyncracies. If you want some more info, feel free to PM me regarding it. I even have an old MEL parts book, and may even still have some parts for one. Be warned, these monsters are know for wringing axles, drive shafts etc. They would smoke the tires on a 6000lb Lincoln with a 2.69:1 rear end. As for Y blocks, I ran a Tbird special 312 in my 58 F100 with a Borg-Warner T85 with overdrive. Lovely sounding engine, ran like the hammers. I had people ask why not a 302 or 351W, answer, they don't have the torque or the sound.

 

Bessie,
If you need an extra pair of hands when pulling the motor, or getting it ready to pull, give me a holler.
Mike

 

Yes, it is the EDJ. Im aware of some of the 58-9 head problems so dont know what has been done to this one if anything. It was reportedly a sweet runner until the tranny blew. What else are they "known for" besides monster torque? Problem areas? And Id be interested in that parts book if you care to sell it as well as what parts?

Ive been blabbing on here about the MEL for almost a year, might as well add it to the forum as it is pretty much an orphan Ford product.

 

Bessie: If Homespun 91 don't take it off your hands I will. I can't be to far from you ,we live in the same state.
I've got a 68 F-100 with one in it already. It has a LARGE "dinnerplate" size hole in the side................I've been looking for a replacement.

FABMANDELUX

 

The cooling system in one of these has to be seen to be believed. They are probably closer to the 401,477 and 534 engines than anything else Ford built. I never really heard about head problems with these, but they may have. Most of the issues I saw was with the fuel pump push rod. If you put the intake gaskets on backwards they would overheat terribly.

 

Fabman & Bessie,

Seems like you two are a little closer to each other than I am, anyway. If you can work out something, by all means go for it. I haven't done too much searching yet but I imagine I can scrounge one somewhere around.

Now, about that finders' fee.....

 

Fabman, its yours for the taking.... it does need to be pulled. The truck is located in Medford at my house, but I'm stuck with the Army in the Seattle area for another year. If you are interested, you can pull it anytime you want - I will be passing through Medford in mid April, or likley will spend a week there in June if you want to hook up in person.

Homespun, I'll palletize it for ya if your still interested, but as you can see above, I'll be out for another year - glad to do it when I return home.

Thanks Mike for the offer - if Fabman or Homespun don't take it, I'll take you up on having an extra set of hands. I do need to get it out so I can slip a 272 back in once I'm home for good.

 

I'll take it Bessie, And many thanks! PM me when you'll be around home and we can meet, i'll even bring you a couple a cases of your favorite brew.........

Thanks Homespun for letting me take it, It's a project I can move forward on now.....as if I needed another!

Many thanks guy's. FABMANDELUX.

 

Fabman, Now that it has dawned on me where Arlington is....

I'm working a deal for a 239 with a member in Bend. If you would be heading down Highway 97 to Medford, I might try to talk you into picking it up for me.

 

Not a problem Bessie I can pick it up for you as long as they have a way to pick it up. and I'll bring the beer!

FABMAN.