ROSS Pistons still advertises pistons for the 430
"Ford 272, 292, 312, 332, 352, 360, 390, 400, 406, 410, 427, 428, 429, 430, 460 Thru 4.420 Bore"
Flat Top
30-10
$615.60
Dome Top
30-20
$726.24
Reverse Do
30-32
$726.24
"Ford 429, 430, 460, 4.437 Bore & Larger"
Flat Top
30-101
$646.32
Dome Top
30-201
$757.76
Reverse Do
30-321
$757.76
http://www.rosspistons.com/
Now, the price to me doesn't seem too extreme to do what I want with one which is to set a MEL into a street custom.
Lincoln Parts International; I assume these are only stock replacements...
Engine, Transmission & Drive Train
ENGINE PARTS 430/462
Pistons (430 engine) 1958-65 420.00/set
Set Pistons (462 engine) 1966-68 450.00/set
http://www.pe.net/~lincprts/engine.htm
I would imagine one would have to cc the combustion chambers and all to arrive at a suitable street compression ratio as most of this knowledge has most likely been forgotten. Another problem with the MEL was camshaft hardness. There were a lot of failures and upgrades it seems. You would have to find someone willing to grind you a custom cam on hardened billet. Not cheap either.
A set of custom aluminum rods and some serious FE valvetrain retrofit, along with upgraded carburetion/fuel injection and you should have one heck of a street monster.
If I can't find a machine shop that specializes in MEL, I will most likely have a set of custom honing plates made also.
I am a detail freak.
I Am Presently Looking For Any Factory/Aftermarket Parts/Information Regarding The MEL Engine Series
Also Older FORD Special Service Tools
