Looking to replace the engine in my 54 f100 with something correct for the 54 model year. It currently has a 272 from a '56 or '57. Since it needs a total rebuild I thought I would try and find a 239. Anything else I should consider? What are some good places to locate old y blocks? I've seen some of the posts where guys have picked up these engines for $200-$300. Where are some good places to start looking and any suggestions of what to look for/steer away from.
I would say,and probably others too,that you should leave well enough alone,and rebuild the motor you currently have if possible.The 239 c.i. Y block is an oddball,and many parts do not interchange,from what I am told,and they're much harder to locate.The 272/292/312 is much more interchangeable ,easier to find parts for,and are more powerful.Others' opinions to follow.....Steve.
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The only one who thinks that naming their truck,or referring to it as "He" or "She" is cute-is You.
Yes it is true that the '54 y-block is peculiar to '54 only for some parts interchange. The '55 239 block does interchange with the later and bigger motors. I'm running a '56 272 cu in cam in my '55 239. I would rebuild what you have, the typical looky lou's can't tell the differance anyway. Had a guy do a walk by my pickup and told his dad "yep it's a T-bird motor with finned covers".... wrong it's the original motor with "FENTON" finned covers because I can't afford T-bird covers! Anyway, it pulls it down the road just fine for me and my wife.
I would say,and probably others too,that you should leave well enough alone,and rebuild the motor you currently have if possible.The 239 c.i. Y block is an oddball,and many parts do not interchange,from what I am told,and they're much harder to locate.The 272/292/312 is much more interchangeable ,easier to find parts for,and are more powerful.Others' opinions to follow.....Steve.
I sure agree.
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1946 1/2 ton with 305 cu in Y-block
1990 Ranger 4WD
It sounds like the 239 is a poor choice if I want to put a motor in it that was actually offered in the 54 model year. Are there other options for that model year I should consider? I hear where you are coming from on the 272 but I'm afraid if I don't thoroughly investigate my options now, I might be second guessing myself several years down the road on why I didn't go with a 54 engine. That way if I keep it - which it sounds like I should -I can look back and know I did my homework and eliminate the doubts about "I shoulda dug a little deeper". Any thoughts?
Perhaps I'm wrong,but I believe the other option was probably the 223 c.i. inline 6 cyl. engine.That motor is economical to run ,and can be built to have decent power.If you go to the inline 6 section of this sight,there are a lot of knowledgeable people who can tell you what may be done with that motor.Col.Flashman is a strong advocate for it,and he has a thread with photos going now. "Pix of Built '58 223c.i. I-6 (Multi-page thread 1 2)"{ I love my Y block,but the mileage is not that great.I commute 60-70 miles per day,and am spending about 120.00 per week in my 59' F250.I am considering building a 223,and when the Y gives up the ghost,installing it.Anything that will allow me to keep driving my old truckon a daily basis.How many others commute in a 49 year old Ford?
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The only one who thinks that naming their truck,or referring to it as "He" or "She" is cute-is You.
Here is a ad for a nice Y block for sale on EBay.You probably couldn't come close to having all the work done for what he's asking,even including freight.Steve.
item # 130235175909
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The only one who thinks that naming their truck,or referring to it as "He" or "She" is cute-is You.
Looking to replace the engine in my 54 f100 with something correct for the 54 model year. It currently has a 272 from a '56 or '57. Since it needs a total rebuild I thought I would try and find a 239. Anything else I should consider? What are some good places to locate old y blocks? I've seen some of the posts where guys have picked up these engines for $200-$300. Where are some good places to start looking and any suggestions of what to look for/steer away from.
Thanks,
Mike
Most will think I'm crazy, but I have a decent running 239 in my F100 that I am considering replacing with a later model V8 (keep the flaming down - I'm staying all Ford). I see you are in NC and I am in TN - Memphis is as far from NC you can get and still be in TN. It hasn't run in a few years, but it was running good when I had it on the road last. The carb needs rebuilding. I did put the canister oil filter adapter on it. If you want it and I do find the engine I looking for, you can have it.
Keep in mind that the main reason I'm am having for getting rid of it is the 9 mpg (carb problems) and the fact that it weighs in just 11# less than a 460! Changing out the loadomatic distributor, oil pump, and shaft; carb and manifold, and a set of headers will run about the same as getting a good running later model V8. And I still have 239 cubic inches.
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Glenn in TN
02 F350 Supercrew Long Bed SRW Lariat 7.3 PSD (Brother could you spare some diesel?)
54 F100
I still have the "other brand" - its for sale - not my daily driver anymore --
ok its not for sale anymore and its back as my daily driver, what with the price of diesel and all! I really couldn't give it away!!
I ended up putting a 272 in my 54 and used the 239 heads- 14mm spark plugs.
How did it work out? Sounds like a good idea to me. Yes the 239 heads have smaller valves, but the same size valves as are in the late 292 heads. Also I think the 239s have a smaller combustion chamber volume than many later heads improving the CR. The increased compression ratio would be a better way to go than increased valve size in my opinion. Did you cc the chambers? That would be an interesting figure.
Edit: I had one 272 head with 1.78 in. valves hanging around for a good time. Finally I put in a couple valves and cc'd a chamber, which was 80cc!
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1946 1/2 ton with 305 cu in Y-block
1990 Ranger 4WD
Good info guys. I appreciate the suggestions. Glenn, thanks for the offer on the 239. Ditto, Retiredfire. Let me look some more locally and see what shakes out.
looking for Y block
