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Wanted: Photos of Chris Craft 430 and 431 MEL Lincoln marine engines

July 15 2005 at 9:05 PM

P (no login)

The very first 38-foot Chris Craft Commander was built in 1964. The boat was first offered with a small block Chevy motor, and it was discovered this size boat really needed a bit more power in offshore applications. The big Lincoln "MEL" was offered as an option.

Then in 1966 Chris Craft started transitioning over to the 427 "FE". Also, in 1966 there were strikes, which I believe were UAW union related, and the supply of 427 engines was in question, and therefore in this transition year, you can find a pair of 327 motors, 427 FE, 430 MEL, 413 and 426-B Cnrysler motors. There are relatively few surviving MEL powered 38 Commanders out there, however, we do have one member who just took delivery of one, but the engines are still in question.

If anyone out there has photos of the MEL marine engine, post away and we'll appreciate the info, and will hopefully be able to assist in some way too.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/message/1144866037
Here's a link to another 430 MEL informative thread in the index.

regards, P

This message has been edited by FEfinaticP on Apr 12, 2006 5:03 PM
This message has been edited by FEfinaticP on Aug 17, 2005 2:25 PM
This message has been edited by FEfinaticP on Aug 17, 2005 2:03 PM

Respond to this message

Responses

Here is where some MEL 430s are right now (what should be done?) - P on Jul 16, 2005

Desperate for 430 gaskets! - mttopd on Jul 18, 2005

Good luck to you with your big Lincolns, I have a set too, - David Mehl on Jul 19, 2005

Some specs for the big Lincoln - David Mehl on Jul 19, 2005

This runabout came with a 431 Lincoln as standard equipment - Dave Mehl on Jul 22, 2005

Here you go Dave, a MEL powered Continental for $29,000 - P on Jul 23, 2005

431 lincolns - Jim on Nov 11, 2007

The Big Lincolns...... - Paul on Nov 12, 2007

More on the Lincolns ( rebuild photos ) - Paul on Nov 12, 2007

Highest recorded engine hours??? - Alex on Dec 27, 2008

Todd's had 2700 hours when he took off on a 700 mile cruise - Paul on Dec 27, 2008

Those were 427s btw - Paul on Dec 27, 2008

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