| Original Message |
Paul (no login)
Posted Nov 12, 2007 10:05 AM
I produced a comprehensive research paper years ago on the FE series, and I was looking for a reason why Ford built that motor when they also built the big Lincolns too. Both were designed in 1958, but for different reasons.
The FE series (commonly thought of as the 352, 390, 428 and 427, although there are several other variants too) was intended for their mainstay automotive line. The MEL (Mercury, Edsel, Lincoln) big block was designed from the onset as a luxury car motor, correction........it was designed as a BIG luxury car motor for BIG cars. It started out big, and just got bigger as the years progressed.
These were expensive motors, some were run 10-hours before release to the customer. They were thought of as some of THE finest running motors of our time. Of course, they made great boat motors, but the FE series was cheaper. That is probably the main reason CC moved to the FE series. The big Lincoln could have easily been tuned for 300-hp, but they were offered at 275. The FE series excelled in racing, due to the wedge-head design being better suited for high rpm racing, but the Lincoln was just fine for marine use.
If you do a LOT of cruising, then fuel consumption differences will come into play. However, ANY big block motor these days pushing a large cruiser is going to suck the gas, and the Lincolns are no exception. When I did my research on the FE series, I learned a ton of information about the series and the MEL series too, and one of the top employees at the Chris Craft engine plant told me personally, that the "Lincoln motors were as good for Chris Craft, with regards to reliability and customer recalls, as any other motor we offered". (or something close to that).
Now for the parts issue........here are some thoughts from a previous discussion that apply here. http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/message/1126713970/
Here are some lincoln running tips you may not have seen
http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/message/1184966412
Angel with muscles posting, showing a beautiful rebuilt big Lincoln
http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/message/1191346031/
First in-the-water test of a 38 Commander, with Lincoln power and fuel ratings
http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/message/1191346702
Basically, the Lincolns can be made to perform as well as just about any other V8 motor their size. If you add electronic ignition that takes care of any ignition issue. Perhaps a new carb will help if your old one is shot. I'm getting a drip from one of my Carter AFBs at idle, and I know it needs to be rebuilt. My fuel consumption is natually going to be higher on that one. Your biggest challenge will be to find good risers and exhaust manifolds, but as with all vintage motors, they're out there if you are willing to look. Many times the price seems high, and may be high, but in reality, the price is going to be high no matter what brand of riser you are sourcing these days.
Hope these comments help a bit with the perspective.
Regards, Paul
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