Edsel E400

K

Kray_Z-1

Junior Member
I have a chance to pick up a 1958 Edsel E400 engine. What I DO know is the E400 means 400 ft lbs tork, and it's 361CID. I've read a lot of confusing mumbo jumbo about ALL of the "FE" blocks. Now I understand this engine is an "MEL" block. How much compatibility is there between the MEL and FE ? Such as crankshafts and rod combinations. can a 427/428 crank be used in this block (even if it does require notching for clearance) ...are the crank journals the same dia./width/spacing?
 
I know it gets confusing, but the '58 Edsel 361 is an FE (Ford/Edsel) engine. Same as the Ford truck 360. The optional '58 Edsel 410 (E475) is an MEL (Mercury/Edsel/Lincoln) engine.

The 361 is the same as a 352 FE except it has a .050" larger bore. Same stroke and rod length.

All FE's have the same crank journal diameters and rod journal diameters all the way up to the 428. a 428 crankshaft in the 361 will give 410 cubus inches. A 390 crank in it will give 390 cubic inches (same bore as the 361/4.050").

Also note that the rod lengths get shorter starting with the 390.

As far as notching the block for longer strokes and the length and diameter of the crank snout for the balance, I do not know much.

Hope this helps. A lot of info on the internet if you search.

Sal
 
Those early blocks had some goofy camshaft spacers that were used. The spacers were eliminated by mid year.

I would also do some research about the oiling passages in those early blocks just to be sure.

The good news is that a lot of those engines did have expertly machined combustion chambers in the cylinder heads that are still quite desirable.

Oldmics
 
The 361 from the 58 Edsels are definatly the FE series.

Got a couple of them stashed along with the good heads,as well as the one in my Roundup wagon. :D

Oldmics
 
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