55 original engine sizes
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55 original engine sizes
Hey guys I just got my first old truck. It is a 55 f100. The guy I got it from said the engine is original and is a 292 backed up with a fordomatic. Did ford put that engine in these trucks then.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,688
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From: Jefferson City, MO
Do you have your vin number?
The 4th digit tells you the engine.
It looks like the 292 was not an option in 1955.
1954-1955 Engine Codes
D O.H.V. 6 Cylinder-223 cid
V O.H.V. 8 Cylinder-239 cid
Z O.H.V. 8 Cylinder-256 cid
Here is one vin decoder. (Technically not a vin back then.)
55 : 1955 : Ford Truck : F100
The 4th digit tells you the engine.
It looks like the 292 was not an option in 1955.
1954-1955 Engine Codes
D O.H.V. 6 Cylinder-223 cid
V O.H.V. 8 Cylinder-239 cid
Z O.H.V. 8 Cylinder-256 cid
Here is one vin decoder. (Technically not a vin back then.)
55 : 1955 : Ford Truck : F100
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,410
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From: Central PA
Before you rip out that 239 in haste check out how you can build up a Yblock. The are good motors. Are you looking for speed, power, torque, cruising. Some guys will be along later to give specific advice on what can be done to the OHV 239's.
Two frequent posters here drag race their stock Yblocks, Kevin (BigWin) and Pinto Plumber (Dennis).
I probably have well over 200,000 miles on my 54 239. It has 103,000 on it when I bought it in 1977 with the odometer frozen at that number. I had it rebuilt in 1979 and the odometer wasn't fixed until 1999. So they are strong engines.
Two frequent posters here drag race their stock Yblocks, Kevin (BigWin) and Pinto Plumber (Dennis).
I probably have well over 200,000 miles on my 54 239. It has 103,000 on it when I bought it in 1977 with the odometer frozen at that number. I had it rebuilt in 1979 and the odometer wasn't fixed until 1999. So they are strong engines.
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When I got the truck the motor was torn apart laying in the bed. The only thing I can tell that's missing is the rods. I guess I need to weigh the options of finding the parts to build this motor or going with another.
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Is yours pretty much stock or what have you done to it? It would be nice to leave the original in there.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,952
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From: Upper Left Coast
Howdy, The VIN doesn't tell you what engine was installed in the last 60 years!
To Identify the block, try TECHNICAL
Cheers,
Rick
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9,372
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From: AKRON ohio
57 heads as they have the largest valve smallest chambers, 1.54 ratio rockers, huge cam, Mallory unilite electronic dist. billet 9 way adjust timing set. HD y block oil pan as it holds one quart more oil, edelbroc 2x4 intake, headers long tube, and a 13 lb aluminum flywheel.
On this set up when I run mufflers I use header ready mufflers called Purple Hornies.
The cam is so big that it hurts my application as I'm running the 3 speed. If I was ambitious I'd pull the 3speed and put in a 5 speed to be able to keep the rpms up in the zone. I shift this set up at 6500 rpms.
Because of the ratio split on the 3 speed when I shift at 6500 into the next gear the rpms drop down to 2500 and the cam is a 3000-6500 cam so I'm not making any HP at the beginning of each shift. With the 5 speed Id be able to keep the revs higher making more HP.
Its still a very fun truck to drive and it sounds like a 12 second vehicle
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,952
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From: Upper Left Coast
I thought that you might have..... I have a 292 for my 55. It's a great engine for that application and looks exactly like a 239/256 (only the real purists will complain!!)!
Also, your 239 will be somewhat valuable to people who want to go back to original.
RIght! I had a 460 that I pulled out of my boat that I could have used but I wanted the Y-Sound!
Hey Kevin,
Any problems with that dist? Did you consider an MSD? (the Mallory is $100 less)
Also, your 239 will be somewhat valuable to people who want to go back to original.
Tedster9.......... Nothing sounds better than a flattie or a Y with straight pipes. Same firing order.
Hey Kevin,
Any problems with that dist? Did you consider an MSD? (the Mallory is $100 less)
