I found a set of ECZ-G heads I plan on mounting on my 64, they look in good condition, just one has broken rocker shaft.

The yard made me take the whole block in order to get them for 150.00, I was hoping for a good 272 or 292, but the block turned out to be a 239, O well I just wanted the heads anyway, my question , can the 239 be punched to a 272, it appears to be off a 55 pick-up by the cast number. also is the crank the same as a 272-292, it looks about the same except the distributor shaft is shorter so must be a bit of difference between the 239, and the 292 block.

Also another question, I read some ads for ECZ-G heads that say pinned [repaired], what does this mean?

 

If you had ECZ-G heads on that engine then it is not a 239. It has to be a 272, 292or a 312. Are you sure it is a 239? What is the block casting number. You may have what you already want.

 

Hello Fordication

The cast number is EBV, which is listed for a 239 for a 55 pick up, also I measured the bore and stroke, 3.5 X3.10, comes out to 239 CI, the heads do have the 1.9 inch intake valves.

 

Also one other question, my truck has the C2AE block used in that year, I believe is bored .30 over [original motor crank snapped in two at 60000 mi], I just want a bit more pep with the bigger valve and higher compression, and think will use my 1.4rocker arms instead of the 1.54 ones on the ECZ-G heads, also have a 4 bbl manifold from a 57, no carb yet, anyway will this later block be able to handle a bit higher pressures with this setup?

 

Bill,

In my exp. with Y-blocks, a majority (actually most) haven't had the original cyl. heads. Could be a lot of reasons....my guess is that with the (perceived) oiling problems, there were a lot of swaps/rebuilds over time. As to the 239, it's kind of an oddball; some were built in 1954 at Cleveland & some at Dearborn. The Dearborn engines have bigger diameter cam bearings & a 13 tooth dist. drive gear; the Cleveland 239 has the same cam brg. diameter as all later Y-blocks & a 14 tooth gear. Theoretically if the engine is a 1955 (all at Cleveland) it's supposed to be the same as a 272, 292 & 312, so far as dimensions & interchange, with the exceptions of bore & stroke & cyl. head characteristics. However I have seen (& own one) Dearborn 239s in 1955 trucks. As to the crank, it's a shorter stroke @ 3.10 than the 272/292 @ 3.30. So far as the overbore- I've never personally heard of anyone doing this- even now 272s aren't too tough to find; but it wouldn't surprise me if it can be done, the Y-blocks have thick cylinder walls. As with any overbore over .030 it would be advisable to sonic-check the block first, or at least measure between the cylinders in the water jacket to get a general idea what you have. Lastly, as far as "pinned" heads I can think of 3 meanings: 1) pinning pressed-in rocker studs (not applicable here); 2)pinning, posting, supporting (I've heard all 3 used) the combustion chambers in certain Y-block heads to keep the chamber roof from failing in high-perf. usage; or 3) drilling & pinning a crack in the head to repair it. Sounds like that's the most likely. Sometimes it works...

 

there is no reason why your 239 can,t be bored out .125.if you stick to the 3.1 crank you will end up at 256 the mercury engine.your c2ae will stand up to most anything you can do to it.just don,t bore it anymore than .060.the g heads will give your engine a big comp,boost.this is the way to go.

 

Hello Guys,

Thanks a bunch for the great info, I might just clean up that 239 block and inspect it for possible use in case my 292 ever croaks, as it appears it will drop right in and bolt right to my T-98 tranny.

One other quick question, on the EZC-G heads, they have the high ratio rockers, apparently need the short push rods, my 292 has the long. If I go with the high ratio rockers, I have the short ones with the 239, but they are the solid. Would it be better to pick up a set of hollow ones?, also if I go with that 4bbl manifold, what would be a good carb to use with it?

Thanks again.

 

The 239 can become a 272 if you want but 272 (and 256) pistons & rings are pricey compared to the 292. The 272 can be bored to a 292 and well beyond and out this way at least there are plenty of 292's lying around.

The 57-64 4bbl intake will bolt to any 272 thru 312 heads. A good carb is something in the 450-550 range be it Holley, Autolite or AFB(Edelbrock). The 289/302 had a whole selection of Autolites and those are cheap to buy and rebuild.

A modern ignition is a big plus.

Go for the hollow push rods, they came along in 55 anyway.

 

Hello merc,

Thanks a bunch for the great info, still not sure what will do with this 239 block, around here a 292 is still pretty easy to find, but my motor still is in good condition, just want a bit more pep from it.

Bill