1949 was the first year after World War II where Chevrolet did a complete maker-over of its offerings, meager in terms of variations as compared to what they would become in the next decade. With only the Special Series 1500 GJ, Deluxe Series GK, each with a Fleetline and Styleline Sub-Series you can bet that the engines were limited. In fact there was one.
All units were powered by a six cylinder engine, even the 8 passenger wood and steel stations wagons.
1949 Chevy Woody Station Wagon.
The in-line 216.5 CID was the only option. It was a cast iron blocked, overhead valved, straight six cylinder engine. Bore and stroke were 3.5″ x 3.75″with a compression ratio of 6.5:1. Add in solid lifters and four main bearings and topping off with a Carter downdraft single barrel carb (W1-684) it produced about 90 hp. That’s not a lot of power when you consider the lightest of the Series was about 3,015 pounds and the heaviest was 3,485 pounds.
216.5 CID the “Thrift-Master”
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Sometimes our readers get frustrated because they feel the trucks we feature are too far away from what they were originally. While we do like to feature some stock restorations as we come upon them, we also like to show you how versatile these trucks …
I love engines!!! Not just the big block, but some of the off beat, lower production/limited use, power plants. Of course that’s one of the great things about our hobby – there is a wide variety to choose from.
I haven’t writing a post in this series in some time, but just the other day, while on my hunt for a new project car, I ran across a Mercury project that had a 410 as the engine. I bet even if you are a die-hard Ford guy, you might not have run into this engine. This prompted me to do a little research which further prompted me to write what I found.
The 410 from a 1966 Mercury.
Most engines are derived from an engineered design that came before it. The 410 came in two different series. Produced from 1958 to 1968 it was part of the MEL series. MEL was Ford’s designation for Mercury, Edsel and Lincoln. From 1968 through 1976 it was in the FE series. The early MEL series 410 was used exclusively in the 1958 Edsel Corsair and Citation. It was also called the E-475 for it’s 475 foot-pounds of torque. It sported a 4.20 bore and a 3.70 stroke and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Top that with 4 barrel Holly and it would produce, finish it off with dual exhaust you’ve got enough power to pull around those big Edsels.
The FE Series 410 was essentially Ford’s 390 (as was the 406) only given a bump in the stroke length (0.20″) to 3.98″ from the 390’s 3.78″. It used the same heads as the 390 (2.04 intake and 1.57 exhaust valves). Topped with a cast iron intake manifold and a Ford carb, it produced 330 horse power.
The MEL Series 410 was, as stated above, only installed in Edsel’s Cosair and Citation and that was only for 1958. That would make it an extremely limited use engine. It was a 4v Carb, produced about 345 horse power and 475 ft-lbs of torque with a compression ratio of 10.5:1.
The FE Series was also used in just two years, 1966 & 1967 and in just one sub-brand, Mercury. For those years the 410 carried a 4v carb produced 330 horse power and put done 444 ft-lbs of torque using 10.5:1 compression.
Production number for the 1958 Corsair was 9,987 units. For the Citation 9,299 units were produced. Together those tells you that there were about 20,286 for the 410 engines produced in the MEL version. I wasn’t able to find true production numbers for the FE series.
I haven’t check into the availability of parts for either 410 Series, but the MEL would seem unique and difficult source, however the FE shared most of the FE 390 engine. I do know that the MEL series engines had unique cylinder heads. The heads and block were milled at a 10 degree angle, giving them a wedge-shaped combustion chamber.
I did, in fact, pass on the project that prompted this post.
Thanks for reading. And if you have any additional information or want to share your project. Post here or on twitter (@AGCarRestore) or Facebook Average Guy’s Car Restoration, Mods and Racing.
I dont really want to pull the engine out of the car because i got an estimate on machine work, and the numbers are to high for my salary, Is there anything i can do to flush out the coolant ports(im not sure what the technical …
With the introduction of the FE and MEL engines in 1958, lessons had been learned in regards to exhaust valve placement and the new engines remedied this issue by either placing intake valves next to each other at the …
One of the cool things about cars from the 50 and 60 was each marquee had the ability and willingness to set their sub-brands apart from each other with design and power plant options. That is evidenced by the GM’s development of the 215 small block.
Used by Pontiac, Buick and Oldsmobile for powering multiple makes/models each GM subdivision add its own unique at aspects. For this post we are talking about the 1962 Oldsmobile 215 aluminum V8. The Oldsmobile version of this engine, although sharing the same basic architecture, had cylinder heads and angled valve covers designed by Oldsmobile engineers to look like a traditional Olds V8 and was produced on a separate assembly line.
