See other engines in this family
Lincoln MEL (1966–1968) specs: 462 ci (7.6L) 8-cylinder, 4.358 x 3.902 in (110.7 x 99.1 mm) bore and stroke, 10.25:1 compression. Rated 340 hp, 1966–1968.
The Lincoln MEL (1966–1968) is oversquare — the 4.3583" bore exceeds the 3.9016" stroke by 11.7% — a layout that favors airflow and RPM over leverage at the crank. The 3.9016" stroke puts mean piston speed at 4,000 ft/min around 6,150 RPM, which is where a production bottom end is generally considered at its limit. Each of the 8 cylinders displaces 57.8 ci (946 cc).
10.25:1 on iron heads is in the range that usually runs on pump premium; iron holds heat, so treat it as the less forgiving side of that range.
It is one of 3 engines in the MEL family, the largest at 462 ci. 3 factory variants share these dimensions, rated at 340 hp across 1966–1968.
| Displacement | 462 ci / 7.6 L |
|---|---|
| Bore | 4.3583" |
| Stroke | 3.9016" |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Configuration | V8 |
| Compression ratio | 10.25:1 * |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 1.117 |
* Compression ratio from a single source; not yet cross-verified.
| Block material | cast iron |
|---|---|
| Head material | cast iron |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Fuel type | gas |
| Advertised HP | 340 hp |
| Years | 1966–1968 |
| Bore/stroke character | 1.117 — oversquare — bore exceeds stroke, which favours higher RPM and larger valves |
|---|---|
| Mean piston speed at 6,000 RPM | 3,902 ft/min — in the range typical of performance street engines |
| Displacement per cylinder | 57.8 ci |
| Static compression | 10.25:1 — in the range that usually runs on pump premium |
Each link opens the calculator with this engine's specs already filled in.
These records share identical bore, stroke, displacement and compression. They differ by model year and factory power rating.
| Year | Advertised HP | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1966 | 340 hp | — |
| 1967 | 340 hp | — |
| 1968 | 340 hp | — |
1 factory vehicle, 1966–1968. Each year opens that model's engine table.