Does anyone know if the motor mounts of a 1965 430 will directly fit into a 1959 T-Bird? My T-Bird use to have a 430. I would appreciate any information. Thanks.

Nope they are different. dont know the specifics but they are surely differnt

Look at the picyure at "Early mounts" and compare it to your situation with the 1965 block. If you succeed in this "motor exchange", please tell it on this forum. I also have a 1959 T-bird and a 1964 MEL engine laying in the corner of the garage,

Tjerk

The 59/60 did use the forward mounts but the FE (352) used regular positioned engine mounts. I came across a post earlier that the poster stated that he changed his 59 MEL to ride on the FE mounts and supports.

I do not see a reason this will not work. Why FORD used the forward mount on the BIRD is beyond me.

Now the only touble with a 64 430 is the unique bell pattern limiting the trans to an LX (or possibly an MX). I am not sure of the case to bell pattern on the LX as compared to the FX/MX.

Below is the front mount design as on a 1958 LINC;



This photo shows J BIRD mount;

I suppose the LX is the heavy Cruise-o-matic (Turbo-drive) of the Lincoln, MX is the 3 speed C-O-M of the T-bird, What about the FX? Is this the 2 speed Ford-o-matic?
The Heavy case (LX) will it fit into the 1959 T-bird? I suppose you will need another driveshaft?

Yes, the LX (HX) (TWIN -TURBO) is the largest main case model of the three. The FX (CRUISE-O-MATIC) is the smaller case and the MX (MERC-O-MATIC MULTI-RANGE) is the intermediate case and is used in conjunction with the FX depending on HP and torque out put of the engine. All of these models are DUAL-RANGE (redesigned in 1958-previous design single range). The true F/M/2 (PX) is an economy two-speed (all others are actually three speed) transmission used from 1959 to 1964.



The design was again updated in 1968 combining the MX internals with the FX main case creating the FMX (DUAL RANGE-SELECT SHIFT).

The LX was replaced in 1966 with the C6.

Your LX (PCA) has a special output shaft to accept a special yoke for the driveshaft.

Here is a 1958 TSB outlining transmission allpications;

The LX was redesigned once again in 1961 (main case enlarged-new bell to fit FE modified pattern-modulator valve). We know from a previous experience on the LCOC FORUM that the earlier 58/60 TWIN-TURBO main case to bell pattern is smaller in dimension than the 61/65 redesign.

So in order to transplant a 61/65 430, the unique LX has to go with it. Now the other question is can the extension housing/output shaft be adapted from an MX? LM MPC lits a differnt tail housing/output shaft for the later LX. There is also a unique extension housing to main case gasket. One would have to put both on the bench to discover interchangeability.



The special 462 C6 (66/68) and the 460 LINC CONT specfic C6 (68/69) had this same type of driveline. But to me (IMO), the C6 could be more easily modified to fit a normal chassis as there were so many design variations over the years to draw parts from.

Just something else to think about.

I think this subject needs to be narrowed into categories;

58/60 MEL Specific (and all variations within)

61/65 LINC 430 Specific (and all variations within)

66/68 LINC 462 Specific (and all variations within)

68/69 460 CONT Specific

The singular term MEL cannot emcompass all of the changes over the production years. The MEL DIVISION was terminated in late 1959 and further design was LINC DIV specific.