Y-Block Fuel Efficiency.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2005
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Y-Block Fuel Efficiency.
Hi Guys. New to this forum. Seems like a good place to ask questions. My dad and I are building up a 1956 big back window F-100. He is a purist. I am not. I would prefer to put a 302/5.0 along with a modern drive train in the truck. Problem is, we probably have enough parts to put an original Y-Block in it. The question I have is where can I find out how good or bad the gas milage is on that engine, either the 312 or the 292. This is going to be a daily driver, more or less, so economy and reliability are a factor.
If it proves that a Y-Block does not meet our needs, how can we go about engineering the installation? I know all this stuff has been done before, it is just a matter of finding the right sources.
If it proves that a Y-Block does not meet our needs, how can we go about engineering the installation? I know all this stuff has been done before, it is just a matter of finding the right sources.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9,371
Likes: 1,731
From: AKRON ohio
Stick around and listen to the Y-block guys here on FTE! There are many of us stockers with the y-blocks and we love them.
I have a big back window 56 with a .060 over 272 and I get 20+ miles to the gallon out on the road. It has the ram horn manifolds and the later 57 4 barrel intake. All this and we still get 20+ to the gallon.
The only mod I have is a 2.72 ratio rear gear. It is not the quickest offf the line but it drives so easy.
I race a 56 small window with the 292 that is .060 over with dual 4 barrels headers, unilite dist, full race cam. 13 lb aluminum flywheel. The y's are alot of fun!
KEEP THE Y-BLOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin Bigwin
I have a big back window 56 with a .060 over 272 and I get 20+ miles to the gallon out on the road. It has the ram horn manifolds and the later 57 4 barrel intake. All this and we still get 20+ to the gallon.
The only mod I have is a 2.72 ratio rear gear. It is not the quickest offf the line but it drives so easy.
I race a 56 small window with the 292 that is .060 over with dual 4 barrels headers, unilite dist, full race cam. 13 lb aluminum flywheel. The y's are alot of fun!
KEEP THE Y-BLOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin Bigwin
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 910
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
I have a 302 in a 77 f150 and a 272 Y block in my 57. The 57 will walk all over the 77 with no problem. They do about the same on gas about 15 in town and 17 on the hiway with a 3.50 gear. I think it will do better when I rejet the carb.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 2
From: Midland, Texas
Hard to say about your mileage without knowing about how it is geared. Then it would be guessing anyhow. Before the 3 deuces I got between 12-14 mpg with the 3.90 rearend around town.
Putting a more efficient drivetrain in your truck offers many benefits... but it will never sound like a Y-block. I like the sound as much as the look and ride of an old truck.
looking, sounding and feeling good, himmelberg
Putting a more efficient drivetrain in your truck offers many benefits... but it will never sound like a Y-block. I like the sound as much as the look and ride of an old truck.
looking, sounding and feeling good, himmelberg
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 13
From: Waynesville, OH
Welcome to the forum Greg. 
As far as the 302 vs. Y-block, if you go with the latest and greatest EFI and electronic fuel controls, you'll squeeze a little more out of each gallon you put in. Keep in mind, though, that you're essentially pushing a barn door down the highway - these old trucks aren't too aerodynamic. An improvement in the drive train fuel economy may not translate into much of an improvement in the total MPG.
As far as the 302 vs. Y-block, if you go with the latest and greatest EFI and electronic fuel controls, you'll squeeze a little more out of each gallon you put in. Keep in mind, though, that you're essentially pushing a barn door down the highway - these old trucks aren't too aerodynamic. An improvement in the drive train fuel economy may not translate into much of an improvement in the total MPG.
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Thanks for the replies, guys. As a follow up, what kind of Y-Block/Carb/tranny/rear end ratio works best for best economy? This will be a daily driver and I am looking for the best economy I can get.
On another note, anyone put a diesel in one of these and run bio-diesel in it?
On another note, anyone put a diesel in one of these and run bio-diesel in it?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
My 272/fordomatic gets about 15 mpg. My 289/c4 gets about 20 mpg. But the 272 is much more nostalgic! 
Jag
Jag
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