54 56 engine swap

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Mar 1, 2019 | 06:59 PM

skotyg

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5th Wheeling

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 45

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From: Charlotte NC

54 56 engine swap

Could someone tell me if a 239 from a 54 will bolt up to a 56 that had a 272?

Mar 1, 2019 | 07:21 PM

1960fordf350

More Turbo

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From: parma

Y block? right? Is the 272 shot and the 239 a good engine? Are you planning a rebuild? The bellhousing bolt holes should match, but internals are different. The camshaft bearings are a different size in the 239 than the rest of the Y Blocks.

Mar 1, 2019 | 07:38 PM

skotyg

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5th Wheeling

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 45

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From: Charlotte NC

Yes Y block No, the 272 is being built and will be a while so I wanted to stick this 239 in until its ready

Mar 2, 2019 | 07:32 AM

bjmayberry2

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From: Wentzville, MO

They’ll swap but get all the ancillary stuff. The 239 will be set up for 6v positive ground, the 272 will be 12v negative ground. You can use the 6v starter but you’ll probably want to use your 272’s distributor. Also it’d be easier to use your 272’s sending units.

Mar 2, 2019 | 09:37 AM

pintoplumber

Cargo Master

Joined: Feb 2006

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From: Lititz PA

The 272 distributor won’t fit the 239, because of the different tooth count. 14 verses 13. Dennis

Mar 2, 2019 | 11:57 AM

bjmayberry2

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Joined: Dec 2012

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From: Wentzville, MO

Good catch Dennis! That 239 is one odd duck. I was thinking about 6v pos ground vs 12v neg ground on the distributors. I think you’ll have to change the condenser and coil (probably use your 272s) to 12v on the 239.

Mar 2, 2019 | 05:49 PM

skotyg

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 45

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From: Charlotte NC

Thanks everyone! Didn't think of those things!

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Mar 2, 2019 | 10:04 PM

1960fordf350

More Turbo

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 661

Likes: 6

From: parma

May be a waste of time. I put a 292 in my truck while my old block was being bored. By the time it was up and running I only ran it a month before the other block was back. So I got that engine built and in. I just wanted to get my truck out and run so bad that I wasted a lot of time putting in a temporary engine.