In 1958, came the introduction of the MEL series engines. These were some of the largest and heaviest V8 engines Ford had ever built.
383 cubic inch
- Developed for the Mercury line of vehicles.
- Bore and stroke of 4.30 X 3.30 inches.
- Had a two year history starting in 1958 and lasting till 1960
- Most of these engines in the two years were known as the Marauder
- The Mercury Marauder engines of 1958 came with either 312 horsepower or 330 horsepower, both packed with a four barrel carburator.
- In 1959, the Marauder engine was considered a mid range of its’ predecessor with a stock horsepower of 322.
- In its’ last year, the 383 cubic inch Marauder was dropped to 280 horsepower.
410 cubic inch
- Less common of the MEL series is the 410 cubic inch
- Bore and Stroke of 4.20 X 3.70
- 10.5.1 compression
- Holley four-barrel carb and hydraulic lifters.
- 475 pounds of foot torque
- Also be reffered to as the E-475 engine.
- In 1958, Edsel Corsair and Citation models used the 410 cubic inch as their only preference for engine types.
430 cubic inch
- commonly referred to as the Bulldozer of the MEL series and lasted from 1958 to 1965
- In its’ “suped up” version, the 430 was commonly referred to as the Super Marauder and came with three two barrel carburators.
- bore and stroke of 4.29 X 3.7 inches
- Compression rations started at 10.5.1 but soon began to decline late in 1959 to 10.0.1 at 350 horsepower.
- The higher horsepower versions of the 430 remained within its first year of production with horsepower of 365, 375 and of course 400.
- In 1959 the horsepower slowly began to reduce, yet hold a moderate 345 ponies even with a slightly less compression ratio of 10.0.1.
- In 1960, the big 430 cubic inch used a milder camshaft, producing 315 horsepower.
- 1963 when the 430 got an overhaul with new pistons and a four barrel carb, pushing compression to 10.1.1 and a horsepower rating of about 345.
- It could be found in the 1958 Lincoln Continental Convertible, rating 400 horsepower and nearly 500 foot pounds of torque.
- Mercury also used the 430 cubic inch until 1960.
462 cubic inch
- By 1966, it replaced its’ predecessor the 430.
- bore and stroke of 4.38 X 3.83 inches.
- hydraulic lifters and a four barrel carb.
- the 462 was used for its’ smoothness in large passenger vehicles.
- It lasted for only two years.