FoMoCo's MEL engines

[terry_208]

What, if anything, on the MEL engines is inter-changeable with the FE series?

[abe_lugo]

Correct me if I'm wrong but fuel pumps?

[lalessi1]

Almost nothing, fuel pumps perhaps. The MEL engines had flat cylinder heads and a 10 degree (off 90) cut on the blocks to make the combustion chambers. They did use shaft mounted rocker arms but the valves were in a different order. They were also much heavier.

[terry_208]

So not much advantage of running a 462 cu MEL, other than the cu?  It seems like parts May be hard to come by.

Outwardly, do they appear to be an FE?

[lalessi1]

They are larger and heavier. I don't think they would be confused for an FE. I think the FE's are more readily available and are better supported in the aftermarket industry. No reason to use one IMHO unless you found a recently reliably rebuilt one for cheap. They are a bolt-in with the right parts (I think) but you'd have to find an Edsel with one for the parts. They weren't available in the base Edsels, they used the FE's. Only the more expensive models had the MEL engine.

[terry_208]

I ask all these questions because one is currently advertised on fb marketplace, Boise.   

Thanks to everyone for the replies and information!

[Ford Blue blood]

Correct me if I'm wrong but fuel pumps?

I think the MEL pump is located above the water pump.......

[abe_lugo]

Correct me if I'm wrong but fuel pumps?

Maybe mixing up FE engines with the MELs

[Lou]

The 368 MEL IS a great engine for towing, a friend of mine had a 368 in his 57 Ranchero.