Ford developed the MEL ("Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln") engine series for use in their line of Mercury models from 1958 through 1967. The MEL also replaced Lincoln's unique Y-block design. These engines were produced in Lima, Ohio at Ford's Lima Engine plant. They were replaced by the 385 series engines.
All MEL engines were wedge-heads, with the piston top determining the compression ratio and combustion chamber shape.
383
The 383 in³ (6.3 L) Marauder was the smallest member of the family. Produced from 1958 through 1960, it was only used in Mercury vehicles. It used a 4.3 in (109.2 mm) bore and 3.3 in (83.8 mm) stroke. Output began at 312 or 330 hp (233 or 246 kW), both with a four-barrel carburetor. 322 hp (240 kW) was the only output for 1959, and power dropped to 280 hp (209 kW) for the final year.
410
The least-common MEL engine was the 410 in³ (6.7 L) E-475. Bore was lower at 4.2 in (106.7 mm). 10.5.1 compression, a Holley four-barrel carb, and hydraulic lifters pushed out 475 ft.lbf (644 Nm) of torque. This engine was only used in the 1958, Edsel Corsair and Citation.
430
The 430 in³ (7.0 L) engine was produced from 1958 through 1965. It was also used in 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 was bored to 4.29 in (109 mm) (similar to the 410) and shared the 3.7 in (94 mm) stroke of the 383.
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. 10.1:1 compression brought output back to 345 hp (257 kW).
Applications:
- 1958 Lincoln Continental
- Ford Thunderbird
462
The 430 was replaced by the 462 in³ (7.6 L) engine in 1966. Bore and stroke were entirely different at 4.38 in (111.3 mm) by 3.83 in (97.3 mm). This engine was fitted with hydraulic lifters and a four-barrel carburetor, and the large torquey engine was used in large passenger cars. Production ended after 1967. The production facilities in Lima were converted to produce the new Ford 385 engine family.
