DIY Heroes Rig Ford Concept V10 to Function in a Lincoln Continental

      Build It Yourself. YouTube

      In 2003, Ford showcased a super sedan that would have outclassed everything else on the road had it gone into production. This model was known as the 427 Concept, featuring a 427-cubic-inch, four-valve V10 engine that generated 590 horsepower and 506 lb-ft of torque. There wouldn't be another V10 sedan until years later with the Audi RS6, which demonstrated that Ford was ahead of its time. Unfortunately, the Blue Oval never proceeded with the vehicle, prompting two DIY enthusiasts from the Build It Yourself YouTube channel to create their own using a wrecked Lincoln Continental and a Ford V10 equipped with custom heads to pay tribute to the iconic concept engine.

      While Ford created multiple concept vehicles housing the four-valve V10 over the years, it ultimately discontinued the engine. Nevertheless, they produced numerous two and three-valve iterations with lower displacement and power for Super Duty trucks and Excursion SUVs. This is where the pair began, starting with an existing three-valve V10, removing its cylinder heads, and replacing them with custom-fabricated four-valve heads influenced by Shelby Cobra V8 designs. They then advanced their project further by completely constructing the bottom end, porting the heads, upgrading the valves and valve springs, and creating custom camshafts, enabling the V10 to rev up to 8,000 rpm. Two years ago, they successfully made the engine operational, achieving a functioning four-valve Ford V10.

      Build It Yourself. YouTube

      After constructing the engine, they needed to decide how to utilize it. Unsurprisingly, they chose to replicate Ford's vision from 23 years prior and develop a luxurious super sedan. As Ford no longer manufactures sedans, they procured a damaged tenth-generation Lincoln Continental. Although it serves well as a luxury vehicle, its front-wheel drive layout and transverse engine configuration aren't ideal for performance. They revamped it by removing the front and rear subframes, substituting them with those from an S550 Mustang, and converting it to rear-wheel drive. Additionally, they replaced the Continental's six-speed automatic transmission with a six-speed manual.

      They retained most of the body and interior as stock, ensuring it resembles a typical Continental—or will once reassembled. The roaring V10 is bound to surprise onlookers, as one wouldn't expect such noise from a mundane Lincoln. It’s also quick; in-gear acceleration appears robust, even when reaching its electronically capped 6,500 rpm. Once it can unleash its full rev potential, it should be quite exhilarating.

      The build remains ongoing, with much fine-tuning and bodywork still required. They haven't dyno-tested the engine or the vehicle yet, so the power output—either at the crank or the wheels—remains unknown. However, once completed, these two enthusiasts will have fulfilled Ford's 2003 promise, bringing to life the ultimate V10-powered American grand-touring super sedan.