After tearing my 317 Lincoln y block down, I'm trying to find out if my car would lose a ton of value if I didn't keep the original engine. The block and heads are in good condition but it needs to be bored out and finding oversized pistons or the next size up, the 341 pistons is proving difficult. I was considering building a 302 or 351 and put it in but wanted to keep it original. Kinda thinking about all options at this point. Don't want a race car but dependable cruiser. I appreciate the advice

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

If it's a cycling clutch compressor the clutch is likely 6 volts to match the rest of the electrical system. Many 6 volt devices work just fine on 12 volts ( 6v starters come to mind), but others don't (6v overdrive solenoids). It may or may not be an issue. If it is an issue you'd have to replace the clutch with a 12v unit or swap the compressor out for a more modern one.

That compressor is pretty cool, I’ve had motorcycles with engines that weren’t that big. Before you get too far down the road, better find out if it can be converted to 12volts, can be converted to modern Freon (what ever we’re supposed to be using now) and if the rest of the system in convertible and useable. I don’t know anything about the Lincoln, but I know some early systems were different, blowing from the trunk up the headliner etc. Cool as it is, it might not be up to standards of todays systems, especially after it’s converted. And in Sierra Vista you’ll need it most of the time.

The wiring probably deserves another post when you get to it. But I’ve never seen a 50’s car that wasn’t due for a complete harness. Even in the Pacific Northwest, the insulation is failing and cracking even it it “looks” good.

Great progress

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