Overhaulin'

Why can't I put a new engine in an old car?

My absolute favourite model of car is the 1977-79 Lincoln Continental Mark V. That car is absolutely beautiful, and I would very much like to purchase it. However, every mechanic has advised me against it because apparently finding parts for a 30 year old car is an extraordinary task, and to replace the engine I'd need to find one of those 70s 460 big blocks, which would be hard to find. Well why is it that I can't just put in a brand new, modern design engine? Can't I just replace the engine, and get a new gearbox if that doesn't fit? Is it actually impossible to get a 460 block of a modern design and technology and hook that up to an old car or is it just a sentimentality about the origional feel of the classic car? Because honestly I couldn't care about that, that's just a damn nice looking car. If I can put in a modern engine, how much would it cost? That car's 4,567 pounds, I should expect I would need a powerful v8. Thanks 351Jas, but another idea just occured to me, if I want to put the engine sideways and make it an all-wheel drive, would that be possible too? Well I haven't actually purchased the car yet, I could certainly purchase a 1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V with a fully functioning 1970s 460 big block as it came origionally, however if a part went out on that engine, apparently it would be hard to replace. So what I'd like to do is find a beat up one for cheap, and then restore it with a brand new engine. The Continental Mark V in its origional production got 7 miles to the gallon, how much does a ford v10 truck get?

Public Comments

1. all u have 2 do is go to a local parts house and order the engine you want...
2. YOU CAN ! Thousands of old cars worldwide have been repowered with modern engine/trans combo's. You could fit anything from a 429 cobrajet to a 426 hemi or 454 chev! even a powerstroke diesel if you wanted. Nothing is impossible. Your choice is a big car and needs a big engine. You can buy a brand new (with warranty) engine and trans from several different suppliers EG: http://www.fordracingparts.com/crateengine/main.asp A 550hp 460 engine will cost US$6700. If you love older cars and have the money, I say GO FOR IT. Replacing the driveline is the easy part in keeping an older car running. The hardest thing is finding the little parts for a 30+ year old car like maybe a headlight switch or glovebox lock or door handle. DON'T FORGET TO UPGRADE THE BRAKES. Old cars don't stop as well as new ones, especially if you increase the power.
3. Anything is possible with enough $$$$, skill, and determination. If gas mileage isn't an issue how about a Ford V10 truck engine? New and used ford V8 engines should be plentiful if you live in the US. I'm not real familiar with Fords or Lincolns, but you should be able to get something that would bolt to the stock transmission. It sounds like you will have someone do the work for you. Check with an engine builder or a wrecking yard - I can't believe they are telling you that you can't get parts for these cars, they are very common. There are many aftermarket adapters availabe for a variety of combinations too. Does the car actually need an engine right now or can you drive it?
4. I do not know why some mechanic would tell you this when eBay has every thing you could want for this car. Does it have the original engine' If it does P.A.W has pistons for it. Rebuild the 1 you got. The tranny is rebuildable you can get a kit most any where for them. (P.A.W) It is possible that you could have a hard time with small parts. eBay!!. P.S. Some of these cars came with a 302. Find a 302 roller motor out of a mustang.
5. If people can restore cars from the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s with parts that are new old stock you should be able to find bits for a car that is merely 28 or so years old. The internet is loaded with websites for one car or model or another and the best thing is to get on to one of the email lists. Look at two or three and you will find that someone somewhere specialises in supplying parts for Lincoln Continentals. You won't find them on this site, or bl*ody unlikely. But you are going to have to do a lot of the work yourself. If Lincoln was at the quality end of the Ford range there is no reason to expect that a well maintained unit would not be available. eBay? Just don't buy the first one you see (unless it's got a documented service history). Make sure all the interior trim is present. If the car has had more than three or four owners owners be very careful. You are going to have more trouble with rust, brakes and suspension if the engine has been anything like decently maintained in any case.
6. Forget swapping the motor, it will be a nightmare endless project and it will cost you many times more than you would ever save on parts for the newer engine. Remember all parts will wear out not just the engine so such a venture will not solve your problem. If you absolutely must have this car then save up and find one in the best condition you can find. If you plan on keeping it for a long time and you have the space to store it, you would be better off buying a second parts car. Give it a good think, maybe it is not worth it in the long run.
7. Easy sollution. Take the engine out of the car that you love so much and have a reputable machinast rebuild it for you. The parts for that engine are not that hard to come by and you won't be sorry.
8. if a mechanic is telling you Ford 460 parts are hard to come by, then you need to go toa different mechanic. parts are very cheap and plentiful for those motors.