Among the differences between the Oldsmobile from the Buick versions, it was heavier, at 350 lb. The major design differences were in the cylinder heads: Buick used a 5-bolt pattern around each cylinder where Oldsmobile used a 6-bolt pattern. The 6th bolt was added to the intake manifold side of the head, one extra bolt for each cylinder, meant to alleviate a head-warping problem on high-compression versions. This meant that Oldsmobile heads would fit on Buick blocks, but not vice versa.
Most of the 215’s produced 215 HP, however some models came with a turbo.
As is the case with the engine below which is for sale from a fellow gear-head I work with. It was pulled from a 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire and restored back to factory specs, with the exceptions of harden valve seats etc. to accommodate unleaded gas. It is set up for 7lbs of boost from the turbo. It was then stored, here in AZ.
If you are interested drop me a note at AGCARRESTORATION@COX.NET or timsweet@cox.net or just leave a post here and I’ll find ya!!
first-turbocharged-car-1962-Oldsmobile-Jetfire-engine-detail. The V8’s 10.25:1 compression ratio resulted in detonation or pre-ignition events, innocuously called knocking or pinging. Controlling the timing of the combustion …
The concept was not unknown at the time, of course — the Oldsmobile Jetfire engine had a wastegate, as well as fluid injection. (In fact, there was a switch at the bottom of the injection tank that automatically popped open the …
I’ve said it a few times and I’ll say it again and mostly likely not for the last time. MOPAR got it RIGHT with the Challenger!!!!! Fiat ownership or not….it will continue to be an iconic car.
Now take that car that you did so right and boost it’s horse power….maybe up to 600 or more…and…well let’s not mince words…it’s a MONSTER!!! Chase the link below and check out the video, you’ll see what I mean!!!! Can you say…first every factory super-charger!!!
Dodge has officially unveiled the most powerful vehicle to ever wear the Challenger name – the SRT Hellcat– complete with over 600 horsepower courtesy of a supercharged, 6.2-liter Hemi V8. It will be offered alongside the 485-hp Challenger SRT
The new, force-induced V8 isn’t just the most powerful ever fitted to the Challenger, it’s the most powerful eight-cylinder Chrysler Group has ever built. Power figures aren’t finalized, so expect to see “over 600 hp” bandied about quite a lot. That fury will be channeled through either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. Yes, over 600 ponies through an eight-speed auto. So far, the only vehicle we know of that delivers more output through that many gears is the as-yet untested Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Sadly, we don’t have performance metrics just yet, although if this thing can’t crack four seconds to 60 miles per hour, we’ll be pretty surprised.
This is a very well done car, in my opinion. Modified just enough to make it a powerful machine and still look like a 1966 Chevelle. I say ‘WOW” you will too when you read the article. (see the link above)
The Power Plant And Putting It To The Ground
The motor itself is an LS 418 cubic inch stroker with a Lunati crank and H-Beam rods connected to forged pistons. The top end is comprised of ported LS3 heads with an LS9 supercharger. All the machining and assembly of the motor was performed by Scoggin Dickey out of Texas. Mated to the motor is a T-56 six speed transmission that’s outfitted with an ACT dual disc clutch to help lay the power down to the pavement. All this equaled out on the dyno to an impressive 600 hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque at the wheels.
Monster Chevelle
Got a monster chevy in the garage? Project or not…let me hear about it!!
This is a MONSTER engine. Read below and follow the link.
LS-based engines have earned notoriety for power and performance while becoming one of the most popular choices for both drag racing and street-engine swaps. They have been strong, reliable engines in most applications, but then racers and engine builders soon began leaning on them with longer strokes, higher rpm demands, stronger boost levels in addition to other traditional paths to power.Unfortunately, these power quests sometimes revealed problems which ultimately prompted various upgrades and a few elegant solutions from the aftermarket. Such is the case with the Dart LS Next advanced cylinder block, a design refinement targeting some questionable design elements of the factory LS platform. The new block boasts hardcore racing features designed to upgrade oiling and crankcase breathing functions.
2013 is likely the last year for the legendary LS7 427 7-liter V-8 engine in a Z06, 427 convertible, or any new production Corvette, but it will continue on in the 2014+ Camaro Z/28 muscle-car. 2013 is also the last year for the current C6 (sixth …
Ford Racing has taken its Boss Block to the max with the biggest small block Windsor crate engine ever – the Z460. With 575 horsepower and 575 Lb. Ft. of torque, Z460 packs a pump gas fueled punch that works well on the street and on the track.
The foundation of Z460 is the legendary Ford Racing Boss block topped off with high port/high flow Z-Heads. Premium components from the best aftermarket companies are used throughout the engine, like a SCAT® forged steel crankshaft, SCAT® forged H-beam connecting rods, forged Mahle® pistons and Clevite® bearings. And every Ford Racing Z460 engine is hand assembled in the U.S. with performance clearances.
