Is a 292 worth saving?
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Junior User
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Is a 292 worth saving?
Found a 1964 F100 with a 292 y block in the local rental yard that's been sitting for a few years. I'm mostly in the other forums for my 66 F100 inline 6. But, I thought I'd ask you guys who have this type of engine. If I get the truck for a couple of hundred, is it worth it? I think it's a cool looking engine, like the low end torque, and I also like the fact that there's not many around. Appreciate any input.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Southern Oregon
Isendel, read through all the comments under item "Derogatory Y-block comments", not far below your posting, and you will get an idea of what most here think about Y-blocks. We like them a lot.
Mike
Mike
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: California
Y-Blocks Rule Depending on the condition, the Y-Block might be worth the price of the truck.
Unless there were problems with the truck when it was parked, Y-Blocks are pretty good about starting (with very little work) even when they have been sitting for a long time.
Larry
Unless there were problems with the truck when it was parked, Y-Blocks are pretty good about starting (with very little work) even when they have been sitting for a long time.
Larry
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Kentucky
Of COURSE a Y-block is worth saving!!! I have a 239Y in my '54, and I love it. It's pretty easy to maintain and prety forgiving of mistreatment. The (non original) 256 that was in my truck when I got it had not run in over 20 years the day I first saw the truck, yet with some able administration and a moderate use of four-letter words, it started and ran, and I drove it with that engine for a few months before the rings on one cylinder let go.
I must admit that turning the engine upside-down to change lifters is a little wierd, though.
I must admit that turning the engine upside-down to change lifters is a little wierd, though.
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Thanks for your opinions. I'm very serious about asking the question. From my surfing the other forums here on FTE, at least for the truck guys, it seems that the choice to trade-out an engine is the bigger blocks...351, 360, 460s, you get the idea. I have never read a thread where the y-blocks where championed. Should I wait for another truck with one of these engines? What's the pro and con for the y-block. Just by the appearance, and rarity, I think it's a pretty cool engine!
Lou
Lou
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Southern Oregon
To me the Y-block is an antique. I like the idea of bringing something as old as it is up to fairly modern specs. It is the first overhead valve engine for Ford, which in itself is unique. It has good horsepower potential if that is your thing. It has great torque. Aftermarket performance part availabitiliy has never been better. Weight of engine can be reduced if desired, probably by 55 lbs. The exhaust note of the Y is unequaled. It is a low tech engine that most people into autos and trucks can work on. It is not a Chevy. There is a hard core of us enthusiasts that like to help when we can. It is tough and reliable. On another forum a post talks about an engine used in a demolition derby. The radiator went out early on, and the motor finished, even going multiple rounds. Never quit.
Down sides are limited suppliers of parts. Often involves mail order, if something other than general tune up. Expense can become a factor, depending upon your objectives and pocket.
Mike
Down sides are limited suppliers of parts. Often involves mail order, if something other than general tune up. Expense can become a factor, depending upon your objectives and pocket.
Mike
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: saxton pa.
Y Blocks
There is nothing like the sound of a Y BLOCK . I had a 55 FORD 2 DR sedan that gave many a chev or mopar a good look at my tailites getting smaller in the distance. Any time you can rescue an old FORD or Y BLOCK you have done a service to us all.!!!
GOOD LUCK HOTWRENCH !!!!!!!
GOOD LUCK HOTWRENCH !!!!!!!
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Seneca, SC
Save it!
I recently bought my first project, a Ford f100 custom cab with a 292 Y block in it. It had been sitting for over 10 years with the occasional crank up. When I went to check it out I turned the key & she fired right up! They are great engines & from what I know & have read they are very easy to work on. I'm about to pull mine to paint it & adding new chrome parts to it. You'll love it with headers on it. I ordered my headers from www.redsheaders.com. They're Great! Have fun with your Y block & good luck!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: arizona
I agree with saving the breed...you'd be surprised how easy parts are to get out there and there's plenty of stuff available for mods and upgrades...Ebay and suppliers are loaded with everything from gasket sets on up.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Southern New Hampshire
With that massive lower end casting the Y is a survivor when the Chevys throw pieces thru their thin walls.
Ford never put much development into the Y since the HP race was on and the maximum size was limited. So along came the FE which is a true Y design also.
However trucks used the Y exclusively thru 64 for a reason, they were extremely hard to kill. The blocks could be bored many, many times since the walls are so thick. Try that with a 351W where anything much past .030 over is asking for a bath. It was only when the need for more HP and speed became necessary that the 352 FE came out in 65 pickups.
If you want brute power use a 460, if you want an eye opener try a Y.
Ford never put much development into the Y since the HP race was on and the maximum size was limited. So along came the FE which is a true Y design also.
However trucks used the Y exclusively thru 64 for a reason, they were extremely hard to kill. The blocks could be bored many, many times since the walls are so thick. Try that with a 351W where anything much past .030 over is asking for a bath. It was only when the need for more HP and speed became necessary that the 352 FE came out in 65 pickups.
If you want brute power use a 460, if you want an eye opener try a Y.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Western NC
I agree with the above posts....the Y is unique. When you take the Y, you do take the whole package, warts and all. Well, in the case of the Y, it's rear main seals and all. Other than that and fuel mileage that won't set any records for engines in it's displacement category, the Y is a fine choice to keep.
Paul
Paul
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