Ford's earliest OHV V8 engine was introduced by Lincoln in 1952. Like the later (and better-known) Ford Y-block engine, its deep skirts made the block resemble the letter Y from the front. This engine design was produced through 1957, when it was replaced by the newer MEL engine.

317

The first new-generation Y-block was the 317 in³ (5.2 L) "317". It replaced the undersquare flat-head InVincible 8. The new engine was oversquare, as was rapidly becoming the fashion, with a bore of 3.8 in (96.5 mm) and a stroke of 3.5 in (88.9 mm). Power output was just 160 hp (119 kW) that first year, but was increased to 205 hp (153 kW) the next year with higher compression, larger valves, a better Holley four-barrel carburetor, improved intake and exhaust, and a hotter camshaft. The engine was improved again for 1954 but power output remained the same. It was replaced by the 341 for 1955.

341

The 317 was bumped up to 341 in³ (5.6 L) with a 3.94 in (100.1 mm) for 1955. 225 hp (168 kW) and 332 ft.lbf (450 Nm) was produced, a major update. The engine was only produced that one year.

368

The engine was bored (to 4.00 in/101.6 mm) and stroked (to 3.66 in/93 mm) for 1956's 368 in³ (6.0 L) Lincoln V8. Output jumped up to 285 hp (213 kW) and 402 ft.lbf (545 Nm) that year with numerous other improvements. Power output reached a high point the next year at 300 hp (224 kW) and 415 ft.lbf (563 Nm), but the Lincoln still lagged behind Cadillac and Chrysler. 1957 proved to be the last year for this engine design.

References

See also

• List of Ford engines