Ford MEL Engine - 430

430

The 430 cu in (7.0 L) engine was produced from 1958 through 1965. It was primarily used on Lincolns and upper level 1959-60 Mercurys although it was also optional on 1959-60 Ford Thunderbirds and was commonly referred to as the "Bulldozer" of the MEL series engines. The Super Marauder used three two-barrel carburetors. The 430 had a 4.30 in (109.2 mm) bore (same as the 383) and shared the 3.7 in (94 mm) stroke of the 410.

The 1958 Super Marauder was the first American production automobile engine to attain a 400 hp (298 kW) advertised rating. This engine featured the tripower intake manifold, which was cast for Ford by Moon products. Three Holley 2300 carburetors were used.

The compression ratio started at 10.5:1 for 365, 375, and 400 hp (272, 280, and 298 kW), but was reduced to 10.0:1 in less than a year. These 1959 engines produced 345–350 hp (257 to 261 kW), but power was down to 315 hp (235 kW) for 1960.

New pistons and a four-barrel carburetor were added for 1963; the 10.1:1 compression brought output back to 345 hp (257 kW).

Applications:

• 1958–1965 Lincoln Continental
• 1958–1960 Lincoln Premiere
• 1958–1959 Lincoln Capri
• 1959–1960 Mercury Park Lane
• 1960 Mercury Colony Park
• 1958–1960 optional on all other Mercurys
• 1959–1960 optional on Ford Thunderbird

The 430 engine in particular had a limited but storied history in hotrodding. The first Miami to Nassau race won by Bertram Yachts (which subsequently helped establish their name) featured a boat powered by twin 430 MEL engines. In the 1959 NASCAR season, Holman Moody campaigned a number of Thunderbirds, at least some of which were powered by 430's. At least one car still survives intact.The cars were ponderous handlers because of the heavy engine, but successful runners. The Holman Moody 430 Thunderbirds caught the attention of Ford after one of them driven by Johnny Beauchamp finished a photo second to Lee Petty at the 1959 Daytona 500.

Because of the changing nature of heads, intakes and piston designs, as well as a limited life span, not many aftermarket speed parts were made for the MEL line of engines. Edelbrock made a 6X2 intake manifold and a set of water-cooled marine exhaust manifolds (M4) and Weiand made a drag start 8X2 manifold as well. Oversize pistons for early drag racers or blown 430's were made, including sets by Jahns Pistons at 13:1 and .150 over standard bore. Other speed parts have been rumored, but they are difficult to find.