54 truck engine question
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54 truck engine question
Found what appears to be a remarkably solid and original 54 f100 for a fair price. Has a 239 engine that blew a head gasket supposedly in the 80s and been sitting since. Locked up.
My intentions with this truck would be to restore as original as is practical. Get it in solid driving shape first. Body looks cool as is until I'm ready for that. I want to stay period correct but I'm not hung up on the finer details. Want something that is fun and reliable to drive around a bit. I gather that a 239 is a bearcat to rebuild. And there is no such thing as "matching numbers" for these trucks.
Should I try to: Find a running 239 from the same year? Would there be some kind of casting number I should try to match if possible?
Find a later 292 or other such Y block? And if so, Would it drop in and bolt right up to the existing transmission?
My intentions with this truck would be to restore as original as is practical. Get it in solid driving shape first. Body looks cool as is until I'm ready for that. I want to stay period correct but I'm not hung up on the finer details. Want something that is fun and reliable to drive around a bit. I gather that a 239 is a bearcat to rebuild. And there is no such thing as "matching numbers" for these trucks.
Should I try to: Find a running 239 from the same year? Would there be some kind of casting number I should try to match if possible?
Find a later 292 or other such Y block? And if so, Would it drop in and bolt right up to the existing transmission?
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Florida
54 F100
Found what appears to be a remarkably solid and original 54 f100 for a fair price. Has a 239 engine that blew a head gasket supposedly in the 80s and been sitting since. Locked up.
My intentions with this truck would be to restore as original as is practical. Get it in solid driving shape first. Body looks cool as is until I'm ready for that. I want to stay period correct but I'm not hung up on the finer details. Want something that is fun and reliable to drive around a bit. I gather that a 239 is a bearcat to rebuild. And there is no such thing as "matching numbers" for these trucks.
Should I try to: Find a running 239 from the same year? Would there be some kind of casting number I should try to match if possible?
Find a later 292 or other such Y block? And if so, Would it drop in and bolt right up to the existing transmission?
My intentions with this truck would be to restore as original as is practical. Get it in solid driving shape first. Body looks cool as is until I'm ready for that. I want to stay period correct but I'm not hung up on the finer details. Want something that is fun and reliable to drive around a bit. I gather that a 239 is a bearcat to rebuild. And there is no such thing as "matching numbers" for these trucks.
Should I try to: Find a running 239 from the same year? Would there be some kind of casting number I should try to match if possible?
Find a later 292 or other such Y block? And if so, Would it drop in and bolt right up to the existing transmission?
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"Bolt right in" depends upon the origin of the "new" engine. Worst case, you may need to use the old timing cover for truck mounting. If so, you'll likely want to go with the original water pump and high-mount fan. Exhaust should be upgraded to dual. The 239 exhaust may not line up just right anyway. But, as changes go, it is not bad at all.
Last edited by The Horvaths; Nov 18, 2013 at 07:19 PM. Reason: Clarification.
Cargo Master
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The answer depends on what you call practical. A 239 will be more expensive to rebuild and parts are harder to find.
A 292 will be cheaper and make a fine substitute but anyone who knows those trucks will know right away that it is not the 239 so the originality will be out the door.
It is true that there is no such thing as numbers matching, but there are date codes. If you intend to restore this as original, and possibly sell it one day as original, the date codes on the parts will need to jive with the production date of the truck. Even then, if it's not the original engine, it is in no way, shape or form "original" in my book.
A 292 will be cheaper and make a fine substitute but anyone who knows those trucks will know right away that it is not the 239 so the originality will be out the door.
It is true that there is no such thing as numbers matching, but there are date codes. If you intend to restore this as original, and possibly sell it one day as original, the date codes on the parts will need to jive with the production date of the truck. Even then, if it's not the original engine, it is in no way, shape or form "original" in my book.
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Good counsel.
I would in no way try to pass the engine off as original if it wasn't. Didn't mean to imply that. Just looking for a cost effective way to get it on the road and stay somewhat period correct.
Got a rough idea what a 239 rebuild would cost?
I would in no way try to pass the engine off as original if it wasn't. Didn't mean to imply that. Just looking for a cost effective way to get it on the road and stay somewhat period correct.
Got a rough idea what a 239 rebuild would cost?
Cargo Master
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I don't know what it will cost. Check the usual old Ford places. To do the average Y block right will cost about $2500. It will vary from region to region, and there may be corners you can cut to shave a bit off without sacrificing the quality too much but that's a good ballpark cost. Machining costs should be the same for a 239 but I'd guess that parts could kick it up another $500 to $1000.
It sounds like you will be happier with a 292 in the long run. Get a '57 or newer 292 and go from there. You'll have more power, more easily sourced replacement parts, more common maintenance items.
It sounds like you will be happier with a 292 in the long run. Get a '57 or newer 292 and go from there. You'll have more power, more easily sourced replacement parts, more common maintenance items.
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Spoke with someone who said you can rebuild a 239 as a 272 with a larger bore and 272/292 crank. Anyone seen that done? What other considerations?
That would be a cool way to keep the original block but get some more power and perhaps cheaper parts.
That would be a cool way to keep the original block but get some more power and perhaps cheaper parts.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Lititz PA
I've done it, don't know if it's worthwhile. 239 + .125 and I had a 312 crank turned down to 292 mains. Gives me 283". I probably spent $7200 on the motor over the years. It would be cheaper to fix up a 292. To use bigger heads on the 239 block you have to drill water passages in the block at #4 and #8. You probably won't find a cam for your 239. Dennis
Oh, how many times I've heard THAT ONE... 
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Salem
I've had many 239s over the years and have really not had troubles getting parts for a rebuild. It does take a little extra time to round up the parts, but you will find them. I recently moved and gave away two 239 blocks and several parts. Hang in there and be patient!! Make the decision to stay with the original block - stop thinking about it and get it done!! Yes, I am a purist for an original stock truck. If your not, take the easy route and find a 292.
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