Hello everyone I am new here so please forgive me if I appear a little green behind the ears. I have read many interesting post here and I am very glad that I happened upon it. I have a question concerning rebuilding my 1964 linc cont original 430 engine. The car has over 200,000 mile on it and I am asking if there is another compatible engine size that would not take much effort or conversion to install in the car. Or should I just be prepared to rebuild the one that I have. I think that the oil pump went out and messed up the bearing.

Steve

I think there are bell housing conversions for different engines, but in my mind it's always easier to rebuild... gauges, linkages, blah blah blah... and since you got 200,000 miles on that engine, well, are you likely to do that again in your lifetime. For a vintage motor to get 200k is a sure sign that you have one helluva tough motor by design.

I too think that it is better to rebuild the original engine. With the exchange engine, used or recond. you'll never know what you get.

soates wrote:I am asking if there is another compatible engine size that would not take much effort or conversion to install in the car.
Steve

Hi Steve, welcome to the forum. No there isn't an easy conversion. I've read about a few projects where a '61-'65 Continental was converted to house a 460 motor & C6 transmission but that took a lot customization to the 'frame' rails, transmission tunnel, drive train and exhaust. Takes a lot of skill, time and money. You're better of rebuilding the MEL 430. It will last another 200.000 miles.

Cheers,
Reijer

Rebuild Kit Number: L430M63-65 from Egge Machine is $1743.48. I don't know what your engine builder charges for machining, but put it back together yourself and you will be without headaches of linkage, exhaust, oil pan clearance, and transmission adapters, etc. Rebuild a proven torque monster and be happier in the long run. This coming from a guy who does custom engine/trans installs for a living.