Ford MEL (Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln) Engine Series
In 1958, came the introduction of the MEL series engines. These were some of the largest and heaviest V8 engines Ford had ever built.
* 383 cubic inch
Developed for the Mercury line of vehicles.
Bore and stroke of 4.30 X 3.30 inches.
Had a two year history starting in 1958 and lasting till 1960
Most of these engines in the two years were known as the Marauder
The Mercury Marauder engines of 1958 came with either 312 horsepower or 330 horsepower, both packed with a four barrel carburator.
In 1959, the Marauder engine was considered a mid range of its' predecessor with a stock horsepower of 322.
In its' last year, the 383 cubic inch Marauder was dropped to 280 horsepower.
* 410 cubic inch
Less common of the MEL series is the 410 cubic inch
Bore and Stroke of 4.20 X 3.70
10.5.1 compression
Holley four-barrel carb and hydraulic lifters.
475 pounds of foot torque
Also be reffered to as the E-475 engine.
In 1958, Edsel Corsair and Citation models used the 410 cubic inch as their only preference for engine types.
* 430 cubic inch
Commonly referred to as the Bulldozer of the MEL series and lasted from 1958 to 1965
In its' "suped up" version, the 430 was commonly referred to as the Super Marauder and came with three two barrel carburators.
Bore and stroke of 4.29 X 3.7 inches
Compression rations started at 10.5.1 but soon began to decline late in 1959 to 10.0.1 at 350 horsepower.
The higher horsepower versions of the 430 remained within its first year of production with horsepower of 365, 375 and of course 400.
In 1959 the horsepower slowly began to reduce, yet hold a moderate 345 ponies even with a slightly less compression ratio of 10.0.1.
In 1960, the big 430 cubic inch used a milder camshaft, producing 315 horsepower.
1963 when the 430 got an overhaul with new pistons and a four barrel carb, pushing compression to 10.1.1 and a horsepower rating of about 345.
It could be found in the 1958 Lincoln Continental Convertible, rating 400 horsepower and nearly 500 foot pounds of torque.
Mercury also used the 430 cubic inch until 1960.
* 462 cubic inch
By 1966, it replaced its' predecessor the 430.
Bore and stroke of 4.38 X 3.83 inches.
Hydraulic lifters and a four barrel carb.
The 462 was used for its' smoothness in large passenger vehicles.
It lasted for only two years.
From;
http://www.fordclassics.com/enginespecs.html
