I have a spare MEL engine that was supposed to be from a 1958 Mercury and it was supposed to be a 430. How can I identify the size for sure, short of a tear down?

The valve covers are RED with a large "M_____" stamped into them. The block casting number is wierd and NOT the usual EDG or EDJ. It is "ED -6015-A" with a number "2" above the casting number and a "76 M" in the middle row between them both.

The intake number is EDG 9425-A
the RH Exhause manifold is EDG 9430-A
the LH Exhaust manifold is EDG 9431-A

The engine serial number is: "4-76RC" with a "338" below that and slightly to the right.

Thanks for your help.

J-Bird430
1959 Thunderbird

Your Date Code (4-76RC) identifies the block as being cast;

4= Lima Engine Plant
7= 1957
6= June
R= 17 Day of June
C= Plant Inspector

ED 6015 A is the Casting/Engineering No. for both the early 383 and 430 as they both used the same bore size (No third character in prefix).

Engines came with a fiber tag attached to the timing cover that positively identified the assembly. I imagine this tag is long gone. To I.D. what you have without teardown would be to bring a piston to TDC and insert and mark a dowel and then bring the piston to BDC and remark the dowel. This will give you the stroke and you can I.D. from this.

EDG is the prefix for the 383.
EDJ is the prefix for the 430.
EDH is the prefix for the 410 EDSEL if you happen to come across one of these.

Both the 383/430 (MERC) used common parts (EDG/EDJ) so I.D. in this fashion is not absolute.

I have also read (not verified) that RED rocker covers I.D. as 383 and GOLD as 430.

Hope this helps you out.

I appreciate the effort to look that up for me.

I measured the stroke at 3.3 and that makes it a 383 just like you figured with the red valve covers.

My interchange manual says the intake, carb, exhaust manifolds, rods, cam, heads, timing gear-chain are the same as my 430 but it lists different pistons and block. How can this be if both sport a 4.3 bore?

The crank fits ONLY the 383 but can I install a 430 crank and get a 430.... that's something I need to research.

Thanks,

Dave
aka
J-Bird430

Both blocks are the same. You can substitute the 430 crank. The connecting rods are the same. Of course the pistons are not.

Also notice that your engine mount pads are cast into the front of the block. In 1959, there was a running change whereas the blocks were cast for either front mount or center mount (I believe the BIRD retained the front mount into 1960). These will have casting nos. that are more familiar to most (B9AE). There is a post somewheres on this board that will show and describe the differences.

It is nice to have an extra MEL assembly as service parts are getting hard to come by.

Are you wanting to keep your BIRD numbers correct?

Are you wanting to keep your BIRD numbers correct?

Yes as close as possible considering the lack of parts. Right now I need a Cruise-O-Matic tranny mount and the one used with the 430 is different than the one used with the 352 and I can't find one since there were only 3,100 of the J-Birds made in 1959.

If I could find a casting number book for my Bird I'd like to buy it. I have a few that were included in my Ford Parts Interchange Book but I'd like more detailed info.

I checked the motor mounts and the 383 block has them in the front just above the oil filter and generator with 5 inch center bolts. That's tha same place as the 430 has and my 430 mounts look like they will fit.

I will have a few extra parts for sale later on after my car is complete. I have the stock 1958 carb with the left side vacuum diaphram and a box full of old Lincoln AFB parts. I have a stock 430 59 T-Bird carb for parts that is incomplete.

I have a 61 Lincoln C1VE water pump with pulleys and too many smaller parts to mention. Now with the Merc MEL engine I can add a 383 crank and pistons w/pins to the used parts list. I plan to keep everything I can use for the 430 even if the numbers are not correct. I thought of decompressing the 430 to 5 or 6 to 1 by adding the 383 crank and pistons then supercharging it but changed my mind and will keep it stock.

If you or any fellow MEL fans need parts send me an email and I'll see it I can help. Remove the X from the email address before you send it though. Make sure to add a subject line that will catch my eye like MEL PARTS NEEDED

Best wishes and thanks again for the help. Feel free to cross post my info to Merc/Edsel/Lincoln groups of you wish. If I can help spmeone out I will and at a fair price for parts.

david@rhyner.comX

Dave Rhyner

I was going to start a webpage for older LINC-MERC power and also have an exchange board where one can advertise or look to buy these pieces as they are becoming harder to find everyday.

Keep us in mind when you are ready to list...