Installing Engine

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Nov 9, 2020 | 11:45 AM

Outlaw56

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Installing Engine

I am in the process of starting to put a lot of the wiring, linkage and other connections from a amost stock Y Block back into a 56 Ford Cab. The exceptions would be generator conversion and carberator upgrade. Is anyone aware of a good rebuild thread that might help steer me in the right direction to get it pretty much compete?

Nov 9, 2020 | 01:06 PM

Steve

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I don't know of a specific thread like that that will cover all the things you are likely to run into. I think most of us had to invent solutions as problems arise. Like you, I went to an alternator and modern carburetor for my Y-block powered '56,and there are many ways to make that work. What kind of alternator and carb are you planning on? Is the engine installed? A picture ot two might be helpful.

Nov 10, 2020 | 07:08 AM

bjmayberry2

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From: Wentzville, MO

Mounting the engine and trans is pretty straightforward. Front mount has a biscuit type rubber mount and bolt as do the two stock bell housing mounts. Once the assembly is installed in the chassis the fun begins. You’ll either need to ask about each challenge you encounter or scour the FTE archives. Routing of wires etc might be found in the repair manual but personally I like pictures.
I know you said lightly altered Y Block but I’d offer up that Ram Horns or headers and dual exhaust really help put pep in your ole Y Block. And of course Smitty mufflers for that Kool rumble. Just sayin

Nov 10, 2020 | 07:57 AM

rico56

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From: Germany - Rhineland

What intake manifold does your y-block have? Is it the older version for the 2bbl carb with the triangle base and 3 bolts or the newer version with rectangular base and four bolts? If you have 4 bolts you can use a Autolite 2100 carb or a Holley with the same size. They work great on that y-blocks. My advice is to convert the ignition to electronic (Pertronix I). That helps a lot. Rams horns are great! I have them installed too.

Nov 10, 2020 | 08:07 AM

bjmayberry2

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From: Wentzville, MO

2X Pertronix. Changed over and have never regretted it. No more friction within the distro, no point or dwell setting and goodbye faulty condensers.

Nov 10, 2020 | 09:17 AM

Steve

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MSD makes a plug and play distributor for the Y. The advantage is the adjustable mechanical advance that is easy to make changes to (think 1960's GM/Delco set-up). With an electronic ignition, a modern 4-barrel carb, alternator and a hi-torque starter, the Y is super reliable. Reliability over originality is a personal preference, but MSD or Pertronix, you won't miss laying across the fender straining to get the points set! I used to just pull the distributor to make it easier.

Nov 10, 2020 | 12:47 PM

Outlaw56

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Laughing Gas

Joined: Jul 2007

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I actually did step up to a 4 barrell intake, MSD Distributer, Edelbrock Carb and went with the alternator conversion to include a billet dual front pulley. The engine is mounted in 3/4 ton flatbed with a dual axel. I have three of these old girls, the other two are 1/2 ton short beds. One fishbowl and one standard. They are all in various stages of rebuild. I think I am suffering a serious case of being overwhelmed. One of the 1/2 tons has a 292 fitted to an AOD and the other has a 351 with all the good stuff. Two of the cabs are almost done. Since I retired, I have gotten so busy I stepped away from these projects and have now fogotten where I was going. Overwhelmed is putting is mildly.