Your right, it’s not an easy decision. Or an easy vehicle. As I mentioned on another site, I’ve got a soft spot for those Lincoln’s. The first car I really remember is Dad’s 54 Capri. Same color combination IIRC.

Even a rust free, dry area, old low mileage car needs a lot of work. Not difficult, but you’ll spend more time finding parts than most do. Ball joints and brakes I think are more difficult. All the rubber parts, hoses, brake lines, and more . So there’s a lot in front of you.

I’ve done a number of engine swaps. The easy part is having the new FE, or 351, and transmission on the stand. The hard part is the motor mounts, pan clearance, exhaust manifolds, rear crossmember, etc. Your’s has a hydramatic IIRC. The rebuild of it and adaptors for another engine means new transmission to go with the new engine. More items.

So I think if the block and heads pass all the checks-boils out clean, mag check, sonic check, not badly warped for decking, minimal line bore, etc. rebuild what you’ve got. The parts will be more expensive and harder to come by. But then it’s a bolt up operation. Oil pumps, distributor, intake adapter are minor items. And you’ll know most of your cost going in.

But even at $0.10 an hour for your time, don’t plan on making a profit.



miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I think you just answered your question. Original in my opinion is the only way. It retains the character and value. The small block Ford swap is getting just as boring as the scrub or LS. The money you spend on retrofitting a different engine can be applied to rebuilding the original engine. Ted is the man to get in touch with and discuss your options on a rebuild.

Durham Missouri

I really wanted to redo the motor and keep it original since it came with factory air. The compressor looks like an old Harley engine and it seems to still work. The car has 68k miles, all brightwork is there any in really good condition. The interior is shot but has power windows and seat. Glass is good. Wanted a project and since this car has no rust at all and 99% complete, it seems like a good starter.
I know this is a y block forum and I've gotten a lot of good info from a lot of people on here. The thought of someone not using the original motor would put some people off the rails, and I totally understand. But if this car isn't really a highly sought after car, it may be worth it to use a more easily buildable motor.
I wanted to try to rebuild the car as much by myself with not a lot of experience.
The good thing is that I have the interior totally gutted, the engine out and apart and I haven't had an issue removing a screw, nut or bolt. Rebuilding the steering and suspension rubber and bearings might just be fairly easy considering the easy of removing parts so far.
I still have to figure out the motor. Not an easy decision

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

https://houston.craigslist.org/pts/d/houston-1954-lincoln-317-block-engine/7504129700.html

$1822 for what, I'm assuming, are old-school cast pistons and iron rings, is unconscionable. Although you can't find a listing for pistons online, try contacting the manufacturers that make custom-order pistons. 
I agree, with few exceptions, that a 4-door will be worth considerably less than either a 2-door hardtop or convertible. Unless your car has sentimental value, and you have deep pockets, I would pass. It will cost as much/more to restore your car as one that would be worth considerably more when finished. Even so, most restorers end up investing considerably more than what they are able to get when they want/need to sell.  

Anyone who would put an LS engine in a Y block car should be banned from this site forever.  Never install an engine from a brand x vehicle into a Ford.  I would rather walk.   This IS a Y-Block forum.   Joe-JDC

JDC

Replacing an engine may make your car can make it more desirable in the long run. Your 4 door will never ever have the value of a hard top or convertible. Personally a 58-76 352 would be my choice even though they are not as prevalent as they once were a long with a cruise-o-matic.  Parts are available much easier than your Lincoln. A 351 can be bought as a replacement but you need to know everything before you buy because of transmission fitment along with an oil pan and front accessories. A donor car always helps but you may not want that.. If your wanting to stay Lincoln, a 4.6 from late one or a Crown Vic along with all the computer parts would make a great swap. 

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

In general, an original vehicle is worth more than custom.  It's hard to say by how much an engine swap might affect the value.  If it is done well, maybe not too much but if cobbled together without much thought, probably a lot since it raises other questions to a savvy buyer.

Many of those piston manufacturers probably will not have a listing.  You will probably need to inquire about custom pistons.


Lawrenceville, GA

Egge just got back to me with a quote of $1700 plus $122 for rings. I'm sure they don't ship for free too. Online, je doesn't have lincoln pistons .
Plus this engine has been sitting for 57 years so I have no idea what still works and what doesn't. In process of cleaning parts up and figuring out how to test them.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

Pistons are easy, call Diamond, JE, Eggie Machine, Arias, Racetec all should be able to make what you want.