Performance for classic Continental

['62-linc]

Does anyone have any information about performance parts for the 430cid motor in the early '60s continentals? Will parts for the 460cid motor fit on it? Please help!

[geo53562]

From 10-15 years ago, I seem to recall that the 430 and the 460 engines are *completely* different.

[pro-five-oh]

Yes, correct me if I am wrong, but the 62 Continental shares its engine with the M-E-L (Mercury, Edsel, Lincoln) engines of the 1950s. They are certainly fine motors, but performance parts are quite hard to find and expensive.

If you don't mind swapping engines, going to a 460 is a wise choice. Even better, the parts will be dirt cheap as they made MILLIONS of them!!!

Good luck.

[geo53562]

But, if you are trying to use an original body from that series, don't rush right out and pick up a 460...chances are it won't fit without *major* surgery. My father-in-law blew the 430 engine in his '64 "Kennedy Continental" (4-door convertible...big as a house.) One of the options considered was replacing it with a cheap 460 in terrific shape. No go...it was waaay cheaper to go with a complete rebuild of his original mill. It still runs like a top today...very popular for parades. smile.gif

[Eyelawdoc]

You could always bolt in a 427 medium riser from the same era. Lots of luck finding one at anything resembling an affordable price. You might however find a 428 from 68-70 for a more reasonable price. During the late 50's the Thunderbird and Edsel used both the 430 and the more widely available FE series motors, of which the 427 and 428 are members. If it fits into the T-bird it should also fit into the Lincoln.

Try Ford Power Parts in Norwalk, CA (http://www.albanos.com/w/fpp/)for Ford FE series go fast stuff. I beleive that some of this will bolt onto the 430, but I'm not sure exactly what parts will interchange.

[ October 27, 2002: Message edited by: Eyelawdoc ]

[ October 27, 2002: Message edited by: Eyelawdoc ]

[pro-five-oh]

Hmm, I didn't know the FE motor would swap in without much trouble in the Tbirds. If that's the case, the Conti should be no trouble.

Last time I check, Edelbrock had a good amount of FE performance equipment. They had aluminum heads ($2500, I think) but I don't know how many were made or if they are still in production. There's certainly a better chance for HP upgrades with an FE.

Then again, anyone know what's involved in a 429/460 swap? That is the only choice to make some REAL HP without spending a large amount of money!

[Lscman]

If I can remove some cobwebs from my head, the 430 motor was an FE. Other Ford/Mercury/Lincoln FE motors include 332, 352, 360 (truck), 361 (truck), 390, 406 (zoom), 410 (Mercury), 427 (zoom), 428 (zoom), 430 & finally the monster Lincoln 462. Personally, I would switch to a readily available 390 or 428 engine. They cost very close to a 385 series 429/460 motor but they would require no conversion effort and it would look visually "correct" to a 430 without teardown inspection. The later years 429/460 motor is not "better", just different. If you're looking for max power, for min bux then build a cheapo 390 or 428 and use aftermarket heads to get another 100 HP. The fairly common medium riser & rare high riser cast iron heads can't hold a candle to modern aluminum FE head designs. Heck, the most powerful Fords "ever" were the FE powered 427 Ford "AC Cobra's" at about 550HP. The Boss Hemi 429T and Semi-Hemi 429S paled in comparison.
(refocus...-> )I seem to recall the 462 had a taller deck and therefore a different intake. I'm not sure about the oddball 430. I would try Hemmings Motor News and various Ford vintage parts outlets for parts and info. For all I know, Jasper Engines may sell you a reman 430 long block for a decent price.

[ October 30, 2002: Message edited by: Lscman ]

[pro-five-oh]

If the 430 is an FE (like I'd know, I was BORN in the 1970s) then there's no big deal. Keep the factory accessories and slap FE high performance parts on it.

My first car was a 1965 Galaxie LTD with a 352. Low compression, not much power. But anyone can tell those motors have great potential.