Hot Rods Ford OHV V8 Engines of the 1950's.

Would anybody out there care to school me regarding the range and of type of engines that existed during the 50's.
I thought I had a basic understanding of the late 1950's engines, but I recently saw a 1954 Lincoln and was left scratching my head regarding what engine it used.
If there is even a way to put these engines in to some kind of logical category kind of manner.

Seems to me there were a bunch of some other kind of block sized engines???

 

I'll start (and give you a bump)....Ford small block
1954........239 v
1955.......272 cu. in.
1956....... 292
1957........312 ^
6sally6

 

Lincoln was a 317 and used a G.M. Hydramatic.

 

Don't forget the 255 Merc and the late fifties introduction of the MEL blocks (I think).

 

Per this Wikipedia article the Lincoln Y-block OHV V8 was used in large trucks starting in 1952.
Lincoln Y-block engine family
Displacement Bore Stroke Power Torque Years Usage
279 3 9⁄16 in (90.5 mm) 3 1⁄2 in (88.9 mm) 152 hp (113 kW) 246 lb⋅ft (334 N⋅m) 1952-1955 Ford heavy duty trucks
302 3 5⁄8 in (92.1 mm) 3 21⁄32 in (92.9 mm) 196 hp (146 kW) 1956-1963 Ford heavy duty trucks
317 3 13⁄16 in (96.8 mm) 3 1⁄2 in (88.9 mm) 160–205 hp (119–153 kW) 284–305 lb⋅ft (385–414 N⋅m) 1952-1955 Lincoln and Ford HD trucks
332 3 13⁄16 in (96.8 mm) 3 21⁄32 in (92.9 mm) 212 hp (158 kW) 1956-1963 Ford heavy duty trucks

Some might argue these engines are Lincoln, and not technically Ford...

 

Were those engines considered small blocks back then?

 

What is a MEL block?

 

The early Ford OHV were not referred to as small blocks, rather Y-blocks. They began in 54 and continued into the early/mid 60's. In 58 Ford introduced what is now called the FE engines. They were 332-352-360-390-406-427-428 and were continued into the mid/late 70's. Lincolns had another big Y-block (early to mid 50's) that was completely different from the Ford, and some big Ford trucks got those as well. Also around 58 the 430 MEL motor came out for some T-birds and Mercurys, and Lincolns.

 

I was giving the word MEL, some thought and assume it is some kind of abbreviation for Mercury, Edsel and Lincoln.
I hope I am not making a fool of myself here...

 

I heard that they were inferior to all GM OHV V8s which in turn were inferior to all Xler OHV V8s. Might be true. Maybe not. It's only what I heard 8^) Jack E/NJ

 

You are correct, MEL is indeed the Mercury, Edsel, Lincoln Family. I’m not completely up on the MEL family, but I know there is a 430 and a 462 in it.


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Also a 383, if I recall correctly. Found in Mercurys.....361 and 410 in Edsels....not the same as FE 361 & 410....different engine with same displacements.

Ray

 

Mo54Frank : Lincoln "Y-Block" were based on Ford Industrial motors : '52-'54 were 317 cu" /'55 were 341 cu" /'56-'57 were 368 cu"(also used on '56-'57 Continental). Although they appeared similar, the only things that were a direct interchange were the oil pumps & distributors(With a gear change on the shaft).

 

Interesting, I am glad I asked.
Would it be fair to say that the FE block is the big block version of a Y block then, in general terms???
Is there any meaning to what the FE actually stands for???

 

The FE is entirely different from the Y-block... FE stands for Ford-Edsel according to "that" online encyclopedia...

 

Every thought of buying a book ?

 

Nope, no book for me, this way more folks find out for free or get to share their knowledge and opinions.
That is what I thought a Forum and chat was all about...
The comments so far have helped me understand more about how things came to be the way they are.
Thanks to those who contributed as I appreciate the lesson as always.

 

You didn't study your English language one too well did you ?

 

Using social media as a primary technical resource... you can believe anything you find on the internet, right?

 

I thought I was among friends on this Forum...

 

Y-Block 1954 to 1964: 239-256-272-292-312

Lincoln/Truck Y-Block 1952 to 1964: 279-302-317-332-341-368

FE (Ford/Edsel) 1958 to 1979: 332-352-359-360-361-390-406-410-427-428

MEL (Mercury/Edsel/Lincoln) 1958 to 1967: 383-410-430-462

There were also some truck specific engines that looked a lot like the MEL: 401-477-534ci

 

Simple question provided with a simple answer.
Thanks for all that in a nut shell.
I am feeling the love once more.

 

I find that when I want basic questions answered about particular year and brand cars, it's always easier for me to open my Motor Manual. I'm NOT saying there's not a lot of knowledge readily available here for all vehicles and drivetrain combinations but all your questions about engines from the 50's are right there in your $20-$25 used swap meet or Ebay Motor Manual. I've even seen them for sale in the Antiquated section here. You'll get all your basic information there and it will be right.

 

I had one. It was ordered by the city of Wilmerding Volunteer Fire Department. 1952 F-7 Super Duty with 5.14 rear end gears and no front axle and driveshaft. The 5 Star cab and chassis was delivered to Howe Fire Apparatus where the front mounted pump, pumper body. WWII surplus front axle and transfer case were installed. It had the aforementioned 279 OHV engine and a 5 speed transmission with a top speed of 45 MPH. The two speed transfer case included an in out lever along with a high low lever. High range was 1 to 1 and low was 1 to 2 giving a final drive of 10.28. Even in 5th gear top speed in low range was less than 20 MPH but it would go up the side of a mountain.

 

My first grade teacher couldn't spell my first name correctly and counted me off when I did - so yep schooling didn't go so well.

 

Wasn't trying to be hurtful or talk down or bash in anyway. I started out with a Studebaker truck and if I hadn't been given a factory manual with it - I would have been pretty lost. This was the early 70's long before the internet and a time when no one wanted to help an old Studie get back on the road. Any way we made it and it's stillrunning......wait did I spell everything right ?
P.S. if you want a 50's Motor manual - just PM me your address and I'll send one - just bought some more last weekend - and you wouldn't be the first I've sent them to !

 

All good and PM sent.
Smokin peace pipe...

 

My experience with the 430 was in my dad's 58 Lincoln.....outran a 60 Bonniville with tri-power on the Penssy turnpike......just say'n

 

Let's not forget the mighty GAA 1,100 cu in 500hp tank engine:

 

What years were these GAA engines produced???