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Would be interesting to know more about that 361 Interceptor

July 9 2007 at 5:23 PM
Tom Slayton  (no login)


Response to Vintage Interceptor Brochure Scans (thanks to Mark Maral


That may be a 361 Edsel motor, and not necessarily the truck version. Here is a photo of a 1959 Edsel Corsair with the 361 motor. All of the big block Fords were known for having lots of torque. Either way, great boat motor.



Edsel 361 engines were assembled in Cleveland, OH. Standard for 1958 Ranger, Pacer, Villager, Bermuda, Roundup, and optional for 1959 Ranger, Corsair, Villager.
• 361 cid (5.911 litre)
• 303 hp @4600 rpm
• 400 ft•lbf Torque @2900 rpm
• 10.5:1 Compression Ratio
• 4.0469 x 3.500 Bore/Stroke
• 4-bbl Holley carburetor
• Pushrod overhead valve
• Features an angle-wedge combustion chamber
• Firing order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
• Cylinder numbering (front-to-rear): Right 1-2-3-4 Left 5-6-7-8
• 18 mm Champion spark plugs, 0.34 gap
• Cam Angle (degrees): 26 - 28.5
• Idle speed in Neutral (rpm): 475- 500
• Minimum compression pressure at cranking speed (lbs): 180
• Oil Pressure (lbs): 45 - 50
• Average miles per gallon: 15.2.
Edsel 361 engines were also issued to law enforcement agencies and other emergency municipal services as the 1958 Ford Police Interceptor. Police Interceptor Fords sold to consumers were 352-4V with an extra-large air cleaner (AFP-14 or equivalent).
Super Express V8

Optional for all models
VIN Code: W
361 cid (5.91 litre)
Maximum hp: 303 @ 4600 rpm
Maximum torque: 390 ft-lb @ 2900 rpm
Minimum compression pressure at cranking speed (lbs): 180
10.0:1 Compression Ratio
4.0469 x 3.500 Bore/Stroke
4-bbl Ford carburetor
Fuel: Premium
Carburetor fuel level - primary: 0.875 inches (fuel should just trickle when plug removed)
Carburetor fuel level - secondary: 0.750 inches (fuel should just trickle when plug removed)
Float setting - primary: 0.875 inches (bowl off carburetor and inverted)
Float setting - secondary: 0.5625 inches (bowl off carburetor and inverted)
Firing order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Distributor rotation (viewed from above): Counter-clockwise
Cylinder numbering (front-to-rear, viewed from front) Left: 1-2-3-4 Right: 5-6-7-8
18mm Champion spark plugs, 0.035 gap
Cam Angle (degrees): 26 - 28.5
Breaker Contact Gap (inches): 0.014 - 0.016
Breaker Point Arm Spring tension (ounces): 17-20
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 0 @ 450 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 1.25 - 2.25 @ 550 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 4 - 5 @ 675 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 6.5 - 7.5 @ 850 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 13.25 - 14.75 @ 2000 rpm
Vacuum Spark Advance @ 1000 rpm (degrees): 0 - 3 (7 inches of vacuum)
Vacuum Spark Advance @ 1000 rpm (degrees): 4 - 7 (10 inches of vacuum)
Vacuum Spark Advance @ 1000 rpm (degrees): 7.5 - 10.5 (14 inches of vacuum)
Ignition Timing with standard transmission: 3 deg BTDC
Ignition Timing with automatic transmission: 6 deg BTDC
Idle speed in Neutral with standard transmission (rpm): 475 - 500
Idle speed in Drive with automatic transmission (rpm): 450
Generator maximum controlled output (Std): 30 amp, 15 volt @ 2525 generator rpm
Generator maximum controlled output (Air Cond): 40 amp, 12 volt @ 2670 generator rpm
Generator brush tension (ounces): 36 - 40
Gernerator rotation (viewed from drive end): Clockwise
Regulator cut-out relay - Close: 12.4 - 13.2 @ 1200 generator rpm
Regulator cut-out relay - Open (Std): 6 - 9 amps reverse current
Regulator cut-out relay - Open (Air Cond): 2 - 6 amps reverse current
Current Regulator - Standard (amps): 28 - 32
Current Regulator - Air Cond (amps): 33 - 37
Voltage Regulator (volts): 14.6 - 15.4 with 5 amp load at 75 degF ambient
Starter motor free running speed: 4500 rpm (85 amps, 12.0 volts)
Starter motor lock torque: 15.5 min ft-lbs (550 amps, 5.0 volts)
Oil Pressure (lbs): 45 - 50
Valve Stem clearance - Intake (inches): 0.019
Valve Stem clearance - Exhaust (inches): 0.019
Valve Timing: Intake valves open at 12 degrees before top dead center
Cooling system capacity - 8-cylinder (qt): 19 (20 if equipped with heater)
Thermostat opening temperature (deg F): 157 - 162 with alcohol-type antifreeze
Thermostat opening temperature (deg F): 177 - 182 with permanent antifreeze)

 
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