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

I have always wanted to keep the original 317 y block but the costs of rebuilding it became a question. The block and heads are in the shop. The mechanic says that the heads are okay as is. I will have him replace the main, rod and cam bearings The block has been bored out .040 over, I have pistons being made. That'll cost me over a grand. I will be changing it to 12 volt, especially since it has a gargantuan two cylinder ac compressor on the engine.
I am currently working on the engine bay. Removing everything in the firewall and fenders. I am also cleaning all the steering and suspension parts, replacing anything that has rubber on them. I will be rattle can painting those parts and sanding down the bay. I will be having the bay painted the same color as the exterior of the car. I'm thinking about painting the steering and suspension parts a dark green and/or black.
Everything so far has been disassembled with wrenches or sockets. No need for fire or saws. I will be getting the body painted most likely before the engine gets finished. This was supposed to be a 5 year project, but it seems to be going a bit faster than I thought.
Yes, there's still the engine install, after the hydra matic tranny gets checked out, the interior completely rebuilt, the brakes and fuel systems rebuilt. But, I think it's going to be a lot faster than originally thought. The most time consuming thing is the cleaning of the parts. So much grease and grime on everything. There's like 1/8 inch of hardened crap on everything. I've been using putty knives, screwdrivers and Dremel wire wheels. Today I used CLR in a tub with my intake manifold and water pump that had a lot of rust inside them. I had a long handled scrub brush to scrub them inside.
I am almost ready to start painting the steering and suspension parts as soon as I get everything cleaned off correctly.
I will also be cleaning the frame of the car, which is impeccably clean, and paint them with black chassis paint. Once again, this car is as close to showroom condition, on the under carriage and metal parts. There's just lots of grease and grime on all the parts that I have to clean off. It is painstakingly timely. I sure would like to know how to get these parts cleaned and paint ready besides scraping with a screwdriver or putty knives.
This is basically an update for this project.
There are quite a few seals on the suspension and steering parts that could use replacement but finding them is proving difficult. I have new control arm bushings, 8 of them, front shocks,and suspension links. I think that's what they are called.
I guess that's about it for now. Taking my time and trying to enjoy it as much as I can. I can see the finished project in my head, and it's for my wife. So I just keep plugging along. If anyone has any advise to give me to help me go forward, I sure would appreciate it.
There's not much to photograph to show progress. But if someone wants to see something in particular, go ahead and ask. I will take a pic and post it.
Thanks for reading all this and for any advice you may have. Peace out

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri