New MEL in the stable

[Paxton]

Hello,

I just joined the MEL forum after lurking for some time. My newest acquisition pushed me to register and become an active part of this archive.

Take a peek.

I had trouble finding the block casting number in the records here and I cannot seem to remember exactly what mine was "8B... something" - a very odd number I thought.
but when I looked at the heads I found the familiar Ford casting/date number "B9M..." So i have 59 heads and I'm guessing a late 58 block.
I was told this engine was rebuilt years ago (10-15 years) and never ran because it wouldn't fit into its destined Ranchero. I pulled the valve covers and found hefty adjustable pushrods and very clean valve train. Under the valley pan I found hydraulic lifters and a cam that did not appear to be run yet. I was told when this engine was purchased a 6x2 log manifold was also available separately for an additional price, but the buyer passed.
So I'm hoping this engine has the internals on par with a 6x2 induction setup.

enjoy -

[rld14]

Was this the one in California that was advertised on the HAMB?

[Paxton]

Yes sir it was.

[63lc58mk3]

I saw that engine at the hamb too, I thought that all 58 and 59 blocks had the motor mounts at a different location than the 61-65 430's. Congratulations on your new find, where is it going, a lincoln?

[Paxton]

I am new at MEL, so please correct me if I am wrong.

This engine will motivate a '60 F100 shortbox fleetside in a year or so... I've been wanting to do this build for a couple years and the pieces are finally coming together.

[Paxton]

My engine casting code is "8BM1" - so engine cast December 12th 1958
Block stamping number is "4-8BXA" so the engine was machined December 23, 1958
Head casting number is "B9ME"

So my engine must be an early '59 assembly.

It appeared that there were 2 different provisions on the block for motor mount locations. Is that possible?

[rld14]

Nice buy ya got there! I saw it too and gave it some thought, seemed like a great price.

I'd check to see if it's got the right pistons first though, I figured if I bought it I'd be budgeting for the correct pistons from Wiseco.

[430 6V]

1958 383, 410 and 430 had no provision for mid side mounts like the type you have in your pic. They had a front side mount only.

'59 and '60 blocks had both mount locations and the front side positions were used on the 430 Thunderbirds.

Nice piece, sweet valve covers. Bolt it in an run it!