Cylinder Heads: Ford Racing M-6049-Z304DA Aluminum “Z” Cylinder Heads
Valve size (in): 2.02 intake 1.60 exhaust
Compression ratio: 10.0:1 (nominal)
Rocker arms : Ford Racing M-6564-F351 Roller Rocker arms
Rocker arm ratio: 1.65:1
Vibration Damper – Ford Racing M-6316-D302 SFI Approved
Valve Covers: Ford Racing cast aluminum – silver painted finish
Oil Pan: Steel with deep front (9 quart) or rear sump (7 quart) pan with louvered windage tray and crankshaft scraper – 9 quart capacity (M-6675-FT351 front sump or M-6675-DRS351 rear sump))
Water pump: Ford Racing M-8501-G351 included – long type – standard rotation
Includes Ford Racing M-9439-A50 intake manifold gaskets
Distributor: not included. Steel distributor gear required.
Required fuel: Premium Unleaded
Ignition timing: 32° at 4,000 RPM
Maximum recommended rpm: 5,600 RPM
Balanced: Internal – use neutral balance flywheel
Recommended intake: Edelbrock PN 2924 Super Victor (not included)
New block, oil and water pump, performance oil pan and high-performance harmonic balancer
Engine power ratings achieved with Edelbrock® Super Victor intake, Holley® 850 CFM carburetor, long tube headers.
Depending on your application, a different timing cover, water pump, performance oil pan and pickup may be required. Call the Ford Racing Techline at (800) FORD788 for more information.
These are two beautiful cars. But I’ve been to a couple Goodguy events and I will tell you I just don’t know how they’d pick just one or two as winners…I’d only be able to pair it down to 20 or so!!!! I’d enclose these two as well.
Troino Custom…great looking.
This should get ya from point A to point B
Love this Ford Coup!!
What do you put in a beautiful Ford Coup like this for power? Well…
1953 Mercury Flathead topped with a 4.71 GMC blower,
Our friend Evan Smith, editor of Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords, has a pretty neat job this year. He’s working with Ford Racing, doing his best to put the 2014 Cobra Jet prototype through the ultimate automotive test–being driven by an automotive …
These big events include events such as the Cactus Classic, The Reedy Race, ROAR Nats, and the one that just passed this weekend in Saugus, CA; The Hot Rod Hobbies Shootout. This year marked the 16th year of this …
There are a lot of reasons to build a hot rod and never just one reason. Here are a couple guys enjoying one of the reason. http://youtu.be/XsFBSksOjHU Thanks for reading. Tim
If you’ve read my posting for a while you’ll recall my trips to the great state of Kentucky and my trips to the place the worlds most recognizable car is assembled.
Yes I’ve taken the Corvette assembly plant tour more times than anyone I know, hell when I retired I’m going to volunteer to work the tour route in the plant. I love Bowling Green!!!!
The last time I visited they were building out the plant for the Chevy Volt and working on the new section for the C7 Corvette. These upgrades mean more work for the plant and those doing “God’s work” (LOL).
Well there is more. Corvette has had a program where the an soon to be owner of a new Corvette can pay to build the engine for his car in the Performance Build Center (http://corvetteblock.com/2011/11/performance-build-center-open-house/). That may be the coolest idea I’ve heard. Well this program is being moved from Michigan to the Bowling Green assembly plant.
I think that is great news!!!! You an build your engine, watch it installed in your car and drive it out of the factor!!!!!
With names like Rogue, Rebel and Marlin you have to imagine some monster power plants moving these hunks of steels across the face of the earth. So where they? Here is the line up.
The body styles ranged from stately station wagons to slick fastbacks. Some of the names are iconic like Rebel SST and Marlin.
1967 Rebel SST
Both nice cars and you could get them with the following engines.
First up was the Inline (straight) Six. This engine was has a cast iron block and overhead valuve. Displacement was 199 cid with a bore and stroke of 3 3/4 “x 3″. The compression ratio was 8.5:1 and producing 128 hp. It sported seven main bearings and topped with one of two single barrels carbs a Cater Type RBS or a Holley Model 1931C-3705.
From there you could graduate to the next level Inline Six. This one mirrored but with 232 cid displacement and a bore and stroke of 3.75″ x 3.50”. Compression ratio stayed the same and so did the carb options. However it did manage to squeeze out 145 hp.
Now you could get both of these in the other models, including the wagons, but the engine you wanted in your Rebel or Marlin was the V8.
This was an overhead valve cast iron block engine. It displayed 287.2 cid and have a bore and stroke of 3.75″ x 3.25″ and had a compression of 8.7:1. Five main bearings and hydraulic lifters topped with either two barrel Carter WCD or Holley.
Thanks for reading
