MEL 462 builds

[fourtwoseven]

Hi, new member, first post- I got the bug to build a stroked 462 about the same time as Royce Brechler of Y-block fame...he has completed his build, a 515 ci engine and a stout build. I have been taking much longer, as i wanted to get my blocks offset bored (core shift issues) and so had to send them to CA.

First build will be a 510 ci (4.4 X 4.175 stroke), crank is an offset ground MEL cast crank, and this is similar to RB's build. We both are running cast 462 heads, ported. Slover Porting in CA did my work, very nice. You all probably know about their intake manifold spacers that allow you to bolt on 460 manifolds. Valve gear for my build will be all Harland Sharp- stands, shafts, rockers. Isky roller cam with Comp hydraulic roller lifters. Probably will use Smith pushrods. 6.8" BBC rods (Scat? Lunati?) and Arias pistons, provided through Vintage Hot Rod in Chico CA. They also offset bored the blocks. I have an older Offy 460 tunnel ram intake which I am going to convert to FI- will probably be the hardest part of the whole thing, as i want to try to do port injection. I would like to see 500HP, 575-600#ft torque. RB's build generated close to those numbers.

Second build is still mostly planning stage, although i have a bored block and a new cast crank- I am trying to put a 460 Ford stroker crank into the MEL block. This is not my new idea...both Ted Eaton (also of y-block fame) and RB have mentioned the idea before, but I don't know of anyone who has successfully done it...although I may be wrong there. Anyway, will try to keep the Forum up on the project...I bought a cheap 4.5" Eagle stroker crank and it is in the machine shop getting the mains turned down to fit the MEL standard bearing journal sizes. It remains to be seen if such a large stroke can be successfully run- the compression height will be quite small, and the crank throws may have to be machined down in diameter- although the 460 begins with smaller diameter counterbalance weights. I am pretty certain that a 4.3 stroke will work...but I thought I would see if I could stretch it. Most stroker 460 cranks do not have an oil slinger like the MEL cranks, so I may try to install a double rope seal at the clutch end. This engine will be 530-560 ci, depending on how the crank works out. I would also like to locate an early set of 430 heads with the larger ports and valves- they do not flow as well as the later 462 heads but I would like to try to experiment with them. This engine may get turbo'd or supercharged, so we may just be talking sheer volume of port. I would have to think the early heads would have thicker port walls, unless core shift rears its ugly head.

Engine #1 is going into a 1955 T-Bird, with a toploader behind it. This project is just beginning, won't see the light of day until at least the end of 2015. Engine #2 I have no idea what to put it in, just want to see if we can get 650-700HP out of the old girl!! Will try to keep the Forum updated as I go along. I'll see if i can get someone to post pics, I never have any luck. Stan P.

[Theo]

Welcome to the forum Stan,
looks like a serious engine build you're doing. As for locating an early set of 430 heads I suggest to post it in the Search MEL parts section a few floors below. I would greatly appreciate to follow the steps of your engine project. Maybe you might want to photo document it. Would be great to see it. Good luck with your project

[Treinarts]

Big M auto in Williams, Ca. One hour north of Sacramento, right on I-5. He has everything MEL.
Early Edsel, Lioncoln, Merc. Was there 2 months ago.
Takes a while to get him to pull and ship stuff, but he has anything and everything you want. phone is 530 473 2225.
He is on line as well. TJR

[fourtwoseven]

Thanks for the MEL parts lead. I have not worked with the earlier "big valve" heads, it sounds like any of the MEL heads can be reworked to take the bigger valves from the earlier heads. If any particular early head has more consistent wall thickness or favorable port shape, I would really like to know that number so I can be looking for it. I did get an Edsel MEL timing cover from the Edsel guy in Louisiana, Jerry L., very reasonable in price compared to the Merc vendors. This is the timing cover that will take the BBF balancer. Thanks, Stan P.