Haven't looked at it yet, but just talked to a guy with a 368 Y- Block. Year isn't known for sure. It has an auto trans on it. What I am wondering...is what trans might it be. And is it something useable if good??? Thinking of putting the whole package in my uncle's '32 five window.
You don't give us much to go on but a series of Google searches reveals that a 368 engine was used by Lincoln in 1956 and 57, and all were equipped with a 3 speed Turbo Drive automatic. This was Lincoln's version of the Warner Gear transmission known in Ford as Fordomatic and Mercury as Mercomatic. Same engine/trans also used in some 1957 Mercuries.
I know, I should have had more info before I asked. The guy is about 100 miles from me. Not the longest I have traveled to look at something. Just kind of wanted to get an idea if the trans was something useable. It's looking like I might to have to put an auto trans in my uncles car sooner then later. Thought this might be a pretty neat package, maybe not??? Thanks for the replies! Gene.
"all were equipped with a 3 speed Turbo Drive automatic. This was Lincoln's version of the Warner Gear transmission known in Ford as Fordomatic and Mercury as Mercomatic. Same engine/trans also used in some 1957 Mercuries." B-W had a million variations on this same basic Ravigneux design, including small, medium and large case versions, also lots of valve body, converter and tailshaft variations, also some of this stuff was used on B-W marine Velvet Drives as well as industrial transmissions. So, everything is the same, but often different. Make sure you know exactly what the trans is, and try to find an old Lempco catalog if you're planning on going this way. Personally, I'd want to go with a C6.
The only reason for wanting such an engine is that you are restoring a 1956 or 57 Lincoln or Mercury, or want to build a nostalgic hot rod. In your case it would be a slightly unusual choice for a fifties hot rod but not unknown. Nothing wrong with the stock engine and trans just don't expect too much. Performance should be similar to a stock 350 or 351, plenty to be going along with but not to set the world on fire. Any hop up equipment scarce, expensive and not worth the bother. I think it would make a cool hot rod, and one you should be able to use and drive to your heart's content provided the engine is in good shape to start with.
All of those transmissions were heavy but really tough for their day. You can call Art Carr at his shop in Huntington Beach Ca. and he can tell you how he snookered the factory engineers with a medium case over a large case they used with the Thunderbolts..
The Fordomatic is not a bad transmission and would be something different. With that engine in a light car you won't hurt it if you drive it reasonable. Having said that, some hard parts are becoming harder to find. So if you are considering using it, I would take it apart for inspection and see what it might need and if you can find it before getting in too deep.
You could bolt a Lincoln 4 speed hydramatic to the 368. 1952-1954 Lincolns came with hydramatic to the 317 Y block, which has the same bell pattern as the 368. BTW: I am building a 368 with Lincoln hydramatic for dropping in my 1957 F100 "push truck".
Be a great motor for a '32 Hot-Rod. The Linc-O-Matic that is attached to it, not so much. I would be spending the money on an adaptor and backing it with a modern overdrive. Wilcap, Speed Gems, and Bendstens all make adaptors to put modern autos behind the Big Y.
This gives you an idea of how far off an FE bellhousing is from bolting to a 368. Little slotting. Some dowel moving and it's on.
Sorry just getting back to this thread. Some really good info. With the grass around here growing like it's on steroids. And the PTO clutch on my tractor dead, l have been spending a lot of time following the walk behind around. That said, weather permitting, I am supposed to look at it this weekend. Will report back. Thanks Gene.
Was headed out to look at the engine/trans. Just about half way there and got a call that someone was there to buy it. Did I want to offer more money??? More money...haven't even scene it yet. No, sell it to that guy. Went to a little diner and had a good breakfast. Then to a yard sale and bought a bunch of motor oil w/Zink for cheap. Good day!
Very sorry to hear that @RICH FOX has passed. Always read his posts/threads. Very smart guy. RIP Was that in 2021? Ray